<p>Hi, I am not sure where to post this, but is there a specific thread that addresses grad school programs, whether to do a masters or doctorate etc? Thanks so much.</p>
<p>There are several post-undergraduate study options for singers: MM, Artist Diploma, DMA, etc. Each have their own requirements for admission, and they vary from school to school. There is no place about which I know that would accept a singer into a DMA (Doctor of Musical Arts) program without first achieving a master's degree. Is this what you need to know?</p>
<p>Ok, that already helps. But where can I get info about the schools and programs that they offer. I am assuming there might be some that do better for grad (like Yale).</p>
<p>It's not that Yale does "better" for grad school performance than undergrad performance. It's that Yale only HAS a performance major for grad school. Yale doesn't have an undergrad BM major. I'm sure there are folks here who will have suggestions for you, but you'll need to be much more specific. What kind of vocal performance are you wishing to pursue? And what is your current background? Also, have you asked your questions to your current voice teachers?</p>
<p>Go on line to the individual schools and see what graduate degrees they offer, and what the entrance requirements are. Folks here can offer opinions, but from what I can tell, emphasis is on the conservatories and big name schools. There are lots of major music schools never mentioned at this site, and that is a shame. Opportunities are going wasting in the regional schools, where much of the training of American musicians is taking place. Many of the conservatories are heavily enrolled with students from other countries. I worry that they will not use their training and talents to enrich the fabric of American culture at the grass roots, and that is a shame. If there are no good, well trained teachers in the secondary schools, there will be no audiences. One of (many of) my pet peeves! Good luck.</p>
<p>Although D was looking for a musicolgy PhD program, not performance, she found the faculty in her undergrad department were her best source for information,contacts,etc .</p>
<p>First of all, this is for my daughter who is currently at NEC. She is in the classical vocal performance program. She would want to continue that training for at least a master's. And thumper, you are right of course- I just phrased what I meant wrong!</p>
<p>Are there any books specifically geared to grad school in music? any help any of you could give would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!</p>
<p>For vocal performance, I believe the top grad programs for performance to be AVA in Philly, Curtis in Philly (free), Yale (free) and Juilliard (JOC).</p>
<p>What is AVA? I was looking at Yale's stuff and they want the GRE. Does anyone know if that is true for the other masters programs in classical vocal performance as well? Also what about non conservatory schools? Thanks!</p>
<p>I would say the top graduate programs are Michigan, Indiana, CCM; Florida State used to be more reknown; in NYC Manhattan is at a par and perhaps surpasses Juilliard (JOC is not the graduate program) in voice. Curtis has age limits, except in extraordinary situations, and very very few students are admitted at any level. Other schools will offer many more performance opportunities and better personal training, but the general level of talent may not be so high.</p>
<p>Check with music admissions, but I do not believe the masters of music graduate program at Yale requires the GRE. We know a student accepted there this year...he did NOT take the GRE. If a student is applying for a MA (master of ARTS) in music, the GRE would be required...different program entirely and the MA is NOT in performance.</p>
<p>AVA gives the Artist's Diploma, and the students I have known in the program have been post- MM. SOme years there are no openings in particular voice types. The program is quite good, but not many will be accepted.</p>
<p>I think at that point in your life, alot is about contacts and these schools offer fabulous ones. But like everything, it's up to personal choice.</p>
<p>From what I have learned from other professional musicians, the contacts are more valuable to instrumentalists than singers. Nothing outweighs the audition itself for any musician, however, at every stage of the game. As long as the teacher is good, and there are appropriate opportunities for the stage of vocal development, it will all work out according to the level of talent. Good luck.</p>
<p>Have any of you had kids apply for grad school? I am wondering if it is a fairly similar process- how many to apply to etc.</p>
<p>Is there a grad school forum for music ?</p>
<p>There are many references to the specific performance areas in music throughout this thread. The concensus is that the teacher of the instrument/voice is crucial in any choice. Most grad schools have similar curriculum, but they do vary in size, level of talent and achievement of the students, facilities, financial support available. Parents have been through all of this with high school students as they navigate the audition process. Once a student is in college, the research and logistics are on their shoulders, in consultation with their music teacher at their college. These teachers know more about how the musical accomplishments of a particular student would succeed at various schools. If you are a parent, encourage your undergrad to utilize the knowledge of his/her teachers. It does not matter what the stature of a school is, if it is not where a performer can be admitted. If your questions are about financial aid at various schools, you should know that money for graduate students in the arts is not nearly as generous as for science students. Stipends are much lower. Performers may have more opportunities for outside work, i.e. teaching and gigging, but that is unreliable. </p>
<p>Good luck to you and your family.</p>
<p>I know about the money situation! I never paid any grad school tuition when I went for my PhD and was given a stipend to live on too-- I know this isn't likely in music.</p>