<p>Is it just me or does it seem like the top schools for vocal performance are somewhat lacking when it comes to choral music? When I think of top-notch college choral groups, I think of St. Olaf, Concordia, Westminster, etc. but these schools are barely ever mentioned on these boards as good schools for vocal music. Why is this? Can anyone think of schools where a singer can become a solid solo performer but also be a member of a very good choral ensemble?</p>
<p>As a singer myself, I think it is fairly rare to find individuals who are really good at both disciplines. Sure, there are choristers who can kick it up a notch for the occasional solo and there are soloists who know how to blend and keep the vibrato down to reasonable levels for choral singing, but I find that most people who do a LOT of one type of singing are usually not all that adept at the other.</p>
<p>Many college voice teachers actively discourage their students from singing in choral groups beyond what is required by the school curriculum. These really are two separate disciplines and some people apparently think that being good at one is harmful, or at the very least not conducive, to the other.</p>
<p>I have mentioned both St. Olaf and Westminster in my own postings and have seen all three mentioned in others, although not with the frequency of many of the well-known classical or operatic programs. Choral singing is kind of a niche market - a lot of people participate in it, but not as their major.</p>
<p>I agree with BassDad. D enjoys both performance and ensemble singing. She chose the conservatory at Lawrence in part, because of its balance of very strong vocal performance and very solid choral ensembles. At many conservatories, the choral ensembles seem to be an afterthought. St. Olaf was also on D's list and our search revealed that there were some solid vocal performance majors who had gone on to successful solo careers. But the focus on ensembles is certainly more notable at St. Olaf.</p>
<p>Rice has great choral ensembles as well as top vocal performance.</p>