<p>On your list, Bard College is definitely worth checking out. The undergraduate vocal program is entirely contained in the college and not the Conservatory, and is not auditioned based, nor dependent on one’s major. From what I hear the adjunct faculty voice professors are great - and there are students who are continuing in classical singing for grad school - as well as performing in the Bard Summerscape opera choruses. The choral program is also being seriously developed. (There is a previous post by N8Ma about vocal music at Bard.)</p>
<p>Bard could be just the sort of place you’re looking for - academics are top-notch and you wouldn’t be at any disadvantage not being a conservatory or Music School student as you might at some of the other institutions on your list. You might also add Vassar and Williams to your list to investigate.</p>