First time posting, so please forgive me if placed in wrong forum or if there is something else I may have looked over.
I was fortunate enough to have been accepted to Westminster Choir College and Mason Gross for my MM in Vocal Performance and I am extremely between the two. Both schools are so very different, and both well renowned. I have seen many conflicting things online, and many of these things are either outdated or from the undergraduate perspective.
I have many questions, but to keep it simple… Does anyone have any insight that they might provide?
My largest concern is Mason Gross has such bountiful performance opportunities and facilities, though WCC has a teacher whom I adore (not to say I will not love one at MG though… I just happen to know the former from undergrad…)
Only two productions a year at WCC however concerns me…
I am also attending the Vienna summer program through WCC this summer and I have received merit scholarship from them, whereas I have yet to hear from MG.
Any and all advice or knowledge would be super appreciated!
I know a few people that have gone through the program at Westminster. What are you looking to get out of your vocal performance degree? Is your focus opera or choral singing? My understanding is that there is a smaller (but immensely talented) group of students that are interested in opera, as opposed to the students who are there to sing in choirs or do recitals and concert venues.
At Westminster, I think it also really depends on who you are studying with. I believe there are around 30 (this could be made up) different voice teachers who are all across the board regarding the students they teach and how they teach them. I know a lot of people swear by Laura Brooks Rice, and she is certainly someone to consider if you are looking to have an operatic career. I know a lot of her students that are working today and doing very well.
Hi! Thank you for the replies, @TheFlagmaker ! I enjoy choral singing and did it throughout undergrad, but at this stage I want to focus primarily on opera and other solo rep, like lieder and melodie. I think that is the part of me that’s scared of going - they have great course offerings judging by the website for this, but only two productions a year whereas MG has two operas plus scenes and other opportunities.
That is also good to know, thank you! I met her and she was really nice! I think an adjunct professor I know and have always wanted to work with has space in her studio, and if she does not have the space I have heard so many good things about the people and the environment there. It sounds very supportive and healthy, which I like.
MG has been revamping their program and pouring a lot of $$ into it. It’s “opera focused” as opposed to WCC’s more choral centered one and has been actively recruiting good faculty. For the money, the Mason Gross school is definitely one to consider.
@Mezzo’sMama It’s funny that you say that, because I’ve been leaning more towards MG for that reason. I notice they have more performance opportunities and facilities as well, although more people to compete with for roles. (This isn’t necessarily a bad thing though… keeps you striving to be the best you can be ) I also heard that Westminster might be better for pedagogy, although I can of course be mistaken.
I also went to a small school for undergrad, so something about the university is very intriguing.
My S is an undergrad at Westminster but, since it is a very small school, has many friends in the grad program. What others have said is true about WCC - it does have a strong choral focus, although singing in a choir is optional for grad students. But the individual voice teachers are outstanding. Laura Brooks Rice has a great reputation and has many former students performing successfully in the US and Europe. One of her students was a Met finalist last year. My son studies with Chris Arneson, who is one of the top vocologists in the country. He regularly works with many Met singers. My S also likes working with Sharon Sweet. All this is to say, I think that WCC is a good choice for opera, depending on your teacher. Yes, there are only 2 full productions a year, but there are many other opportunities to sing and perform in studio and performance classes and scene classes. I know several singers who have done the Cooperative program and have spoken highly of it. (and my S will be directing a student opera next year and will be looking for singers, so…)
