Hello, everyone!
I am new to the forum and first I would like to introduce myself in short.
I am currently finishing my bachelor´s degree in classical guitar performance and pedagogy in Austria. Playing the guitar is something I really enjoy, but deep in my heart I know that singing is something that I love and something I am passionate about.
I have been taking non constant singing lessons for the last 7 years. I am a member of professional choir in Austria and I have been singing in ensemble in some small opera productions. I also had an opportunity to take master classes in singing as well. Every singing professor I was working with, told me that I have a beautiful natural tenor voice and that it would be a pity not to develop it more. For the last few months I am seriously thinking about making singing a career.
As my dream is to study in the USA, I would like to apply to some universities to pursue a bachelor´s degree in vocal performance. I am not looking for top schools, but a place where I could find a good voice professor with whom I would make a progress. Also, it is very important that the school could financially support my talent. I already made the selection of 12 universities which could support me financially.
I would be very thankful for any comment, advice, or experience with following universities and the voice professors there:
- The University of Texas at Austin
- DePaul University
- University of Michigan
- University of New Hampshire
- University of Denver
- University of Colorado
- Portland State University
- Duquesne University
- University of Missouri
- University in Maryland
- University of Illinois
- Chapman University
Thank you for reading ^:)^
Don’t know much about those schools, but do have a recommendation for the Hartt school at the University of Hartford in Connecticut. The school is exceptionally open and generous to international students. In d freshmen class, which is pretty small at 13 (they started with 20) their are students from mexico and china.
In regards to voice teachers i highly recommend Wayne Rivera. He is an amazing tenor and voice teacher. He is currently my d teacher (soprano) and she is enthralled by his teaching approach (supportive and encouraging while constructive and demanding). He is the resident italian aficionado and focuses on perfect technique and diction–things I think would be essential for an emerging singer.
While I think the school is top notch and produces some amazing voices who go onto amazing graduate programs, my d believes it to be a great place to develop voices with potential. My d is one of those people. She decided to major in classical music after years of musical theatre singing. I was fortunate enough to hear the freshmen recital and was amazed at how well rounded her voice is becoming. I also video streamed their upper class production of the magic flute and my jaw hit the floor. I really believe this is a place for developing voices.
If you interested in it, pm me and I will put you in contact with my d who can give you more details, put you in contact with the dept heads, arrange a Skype session, etc. She is a vocal advocate of the program who has become very involved with the admissions/audition process at the school and loves recruiting other talented performers.
Is there a reason your list is 90% large state universities? And why no stand alone conservatories? Are there particular professors there with whom you wish to study? Also, why a second bachelor’s degree? Many schools will not accept a student who already has an undergraduate degree - in particular many like the large public ones on your list. I would recommend looking into Masters Degrees and Artists Diplomas. I have no advice about which programs would be best for a tenor starting out - but others on this forum have a lot more knowledge about vocal performance.
Take a look at Westminster Choir College in Princeton, NJ. They have many non-traditional students in their voice performance program, including several international students who have previous degrees or who are older than typical. You would be a good candidate as you have choral experience but, despite the name of the college, they do not just specialize in choral singing. One of the Met finalists last year was a graduate of Westminster as well as two regional finalists. They offer good scholarships for qualified internationals.
I’m not sure about other schools… but there was a 26 year old second bachelors degree in my d freshmen class with a terrific tenor voice. He said he was in on full scholarship (he ending up leaving mid semester for family emergency). So… it appears hartt welcomes second masters… at least i guess they will do that for a good tenor:).
I’m really curious as to why you’re looking to come to the US to study? There are many fine schools in Europe but,truthfully, you will already have a degree and you could very easily study voice with a good teacher there in Austria or in Germany. You don’t need to pursue another degree- you have all of the basic coursework that you need so getting another BM degree would be a waste of time/money/effort.
If you really are determined to study and pursue a degree in the US, my advice would be to go for a Masters in Vocal Performance (no, you don’t have to have an undergrad degree in voice to be admitted to a higher degree program), and there are schools which would be better for that than others. But again, the goal for singers is to be working and performing, something which you say that you have already been doing. If you can find a good voice teacher there and have the chance to audition and perform, even if it’s in the chorus, go for it. Many an American student would trade places with you in a heartbeat!