Classical Singer Magazine HS Competition

College Majors Music Major
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<p>I'm leaving for LA in a couple days for the Classical Singer National Convention and I am a bundle of excitement and nerves right now! This is my first national competition like this, so I'm not sure what to expect. I know lots of you have children who have participated, and was wondering if any of you could give insight about the competition, the masterclasses, etc. </p>

<p>I'm looking forward to the classes and the college expo, but I'm not quite sure how to navigate either one. What are some tips for approaching the expo with so many schools? Right now, as a sophomore, I have a rough list of places I want to look at, but I've never been to any events quite like this and I'm not sure what to do, or what it will be like. I'll be with my mom, but I know she will expect me to do most of the talking, and I have no clue what to expect or how I should act. </p>

<p>Also, between all of the masterclasses, about how many singers will get the chance to volunteer to sing? I want to volunteer, but a part of me is still nervous about being around so many other talented singers. I'm happy and comfortable with my rep, but I know it isn't quite like the showy arias I've seen online, and that tiny part of me is afraid of looking silly. The whole national competition thing can be kind of scary the first time, I guess. Any words will help me out - I'm really just so happy to get to go experience this!</p>

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<p>ImThinking, my daughter competed last year - she had a great time and won a very generous scholarship based on her second-round audition. She and I will be in LA this weekend as well! </p>

<p>The expo is very laid-back. Colleges set up booths around the room where representatives can speak to prospective students about the program, the audition reqs, etc. Approaching a school’s table is pretty simple. My daughter walked up confidently (or waited in line patiently if there were students before her), shook hands with the rep, and said something along the lines of, “Hi, my name is xxx. I’m very interested in your program - can you tell me about [insert topic here: audition process, freshman courses, performance opps, etc]?” After she had had her questions answered, my daughter would leave her name and email on the school’s list, take a brochure, thank the rep and shake hands. Very quick and easy! </p>

<p>As for which schools to approach, it may help if you do some research on the programs that will be present beforehand, just to get a feel for what the school is all about and to write down some questions for the rep prior to speaking with him or her. (There is a list of participating schools on the CS website.) I think this approach is generally more impressive to the reps, who will see that you’re a confident, intelligent young singer with a real interest in their school and are not just there to pick up a free pen. ;)</p>

<p>During the expo, most schools will have sheets where you can sign up to sing in their masterclass. However, doing so will not always ensure you get the chance to perform, so try to get your name down early. Other schools will simply ask for volunteers at the beginning of the class. It varies. Ask the school beforehand if there’s somewhere for you to sign up.</p>

<p>Don’t worry about “not being good enough.” Yes, there are very talented singers there, but I can assure you that no one is there to laugh at or make fun of other singers - they’re all there to learn and grow as musicians together. It’s a very supportive atmosphere. I’d definitely recommend doing at least one masterclass, but sitting in is just as - sometimes even more - helpful. And you definitely do NOT need some famous showpiece aria to do well or be considered “good.” Judges would much rather hear a fabulous simple art song than a butchered Puccini piece.</p>

<p>If you have any other questions, I’d be happy to help you out. </p>

<p>Good luck this weekend!</p>

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<p>Oops, forgot to say - the amount of singers who get to perform during a masterclass varies, depending on the length of the class, length of singers’ pieces, how long the prof works with students, etc. I think last year at the classes my daughter did, maybe about 4 - 6 got to go each class.</p>