Hello fellow singers! 
I’m a 22-year-old coloratura soprano just finishing a BM in voice performance this fall, and I will be applying to graduate school in the coming year. I plan to pursue a master’s degree in vocal studies/opera, but am also interested in composition and performing new music. I’m looking for a school specializing in opera and contemporary/avant-garde music that will allow me to be as well-rounded as possible regardless of my official degree. I know composition and performance are both very competitive fields (especially since I’m “another dang soprano,” haha) and I want to come out of grad school prepared to take advantage of any opportunities that come my way!
With all of this said, I know that the most important factor in picking a school is a voice teacher I connect well with. I also know that’s something I can only really figure out for myself, but I would greatly appreciate any advice to narrow down who I take sample lessons with (especially since a lot of traveling will be involved…). It’s overwhelming how many choices there are! Here are the schools I’m considering at the moment. I’m still trying to narrow it down to no more than 10 for pre-screenings (and I know that many is still rather unrealistic, haha) and 5 for final auditions, with a good mix of top-tier, middle-of-the-road, and safety schools.
Yale University
Indiana University
Manhattan School of Music
Mannes School of Music
Johns Hopkins University (Peabody)
University of Houston
University of North Texas
Oklahoma City University
Northwestern University
University of Michigan
University of Toronto
University of Cincinnati College Conservatory
Cleveland Institute of Music
Binghamton University
Florida State University
Also, a general sketch about me and how I learn: I’m highly energetic in a cheerful and quirky sort of way that can be over-the-top at times, and I laugh a lot. I’m a visual learner, but metaphors and images work best with me when I can also connect them to the technical aspect of why they work. I’m a perfectionist/overthinker who tries too hard (and tends to over-correct), so a lot of my vocal problems have had to do with tension. I need someone who is clearly invested in me but doesn’t coddle me, sees both my overall potential and where I stand at the present moment, and lets me know very frankly when I’m successful and when I’m not. Also, I need someone who does not sugarcoat (because in all honesty, if they do I will be in danger of believing them too much and becoming complacent) but is also nurturing enough that I feel completely comfortable making mistakes in front of them without feeling stupid. I know this business requires a thick skin, and I have certainly developed that where it counts - but I see the studio as a place where that skin should be stripped away and saved for auditions. Underneath it I’m still a sensitive perfectionist, and the moment I worry about failing is the moment my technique tenses up and I’m no longer learning at my best.
To make a long story short, I need the studio to be a place of honesty, vulnerability, and safety. Sorry if that was too much info, lol…but if it brings any specific teacher to mind, please let me know! Especially if they’re at a school I didn’t list…
If you’re still reading this monstrosity of a post, thank you! And thank you also for any help you can give!