<p>My sister is deciding between some top universities and a music conservatory at a lesser known school. She really likes Bryn Mawr, but it's music program is at Haverford, and Haverford doesn't have an opera program. She's got a great voice and she loves music. </p>
<p>Would this be a career decision for my sister if she gives up a conservatory that has opera in favor of a university that has no emphasis on music but has the highest number of women going on to receiving PHDs?</p>
<p>She will be making her own decision, but we'd like her to have all the facts. </p>
<p>Does anyone know much about the music program at Haverford? Would it be a step backwards for her? Does anyone know anyone from Bryn Mawr who has made it in opera?</p>
<p>The source of the undergrad degree seems to have little to do with success - the grad school or YAP choice means more. I would imagine the necessary courses for grad school - theory, etc. can be handled at Haverford. The main factor is the audition, of course, but a private voice teacher through undergrad can prepare a student for that. If there is no teacher at Haverford that is right, then perhaps they will give her permission to study with an outside teacher.</p>
<p>Depending upon the rules of the school, it may not be possible to apply for FA to study with an outside teacher in NY( or even Philly) That’s something to consider, along with the travel time and practice facilities…</p>
<p>The choral director at Haverford is Prof. Thomas Lloyd. He is excellent and a nice person. She should email or call him and ask for his advice. Before she contacts him, she should look at Haverford’s music website and read about their private lessons policies. Everything is spelled out pretty clearly there. If she’s a great singer, Prof. Lloyd will surely want to have her in his ensembles and help her figure out if Haverford would be a place where she would be happy and get the kind of training she’s looking for. It will not be a conservatory but with a good voice teacher and music opportunities, she can still pursue a career in opera.</p>
<p>I agree with Skie, contact Prof. Lloyd and ask. That’s the best wy to gather information</p>
<p>By the way, the music department’s website has an alumni news section that mentions some alumnae in opera. </p>
<p>What a student gets at a school like Haverford or Bryn Mawr is a remarkable liberal arts education, in addition to an ability to study music. HC ad BMC grads do anything and everything–they are in every fied, pursuing virtually every type of career, sending students to the very best graduate schools (including the best conservatories). The solid liberal arts education as a foundation may provide more opportunities in case she changes her mind or wants to study other things besides music.</p>