Grad Schools in Europe (Opera)

<p>Hello, all. I'm just finishing the first year of my undergrad in voice. I realize this is pretty early to think about, but I'm considering going to grad school in Europe. I'm looking so far ahead because applying for and auditioning at European schools/conservatories will be, I'm sure, quite the process as far as planning and costs go. I was wondering if anyone had any information about the following:</p>

<p>-Conservatorium Amsterdam
-Hochschule fur Musik (Berlin)
-Universitat fur Musik (Wien)
-Guildhall
-Royal Academy of Music
-Academy of Performing Arts (Prague). Haven't found a whole lot of info on this one...</p>

<p>I would also love suggestions of other schools, especially concerning English-speaking programs like Conservatorium Amsterdam. I don't know anything about what might be considered the less-competitive European conservatories, so suggestions for those are also welcome. Programs offered in German only are definitely an option. </p>

<p>I guess I should give you a little info about myself: I'm a mezzo. I would like a program that's intense, small, and in a city. Schools in little towns are not a good fit for me. I'm sure there are other things I should mention, but I can't think of any right now. Thanks!</p>

<p>Both you and your voice are going to change in the next few years. Everyone has different needs as a grad student. How can you tell what those needs will be? By the time you are ready, you should be only applying to schools that are specific to your requirements.By the time you are ready for grad school, (BTW most VP students are NOT ready immediately after undergrad) your best guide to appropriate schools for your voice will be your teacher or teachers.</p>

<p>Agreeing with musica about voice changes! You could find that you will be singing soprano rep by the time auditions/applications role around, depending upon how your voice develops and expands; might happen, might not, but don’t get too far ahead of yourself.
Looking at your list, I’m assuming that your fluent in German? Or Czech? And even in Amsterdam, some of your classes will be in Dutch (unless you get in a track that is reserved especially for English-speakers, some of the theory and music classes will not be in English). And then you have to live in whichever city, so you’ll have to have some facility in the local language! Neither of the UK schools have what you would term “small” programs, if you mean a dozen students.
Wait, see how things develop and check back in the middle of junior year. You can find a lot of information on-line. Also, consider boning up on how to audition in Europe-there are some books written specifically about Germany- and think about heading there for additional training after you finish undergrad and grad school.</p>