I’m currently a classical voice performance major at a state school with a reputable music program. I just finished my first semester of my freshman year. I’m doing opera currently, and I do enjoy myself. However, I feel boxed in. My love of music comes from belting my heart out with my guitar and writing songs, after all. Even auditioning for jazz ensembles is frowned upon in my department, and classical voice is all that’s available at my school. I know that you can do a lot with a degree in vocal performance, but anything that could derail my technique study is frowned upon. I feel myself not singing all that I enjoy, even though I do like classical voice for the most part. Should I stick it out? Or am I wasting my time? I wouldn’t even know how to begin a search for possibly transferring and the whole idea of leaving my school terrifies me. However, I don’t want to look back on these formative years with regret. Any advice is highly appreciated!
Thanks
“Feeling boxed in” was my D’s middle name in college! She was studying VP but did a BS in order to do some theater/MT…but that only worked out for class work…never a performance. In four years of UG and 2 years of grad school, she sang opera. In fact her choice for grad school was partly determined by her desire to be in a community where theater was more prominent. She did get to do a small, collaborative show or two in grad school outside the school.
BUT here’s the good news, leaving college may feel like a breath of fresh air…as well as really scary! Finally you’ll be out of the “straight-jacket” of classical training (not everyone feels this way btw)…and you’ll have some respected skills. While my D hasn’t landed a big YAP, she does do a wide variety of work (regional operas/chorus work, theater, commercials, MT, church singing, teaching and has been asked to help in the development of the music portion of show for next year where the music director, also conservatory-trained, respects her). She feels her in-depth music knowledge has been essential in getting hired for many of her gigs. She has told me that even though she complained and doubted her classical training/interest…she is very happy now that she did it. It sets her apart as a performer.
So should you stick it out? You don’t want to be miserable for 4 years…and my D was NOT miserable…just frustrated on and off. You may want to talk with your teacher about your concerns (and note that you will most likely not be the the only student to have these concerns…becoming frustrated/stuck/scared as VP major is quite common I think). Maybe there are other ways through student groups/collaborations or friends to do some fun, light singing on your own that will make you happy. It is not uncommon for a VP program to have this more narrow focus (and I believe it is for a reason since there is so much to teach in such a short period of time…but for you…yes it feels loooong).
Good luck…but just know that you are not alone in your “struggles” and your teacher should be able to listen and encourage you no matter what…and in whatever direction.
Thanks so much for your response, I really appreciate it 
There are arguments to be made for staying, including foundational courses and technical training, from what I gather.
But if “belting my heart out with my guitar” and writing songs are what you really want to do, there are many programs where you might be happier. I don’t know whether you have missed prescreen or application dates for next year. You could also consider transferring to a BA program though you would not be as immersed in music. Some of those schools have 1/1 or 1/15 deadlines.
I do not know much about VP training, so I am only responding to the apparent unhappiness in your post. Only you know if this is temporary frustration or a very valid reason to leave and find a better fit