<p>kukucachoo–check this link for NU’s specific music degree programs:</p>
<p>[Programs</a> of Study, Bienen School of Music, Northwestern University](<a href=“http://www.music.northwestern.edu/programs/]Programs”>http://www.music.northwestern.edu/programs/)</p>
<p>Regarding voice, they have a Voice and Opera Performance BMus and Music Education BMus, but not a choral program per se.</p>
<p>Here’s a link to their ensembles (includes instrumental and choral). Some are open to all, some only to music majors. All voice/opera students sing in an ensemble each quarter, unless they have a lead in an opera, I believe:</p>
<p>[Performing</a> Ensembles, About Us, Bienen School of Music, Northwestern University](<a href=“http://www.music.northwestern.edu/about/ensembles.html]Performing”>http://www.music.northwestern.edu/about/ensembles.html)</p>
<p>Finally, take a look at videos of NU productions. Either go to iTunes store or go to YouTube and look up Northwestern University–there are a number of operas presented in their entirety (usually one act per video). You can also check out the video library offered from Pick-Staiger (a major hall at NU):</p>
<p>[Davee</a> Online Streaming Video Library](<a href=“http://www.pickstaiger.com/index.php/video-library]Davee”>http://www.pickstaiger.com/index.php/video-library) (I like the master classes–check out the latest, which is by Susan Graham–almost the whole master class is shown. There’s one by Renee Fleming, too. NU’s most recent opera, The Merry Widow, is on this site. We saw this in person, as our son was in it, and I have to say that the sound is not very good on this recording. But it was a spectactular performance. People are thrilled with the new opera director, Jay Lesenger.</p>
<p>You can also hear choral groups, if that is your prime interest–I think there are some on the sampler on the Pick-Staiger site and I know there are some at iTunes and Youtube. My son (freshman) just saw NU’s B Minor Mass and said it was incredibly good (and he’s extremely picky regarding choral singing. He comes from an Anglican church music background and has certain things he’s looking for.)</p>
<p>There are also many a cappella groups on campus and auditions are open to all. Held first week or so of school, I think. There seem to be at least three very well-organized student-run musical theater groups and anyone can audition for these shows. I don’t know what the protocol is for musical theater groups. Opera chorus is open to audition by freshmen and sophomores, but they can’t audition for solos (this is what my son tells me). Opera auditions are only open to Voice/Opera Perf majors.</p>
<p>NU is also one of the places that does allow for double major and double degree–my son is not doing this but I wish he were!–and the quarter system seems to make that a little easier, although I think either path with take a tremendous amount of dedication!</p>
<p>This is probably more than you were looking for. But if you want more, visit the Music Major section of CC. You’ll see some negative comments about the facilities at NU. I actually really like the main building–MAB, as it has a sort of twisting halls and various levels in a kind of English college way. Its opera rehearsal room at the top is not air conditioned or any such luxury, but the acoustics are fantastic, so I hear, and it’s got a very nice ambience. Lutkin Hall, right next door, where all voice majors (undergrad and grad) gather on Mondays for solo class, has fantastic acoustics. Operas are held in Cahn Auditorium, also a very nice space. Pick-Staiger Hall is new and quite lovely inside. There’s a new building on the drawing board, and it’s scheduled to be completed in 4 or 5 years or so–right on Lake Michigan. Too late for our son, but it doesn’t matter! He really likes the cozy music building, just a hop-skip-dash from his dorm. </p>
<p>I hear the students in the voice/opera program are very friendly and supportive, too, no back-stabbing. So, more than my 2 cents!</p>