Applying for Undergraduate Vocal Performance - school Diversity

I have been a lurker for more than three years and I thank all the posters for your immeasurable knowledge contribution. I am not a musician and had no idea of the complexity and preparations for my D2 senior year as she prepares for her college/conservatory application process for a vocal performance major in classical music. She is presently trimming down her list of too many schools using the standard criteria of teacher, cost, school reputation, academic fit and location. There is one important issue for my daughter that I have never seen discussed here that probably out weights everything else for her list inclusion (except maybe cost); school and studio diversity.

We live in Puerto Rico and although she is a proud American citizen, she also embraces her Hispanic heritage and culture. D2 has also been blessed to be a member of a very well renowned children’s ensemble for close to twelve years. She has sung in major opera houses, poverty stricken town cathedrals, Europe, Vatican, US mainland and embassies. She has been exposed to people from other races, cultures and socio-economic background. These diversified experiences are part of her.

Which schools, teachers/studio embrace diversity? Any students or parents that might want to share their experiences? Thank you in advance for sharing.

The Hartt school of music at the university of hartford has a large asian and Hispanic contingency in the voice program. In fact they actively recruit from Mexico. In my d voice class of 13 there are 3 Hispanics and one asian student (she is one of the Hispanic students). Ironically when she arrived her freshmen year their were three other students with her last name in the voice program alone. The school at large is quite diverse with a large number of students from the Caribbean.

Thank you Sguti. The class of 13 is for the whole school or the studio?

Look at University of Michigan. The new Dean, Aaron Dworkin was previously the founder of the Sphinx organization whose mission is transforming lives through the power of diversity in the arts. Though his mission as the dean of music at UM may not specifically be to impact the diversity of the student body there I can’t help but think it will have an impact on the environment at UM SMTD. He is such an amazing man, I’m looking forward to seeing what evolves at UM under his tenure.

The class of 13 is her junior class. The entire program has between 55-65 students and their is limited grad students. Her studio is small and the attention very personal. She absolutely LOVES her voice teacher and has made great connections with the other studios voice teachers as well. She was cupid in orpheus and the underworld her sophomore year, has soloed at the schools annual gala and for the accreditation board. She has had the opportunity to participate in two mastersclasses with visiting professionals including Diane Upshaw and Michael Pinkerton… point being performance opportunities abound.
Currently she is studying abroad in Vienna for the year (which her program supported and she will still graduate on time).

Thank you for sharing. Aaron Dworkin is indeed an amazing man.

Thanks Sguti. You don’t mind sharing your D’s voice teacher name? It seems your D made a great choice. You don’t mind sharing your D’s voice teacher name? If you prefer you can PM the info.

My son is an African-American senior vocal performance major at Loyola university New Orleans. His roommate, classmate and best friend is Latino. It is a very diverse and tolerant environment. Keeping in mind that New Orleans is frequently considered the northernmost point of the Caribbean, I suspect your daughter will feel accepted and valued. But more important is the excellent opera vocal training and mentorship she will receive. It seems to have a more nurturing environment than some of the larger conservatories. Another plus is that undergrads are given substantial roles in the school’s productions. The opera artistic director holds a similar position with the New Orleans Opera Company so Loyola students also have the opportunity to perform with a professional company.