Early Music Program and Music school for Countertenor...

<p>Hi everyone! I live in New York, and I'm a countertenor going to get my undergraduates in vocal performance. </p>

<p>My issue that I'm having is that I'm struggling finding a school with an early music program and the capabilities to properly instruct me... I am going to SUNY Purchase (in New York) this upcoming year, and seeing what they can do for me, but I don't want to continue there (unless I really like it) and graduate there. Some other colleges that I was looking at to transfer to (but didnt apply to last year... stupid me) are Indiana University, Oberlin, New England Conservatory, and University of Cincinnati's College Conservatory of Music.</p>

<p>BUT! Here's another issue that's coming up... My mom was offered a promotion but she'd need to relocate to the Business' Headquarters in TEXAS. We are considering making the move, but THEN what do I do for this year? I would contact some schools in the area and within a few states and let them know of my unique situation, having moved across the country and I need a place to go to college! What colleges, in South USA, kind of near Texas, have a decent Music Program with an early music program or early music influences or baroque influences that can facilitate me and teach me?</p>

<p>Sorry for all the questions, and thank you for your help!!</p>

<p>Take a look at The University of North Texas College of Music.</p>

<p>Chrisoko7: Let me second cartera45’s recommendation about University of North Texas at Denton. Our perception of the music department is that it is top notch in many respects. My child had practice lessons with several of the voice professors there – Chairman Jeff Synder, Jennifer Lane, Stephen Austin – all first rate as educators, performers, and intellectuals. They have wonderful facilities and you, along with all other students, will be treated as royalty. Everybody is extremely friendly, engaging, accomodating, human and down-to-earth. On top of that, the cost of tuition is relatively low.</p>

<p>Thank you both for your replies!!
Heres a follow up question: Does anyone know any colleges specifically that can teach/support a countertenor, or that have decent Baroque/Early Music departments?</p>

<p>Indiana U does have a very strong Early Music program but that is on your list already. Would think only the biggest music schools like IU and U North Texas would support that kind of program. Don’t remember any other schools that my son applied to having a Early Music department except IU.</p>

<p>Posting in the event you aren’t aware of this potential resource [Early</a> Music Schools](<a href=“http://earlymusichicago.org/places_schools.htm]Early”>http://earlymusichicago.org/places_schools.htm)</p>

<p>Boston University would support you. In addition to an excellent Historical Performance program and some very stylistically-aware voice teachers (esp. Frank Kelley), the Marsh Chapel Choir and Collegium gives regular liturgical performances of Bach cantatas, Schutz motets, and more.</p>

<p>Also, Peabody and USC have early music programs.</p>

<p>Just FYI - It is my understanding that Karen Lykes at CCM has been very influential in the career of David Daniels, a very fine countertenor.</p>

<p>Check out [Degree</a> Programs | Early Music America](<a href=“http://www.earlymusic.org/education/higher-education/degree-programs]Degree”>http://www.earlymusic.org/education/higher-education/degree-programs) for a list of degree programs in Early Music. Note that many only offer a degree program at the graduate level, but you may still be able to get the instruction and experience you need as an undergrad. It is just that your undergrad degree might not have the words “Early Music” included at some places. Some of them really are graduate level only, however.</p>

<p>Be very careful of programs that do not list a specific Early Music voice teacher - many tend to be opera centered these days and you would have to interview the mainstream voice teachers very carefully to find out whether they have had any experience with the specific needs of countertenors.</p>