<p>Hi guys, ive just recently heard about some theories as to why tenors have a better chance of getting into their choice of music college den the general male singers, or in fact all singers. The theory is basically that there is not much male tenors available (at least decent ones) so it is easier for them to get in than other singers. Basically, because there is a tenor shortage. Ive even heard manhattan school of music giving specific scholarships to tenors if accepted. ( im not shure about the reason but im surmising bc of the tenor shortage). So what im basically asking is.. Is being a tenor an advantage for getting into a conservatory or any music program in general?</p>
<p>probably is. cant say theres too many good tenors where im at. way too many baritones trying to sing either bass or tenor.</p>
<p>Yes, there is some advantage to being a tenor. There is a shortage of tenors in general, but there are still enough good ones to fill the ranks of the top programs. While you won't face nearly the amount of competition that a soprano would, you still have to be pretty darned good to get into the best schools. The advantage becomes larger once you get away form the very top programs.</p>
<p>There are financial advantages for male singers, of all ranges. Most operas performed were written by male composers around plots which need more male singers than females. Those same operas utilize more baritones than tenors. Hence, opera programs have to have enough functional male singers, but they seldom need to buy a female voice. Meanwhile those male singers may not put the same effort into their own personal musical development, since there is less accountability, and those who slight their work help perpetuate the distinction some make between singers and musicians. Tenors do not have much advantage over baritones in the provinces (away from the top programs), except for the fact that there are more likely to be functional mature baritone voice in the community, available as ringers (fill-ins, not part of program or institution).</p>
<p>hmmmmm.....interesting to read.</p>
<p>Hmmm, I'm a baritone, applying to oberlin, ithaca, and crane school of music. My voice teacher says that I'm the level of the men at oberlin when she attended, but that was in 1990s and I know voice level has risen dramatically. Do I have a possible advantage at all due to being a male? I know I'm not a wicked amazing singer like many girls at my age, so does that screw me over for getting into oberlin or do I possibly have a shot? Thanks.</p>
<p>It depends on the school and their needs that year. The best schools are more interested in singers who are good rather than getting particular voice types. My school, NEC, would probably take a class of 12 excellent altos rather than take 4 mediochre tenors, 5 bad sopranos, and 3 dreadful basses. But, again, it depends on what each school needs that year.</p>