Hi. I’m an undergrad auditioning for Vocal Performance at the Jacobs School of Music on February 1. I was wondering if anyone knew how large the student body was for vocal performance was there? I’m hoping that being a young bass-baritone would help my chances a little more. Thank you in advance
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From a few years ago when my D was there, I was told:
35 - 37 offers to yield
20ish spots for VP Freshmen (male and female)
This is the time when the mind wanders to NUMBERS that are just plain frightening! But every year lots of kids get offers. I always say…if you have an audition, you got a good shot. Take it…and don’t worry about the numbers. Note that there will be kids that are disorganized, not prepared, sloppy or plain don’t show up (my D’s audition was moved forward due to cancellations). If you can show up with clean clothes on, your shirt tucked in, your music super organized, and then walk in the room with confidence…you may knock out a part of the competition before you even sing. Then sing well and be responsive to the panel. They do NOT expect perfection…they are mainly looking for potential.
Good luck!
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Indiana’s VP department is one of the larger ones in the country. As an undergrad, don’t expect to get a role in an opera- those go to the postgrad and grad students, which is as it should be. @bridgenail gave some good advice about audition day- take notice!
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I think I will ask my D to print this quote and paste it on to her instrument case… So true and timely. Thank you!!!
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While graduate students certainly dominate the main stage operas, undergrads do get cast. It took a little digging but I found the playbill for their last production ((IU does 6 productions)…and yep a few undergrads were cast…one of the Gretels and one of the Hansels were seniors with a junior in another role…then I stopped reading. My D was cast in principle roles for 3 years. And I would say at least a third of my D’s class had decent principle roles on the main stage. Another third had, maybe, a give-me role senior year…meaning a small role to give them experience on the main stage. Some of these small roles went to Sopranos (always competitive) but a few of these girls stayed and did quite well in grad school. And yes, maybe a third (probably less) got nothing on the main stage but many of these kids were moving in different directions by senior year. Anyone working hard was usually given a role in sr year if not before. The school does make an effort to give UG experience on the main stage (where you have a hard time hearing yourself…so you need to know your notes).
Of course there are opera scenes, workshops, chorus (on the main stage) and student run performances at a theater in town…getting you ready for main stage. UG boys can be paid to perform in opera chorus bc the need is great (if you do more than one ensemble a semester the rule is you get paid…grad students don’t want to do it so UG boys particularly take these opportunities). As a mezzo my D got paid to perform yearly (soph yr on) in the Nutcracker (backstage making AHHHH sounds with a small chorus).
But it may not be the best environment if you work best as a big fish or like a smaller environment where most are moving from strength to strength on a clear path. IU may feel a bit more “chaotic” to a Freshman (or not) with people going in different directions at different speeds. And…some of the grad students are absolutely stunning (and a bit intimidating)…having worked professionally in Europe or Asia already. Still my D found that teachers really worked hard to shepard their young UG students in the environment…and most were very busy and happy. My D is still in touch with this amazing German student who works professionally throughout Europe. She was so sweet and helpful to my D. Grad students aren’t all bad. My D learned a lot about singing and the business from them.
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Not sure how many of your vocal types will audition. My D is a soprano and auditioned 1/11. For your information the audition lasted about 6 minutes with 2 songs performed. This was for everyone. Going to guess about 100 people auditioned this past weekend. Expect similar numbers the next set coming up as well. If you know any professors and feel comfortable with them, email them and invite them to your audition. My D had 3 professors in the room that knew her directly or from her voice teacher. Can’t hurt to stack the room in your favor if you can. No guarantees. Break a leg in Feb!!
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Very helpful @bridgenail, thanks!
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