<p>Anyone know about the voice program at MSM? We know it is a city school so facilities are not great, but S has chance to study with teacher he likes there. Can anyone comment on performance opportunities for undergraduates, teaching staff, student life, general experiences with the school?</p>
<p>MSM recently underwent a renovation, so the facilities are in my opinion, pretty nice. That part of New York is right next to Columbia and Barnard, so it’s definitely got a lot of college kids in the area. I can’t speak for the school itself (I’m more familiar with mannes and Juilliard), but it is certainly well regarded. Having a good teacher is so important; congrats to your S for getting in! NYC is ideal if your S likes having lots of things to do and see. If he is looking for a more traditional, suburban college campus, it could be a bit of an adjustment. Congrats again to you both!</p>
<p>Thanks for the information. We live close to the city, so we know he will enjoy the atmosphere. I guess what is worrying me most is whether he will ever get a chance to perform at all there?</p>
<p>D was accepted for Grad school at MSM but will not be attending (it came down to $$ and she had another great alternative oppty). She did attend MSM’s Voice Institute last summer and heard from many students there that performance opportunities are limited (particularly for girls who out number guys), especially in the first couple of years. That said, there are MANY performance opptys outside of the school. Grad students who were accepted at MSM still have to audition for the Opera Studio, and must declare their intent to do so by mid-June, although the auditions themselves are not held until August when school/orientation begins. If room remains after grad school auditions are held, then Seniors and Juniors will be allowed to audition for the Opera Studio. This should help give you some sense of performance opportunities (outside of recitals, of course). And while I pass on this information, all of which is either available on their website, told to my daughter at last year’s voice institute or provided to her as part of her acceptance package this year, keep in mind that the adage “Anything can be waived” is certainly in effect here!</p>
<p>MSM is one of many great schools with many great teachers! If money permits, check out their summer institute now called the MSM Summer Voice Festival. While the majority of students in attendance lean classical there were several that were more MT oriented, and most of the faculty ascribe to the theory that crossover is how you pay the bills, and would work w/students interested in MT or Jazz.</p>
<p>As with most schools, it depends on the teacher. There are horror stories about teachers at every school - no matter the reputation. If they are not willing or capable of doing what you need now - then the experience can be a terrible one. The reputation will not make up for that mismatch. It is not always easy to switch teachers at some schools. I have known 3 voice students who left top conservatories because they got very little instruction in technique, started having vocal problems and the politics at the schools were such that it was easier to just leave than try to switch teachers. Don’t gamble on teacher choice.</p>
<p>RCLCSKI - Congratulations to your D. S would love to do the summer program at MSM, but unfortunately, it starts in May and he is still in school until the end of June.</p>