Im a Florida rising senior with an extremely extensive performance resume that is still rapidly growing, These are my top five schools
NYU: Recorded music
Manhattan School Of Music: Voice or Musical Theater
The New School: Jazz and Contemporary Music
Julliard: Voice/Opera
Berklee: Performance or Professional Music
I cant even tell you which one I love most because the opportunity to attend any of them would be a huge blessing! I attend a performing arts school as double musical theater and jazz major, I have been studying opera, and my most developed musical language is jazz. My high school career has been all about hitting the best venues, meeting the best people and creating the most impressive resume while still developing and growing as an artist. What are some scholarships? If you attend or have attended one of these schools, what was your experience?
Um… Your voice is stunning (I listened to Funny Valentine too). I would buy an album now. I don’t even want to wait while you go to school
I would imagine you will do well with admissions, but might have decisions to make about what your focus might be (this is off the cuff, I am not knowledgeable about voice or MT programs). Do you want to do jazz, classical opera, contemporary? Others on this forum know a lot more about voice programs and can advise you on the specific choices you listed, and others.
Conservatories have merit scholarships: a conservatory affiliated with a university or college might have better financial aid, but check out the details if finances are an issue.
Enjoyed listening.
You can forget getting anything close to a giant scholarship from MSM or NYU for just merit. Berkelee does give out some very generous almost full rides for Merit alone. I don’t know what the New School or Juilliard is like for merit money these days.
Given your love of a variety of musical styles you also might want to also look at conservatories such as NEC, Eastman and Oberlin where students can study both Jazz and Classical music at the same time and there is are other students who are creating works outside of standard genres. Certainly if you are going to look at Berklee you should check NEC out as it is just down the street and it is quite different.
Berklee is forming a merger with Boston Conservatory so it might be possible at Berklee to explore Opera, musical theater and jazz. The challenge at Berklee will be navigating the administrative constraints and the size to create a program that is one you want. At smaller conservatories it is a bit easier to do. For example at NEC a Jazz student can approach a classical professor whose style and work interests him/her and ask to study with them for a semester. Eastman formalizes the process a bit more. Oberlin is a bit more like NEC and students can customize their program.
Since you are in Florida and seem to be concerned about finances / scholarships have you considered FSU?
Ive looked at it, but I feel it would be more of a backup plan.
Hmmm…I’m struggling with the various types of voice…jazz, mt and opera. In high school and in her city, my D could do mt and opera. Being musical, experienced and singing well was enough at that age. And she was in competitive programs.
But it becomes a different game in college. She did get accepted into programs for both mt and opera. However her high school and private teachers were pushing opera…and I felt the same when listening to her sing both. You’re NOT trying to get into a program for your freshman year only. You’re trying to get into a program for senior year as well. You may want to ask your teachers if they have an opinion on your voice long-term. Good teachers will have an opinion.
If they think your strengths may lie in contemporary voice (mt/jazz), you may want a school like The New School. If they think long-term you are a classical singer, you’ll want to look for a strong opera programs, MSM or Juilliard. If it’s undecided, you may want to look to mixed programs - maybe the Berklee/BOCO mix would be good for you. Maybe you should try all and see where you get your best responses - usually meaning money or a teacher.
Finally, be careful to not solely focus on “big names” particularly ones with big price tags (if merit doesn’t come through bc they have tons of sopranos or mezzos already - that a bummer). And FSU has a very, very good reputation with people in the know. In the end, your voice development will matter a lot more than the name of your school. Look for a good teacher for you (at whatever school).