Hello! I am currently a freshman at Connecticut College in New London, CT and have decided recently that I would like to transfer. There were a lot of things that I loved about Conn: the beautiful campus, great faculty/professors, many career and internship opportunities, but the music/vocal program was not one of them. I felt very under-challenged for my level of training (I am trained classically and have performed in various advanced/competitive choirs), and was shocked when the majority of students at Conn College did not even know that there was a choir. However, I absolutely adored the Theater department and will be sad to leave it behind.
Academics and receiving a strong liberal arts education are still immensely important to me, but I need to be challenged musically and vocally as well (and intend on pursuing a career in classical voice/opera if my dreams play out).
Can anyone give me any recommendations of strong liberal arts colleges with top-notch choral/vocal performance programs?
Thanks so much!
Are you currently a music major undergrad and do you want to transfer to a VP program? Do you know that you will more than likely not be able to transfer most of your music credits (or theater credits) to another VP program and you will be adding another year on to get your undergrad degree? Or were you just looking to find a better voice teacher? I am asking this since it might be more efficient or effective to stay where you are and find another voice teacher to study with in the school. (or privately if that’s what you are doing now)
I am currently a music major at my undergrad. At this point (and what I know about the difficulty of transferring into a VP program at this point), I want to stick with the liberal arts track so I can still further my education in other areas (aside from music and theater I am very interested in Philosophy). I know career-wise I want be a performer, but with the difficulty of succeeding in such a career path I still want to gain a more general education (and maybe double major or minor in something in the humanities) if possible. Also for the sake of pleasing my parents:)
At Conn i actually have a WONDERFUL voice teacher, very gifted, but the music courses offered are very limited and I do not see much improvement in sight. The choral program is also very weak and leaves me very unchallenged, an aspect of college music that matters enormously to me. I have been singing and competing chorally for years, and am not ready to give up that passion quite yet. And just on a general note, regardless of the music program, I do not believe that Conn is the right fit.
So, just to clarify, you will be auditioning next fall with two years at this school under your belt for a transfer in 2017? I would consult with your current teacher to find out what teachers and programs would be best for you—since that teacher know you best . That and/or check out St Olaf and Westminster.
I am planning to transfer for this coming fall if I can… And okay, thank you!
Pre screen results are already out for this season’s auditions… It’s far too late for that.
Not seeing that for any of the colleges I am currently thinking of. I.e. Vassar’s transfer deadline for the fall semester is March 15.
But thank you, and I will check others more carefully!
For a BA, you’re probably right for schools like Vassar - but for a program with a serious choral program like St. Olaf or Westminster, I suspect you’ve missed the window this year. Here’s what St. Olaf says on the website:
4. I am interested in being a music major or enrolling in the Bachelor of Music degree program. Does this affect my transfer application?
Yes. All music applications — including transfers — must be submitted by the January 15th deadline. The Admissions Office makes the admission decision for all applicants to the college, including those applying to the Bachelor of Music degree program, so you should follow the application procedures for all transfer applicants. The deadline to apply for music scholarships is December 15, for the following fall term.
Okay, thank you so much. I obviously do not know much about transferring!
As you review the suggestions of schools on your threads, consider the facilities where you would practice and perform as you take virtual or actual tours. Beyond how they may appeal to you personally – which is of course very important – they can be a good sign of a college’s commitment to the fine arts, and can range from adequate to good to incredible.
You can probably assume that if an audition is required for admission to the music program that there are earlier deadlines. But if there is no audition and the major is open to all, then you may still have time. However, if there is no audition you may find the level is not significantly better than what you have now, and you love your voice teacher, too.
Yes, definitely apply to Vassar - the choirs we have heard are excellent and have been consistently wonderful over the seven years we have been parents of Vassar students (instrumentalists). The orchestra always has vocalists in their concerts and also the Jazz band and various jazz ensembles. You will have opportunities in all areas of music. There are only a few distribution requirements so it is easier to double major. Check the admission stats for transfers so you have a realistic picture of your chances but it sounds to me like Vassar is a great option. Your voice teacher is a huge factor in your development so if a transfer does not work out, then you still have a good option in Connecticut College and you could stay there and spend your summers attending a vocal institute or another vocal program.
That is very useful advice, thank you so much @chemusic !
@Emeraldcity23 - I sent you a PM.