<p>Hello there, I am an Senior in high school, and I am going to pursue an undergrad degree in vocal performance next year. That said, I have no idea where I am going to go. I have sent in applications to seven schools in Ohio and Indiana (from Ohio). However, I am not exactly sure where to go. I have been to the facilities of most of these colleges, and have been offered lessons with instructors who have experience with countertenors.</p>
<p>If there is one thing that the internet lacks, it's knowledge on countertenors and college.</p>
<p>Any suggestions on where to go, or how to go about the process?</p>
<p>I agree, they are quite reputable in the early music department. I have spoken with a few of their admissions people. I’m just not sure I would want to make the trip across the U.S. I was hoping to save the distance thing for grad school.</p>
<p>Hold on- did I misread your initial post? Aren’t you in Ohio? Crane is in Potsdam, NY, which is certainly not across the US, but rather in upstate NY. Really, depending upon where you live in Ohio, it’s not a bad drive- it’s about 3.5 hours from me and I live exactly 3.5 hours from Cleveland.
Finding a teacher who is experienced with counter tenors-and a school who would have a program in which to utilize one- is not going to be the easiest thing, so if you were mine, I would suggest that you really concentrate upon finding the best possible combination of teacher/school and not be quite so hung up on location. If funds are a huge constraint, schools will take travel expenses into consideration in the fianancial aid package. You have an unusual gift, as I’m sure you are aware, so please take the time to look for the proper place to nurture it. If you are comfortable, please share the places you are considering and I bet you will get folks on here who can give you insights on most of them!</p>
<p>Just some anecdotal info: I don’t see a specific Early Music program at Westminster Choir College, but I know a superb countertenor and early-music expert (perhaps driven by his own life-long and intense interest in Early Music) who graduated from WCC. He’s able to make a living singing in various venues, incl. small ensemble and churches. And the other fantastic countertenor I know graduated from James Madison (BM) and University of Arizona (MM); sings in churches and in opera around the US.</p>
<p>In the recordings of P.D.Q. Bach’s “music,” it often refers to one of the performers as a “bargain basement countertenor,” in such works as “Iphegenia in Brooklyn” or “Oedipus Tex.” The University is the (fictional) one where “Professor” Peter Schickele supposedly teaches.</p>
<p>Aha, very clever I would never have gotten that joke! Also, funds and trans. aren’t an issue. </p>
<p>Trying to find programs with Countertenors is essential to me as well. I talked with a rep. from Indiana, and it seems they have two undergrad countertenors, which is about the biggest number of undergrads I can expect to find in my category.</p>
<p>I am turning in my prescreening for CCM this week.</p>
<p>My teachers encourage me to first find a suitable teacher, then broaden out and rate the music program at the college. That is definitely what I’m trying to find, Mezzo. =]</p>
<p>I am just very involved in school, it’s hard to get away from my life at the moment to help my future. I have a lead in our christmas musical, I have to worry about keeping my 4.0, and being in 3 choirs, 4 bands, other various programs, and doing 5 honor choirs a year or so. It’s so hard to schedule time to have a lesson with professors. And it just so seems that countertenors are about the least informed group there is. With so few people pursuing the voice, it’s hard to find someone to answer questions at each college I’m interested in.</p>
<p>And yes, I am in Ohio, I just exaggerated on a few mentioned distances. =]</p>
<p>Have you considered contacting a countertenor grad student directly? You might get some very specific help and insight. (try and find them on facebook) I know that a very talented countertenor who is now at UCLA and did his undergrad at NEC just placed first in the MONCA Western Finals this weekend.</p>
<p>Just a caution, you are young and your voice may yet change. I believe I know one of the undergraduate countertenors at IU. He auditioned as a baritone. When I talked to his Mom who is a voice teacher; she and he were amazed that he was becoming a countertenor and he is a freshman. So another vote to look for teachers that will work well with you and your vocal development, wherever it takes you.</p>
<p>Yes, I have had a lesson with a grad countertenor at one of my prospective colleges. I have also emailed a couple others. </p>
<p>i am aware of the vocal changing thing as well, but I am a baritone (continually sang boy soprano through middle school, alto in chamber choirs and such now in high school) and my range has continually grown to 4.5+ octaves, so I am pretty sure it’s not going anywhere.</p>
<p>Maybe I’m looking more for a college/conservatory that is most eager to work with countertenors?</p>
<p>Musicmanjdb,the last sentence in your latest post makes a great deal of sense! Face it, not every school knows how to work with or will have a spot for a countertenor. As far as roles, they will go to the older students- grad students and Artists Diploma- simply because they must have a certain number of roles of “stature” in order to graduate. If a school has “x” number of older mezzos for the roles, they’re going to get them and you will “wait in line” just as the undergrad mezzos have to. I tell you this just so you’re aware that although a countertenor is unique and you may be the only one there, you’ll still have to wait your turn for the roles. So, looking for a school who has a spot for you is important but so is the perfect teacher. Don’t hesitate to ask questions that are important to you- the administration, the faculty, they are willing to help you. A word of caution though as Singersmom said, your voice may well change, no matter what you think now, so do be open to new ideas. I wonder if Placido Domingo ever figured he’d be singing " Simon Boccanegra" at this point in life…?</p>
<p>Most certainly Oberlin College-Conservatory would be the best choice. They are very learned and skilled at early music and even have a nationally renowned summer program called “BPI” that you can go to - to test some material and be in an all-period-instrument/early music atmosphere! It is not cheap, though. I’ve never gone, was always too expensive for me, but I wish I had gone to school there! I’m a countertenor - <a href=“http://www.roberteleecountertenor.com%5B/url%5D”>www.roberteleecountertenor.com</a></p>