Hi, I decided I should probably create a new discussion for this. I’m a 17 year old classical soprano and I’m contemplating applying to Michigan, Indiana, and/or CCM (in addition to other schools, not just these). I’m wondering what it’s really like to go to a conservatory within a giant university. How many classes would a BM take with non-music students (like English, sciences, etc.)? Generally, how much is the music school connected with the actual university? How much does it feel like you’re attending a school with 30,000 undergrads rather than just 1,000 music students?
Lastly, I’m aware that undergrads would have limited performance opportunities in productions. What’s this like-is it still worth it to attend that school? Thanks!
Quick answer for IU which may be similar to other big universities>
Gen eds - about 1 per semester (some you may not have to take do to AP classes - IU is generous with accepting AP classes) - 1 math, 2 science, 1 English, 2 world cultures/languages, 2 history) It may have changed but this would be close. The info is on the music school website but a bit hard to find.
Jacobs is in the SE neighborhood (there is central and NW). It all runs together. My D’s gen eds were all in SE. I don’t know if she ever went to NW. A portion of SE is dominate by the music school. You could stay with 2 blocks your last few years and ignore the rest of the school if you wanted (not suggested however). However I have visited small conservatories (one bldg.) and it is definitely a different feel. Your probs should visit a big school before and during auditions to be sure you really are OK with it. Since you use words like “gigantic”, you may need to be sure you really are OK with your comfortable music school sitting right next door to a university with frats/sororities, basketball and general big ten shenanigans just around the corner.
See my other post…this is a great question. My D primarily went to IU due to a teacher who communicated she felt she would do well there. She did. I would guess from knowing her classmates about 25% of undergrads got on stage for roles (this is for voice only). But most had to wait until senior year. The roles will not be leads. There are other opportunities to perform (opera chorus 2x per year, separate student run operas which are quite good, opera workshops) but … yea … 4 years not one role. It happened to a good number of her friends. And … my D is not a soprano…she’s a mezzo…again makes it easier…
One more thing to add to the list of “to dos” - once accepted ask a teacher what performance possibilities you have at the school. There are no guarantees but some schools offer more than others.
Are there performance classes or anything where every student will consistently perform informally in front of classmates?
Yes, studio class. In your studio which meets weekly, you can perform…as needed…weekly or every other week. There will most likely be a studio recital during the year.
You will have your own recital in the BM program I think yearly. My D did a BSOF so she didn’t have as many recitals.
You will have juries yearly or each semester…again BM is a little different so it may be each semester. Faculty will attend and give you notes.
You will be in 2 opera choruses each year. Freshman year you may not make opera chorus and then be in a choir. But by sophomore year you will probs make opera chorus. PLUS you may be able to join other chorus…like for the Nutcracker ballet…and be paid!
There are student run operas (mainly by grad students) that are quite well done. Under grads and grad student participate. Also in sr year you should be able to do an opera workshop class.
Performing on the MAC stage as an undergrad in a main role is pretty tough. In general you are really not ready. But to say there aren’t opportunities for growth…absolutely not.
Still…the conventional wisdom is correct about it being mainly grad students in the operas. Some students don’t focus on the MAC stage and are patient. Others are bugged by it. It’s an individual thing and something to think about.
You’ve probably already figured out your audition dates by now but hopefully this can help you when deciding on a school in a few months! As a vocal performance major at a small school with a very strong music program, I can tell you that even in “small” schools it can be hard to get performance opportunities anyway as an underclassman if the program is strong.
That being said, if the faculty is great (especially your individual teacher) it could definitely be worth it even if the program is large; you just have to find your own opportunities. A great way to do that is student-run performances and summer programs. Good luck with everything!