More choices for vocal performance?

College Majors Music Major
41

<p>Long story short - I just finished my first year at IU's Jacob's School of Music as a voice performance major, and I'm transfering to BFA Musical Theater in the fall. Opera just wasn't my passion and IU is definitely an opera training program.</p>

<p>As an undergrad, it's definitely hard having such a large graduate program because the competition is fierce, but that is what makes the school so good. There are more opportunities, more ensembles, bigger and better facilities, more faculty to choose from, more guest artists (I met some very important people this year) and the honor of putting IU on your resume. </p>

<p>As far as performance opportunities go, you probably won't see the opera stage as a freshman, but that's not to say you won't be busy. You basically spend a year with your voice teacher breaking old bad habbits, developing good new ones, learning rep, building your range, improving your tone. When and only when your teacher thinks you are ready, you can attend cattle calls (IU's opera theater auditions). However, I have two freshmen friends who were in the opera chorus this year and performed in the main stage operas, so it's not unheard of. Also, each of the EIGHT operas is double-cast so as to give more students more opportunities.</p>

<p>That being said, there are still TONS of other opportunities at Indiana off the opera stage. My choir performed several times this year all over the state of Indiana and went to Greece at the beginning of the summer. I also had the opportunity to perform at our studio's masterclass every week, and our studio's twice yearly recitals. You are also required to give a sophomore recital and a senior recital. Also, there are always master students and doctoral candidates looking for people to participate in projects and studies (some are paid) and when guest artists come, they need guinea pigs for their masterclasses. I was never bored this year. </p>

<p>In conclusion, yes, you will have to wait until your junior year before you are considered for actual parts in the operas, but as an undergrad at Jacob's, I assure you that you will never be bored. </p>

<p>PS - The operas are absolutely incredible. Opera Magazine reviewed opera companies all over the US and compiled a list of the ten best companies, and IU was the only university on that list. They truly are breath-taking.</p>

42

<p>Thanks Pan - my daughter had to "audition" for a piano teacher today. She rarely takes on new students. The teacher started playing at Peabody Prep as a 4 year old and at age 19, became the youngest teacher there. That was many years ago. We were talking about conservatories today and she loves the conservatory enviroment but said that the finest school of music in the country today is not a conservatory, but is Indiana University. DD's voice teacher, who is Curtis trained also talks about the incredible program there. You are very fortunate.</p>

43

<p>Montclair State University is a fantastic pick for vocal performance. Their voice faculty is top-notch and the program is only growing stronger.</p>

44

<p>My D checked Montclair State out. The only do a full-staged opera once every 3 years. Seems a little light for a VP program.</p>

45

<p>One staged opera every 3 years seems light, but I am concerned about undergraduate schools that stage multiple operas and/or musicals every school year. The undergraduate years are for developing and training the young voice. </p>

<p>I question these young voices spending excessive time preparing for productions, when they should be spending the majority of their time on the less exciting task of developing their instruments thru art song and basic vocal training. </p>

<p>As I worked with my daughter on selecting a school, it appeared some schools use their listing of operas and musicals for the year as an enticement to potential students. That is their choice and I am sure it is effective as a recruiting tool, but I am not sure it is in the best interest of the student. </p>

<p>Any other thoughts on this?</p>

46

<p>That's a valid point. According to Hartt's Web site, they stage two operas a year. One is more advanced material aimed at graduate students and the other a less-demanding piece for which only undergrads can audition.</p>

47

<p>It depends a lot on the material performed and the size of the department. If you only have a couple of dozen undergrads and they are performing Verdi and Wagner grand operas twice a semester, that is going to be a problem. If you have a hundred or more undergrads to keep occupied and are sensitive to selecting age-appropriate material, then two or three productions per year could be quite reasonable provided the same six people are not always getting the lead roles.</p>

48

<p>Don992,</p>

<p>Also note that the undergraduate opera at The Hartt School is double cast to provide more soloist opportunities for the students. Our undergrads are also cast in a concert of opera scenes each fall. This is their opportunity to sing selections from more difficult operas.</p>

49

<p>"My D checked Montclair State out. The only do a full-staged opera once every 3 years. Seems a little light for a VP program."</p>

<p>This is not true. Starting this spring they do a full-staged opera every semester as opposed to now which is once per year. Every three years was pre-2001.</p>

50

<p>If that's the case, somebody ought to smack whomever is in charge of the Website upside the head, because it's carrying 7-year-old information: </p>

<p>John</a> J. Cali School of Music</p>

51

<p>I found this which will give a better idea of what they're doing in '08/'09. They really should update the website. Four fully staged operas is fairly ambitious. </p>

<p>John</a> J Cali School of Music @ MSU- New Season Events! - iContact Community</p>