Planning to transfer, BM Voice Performance sophomore

<p>Hello,</p>

<p>This is my first post on CC. I am in my second year of Voice Performance studies at a LAC in Florida, and several factors are strongly motivating me to pursue a transfer for the remainder of my undergraduate studies. These include dissatisfaction with the performance level of most of the music students, a conservative and closed-minded social dynamic prevalent on and (especially) off campus, and particularly, the fact that my applied lessons teacher (whom I have LOVED working with & was, imo, best member of the entire faculty) has taken a permanent position out of the country. I am enjoying the school's interim replacement a lot, and aside from that, I receive a full scholarship, which is a big part of why I am there. However, I am cautious of whom my future teacher could be (some iffy existing faculty - replacement could be less than stellar) and I do not want to move to any of the existing teachers' studios.</p>

<p>I am looking primarily at the following schools based on my perceived strength of their voice/opera programs and faculty (in no particular order and of course from an outsider's viewpoint), and also of where I (more or less) would be considered a competitive applicant. I am open to any & all forms of input and advice regarding these and any other schools. Also, if anyone has insight on how typically generous any of these schools' financial aid (both need & merit) situations are, that would be much appreciated!</p>

<p>McGill University Schulich School of Music
Peabody Conservatory
Manhattan School of Music
San Francisco Conservatory of Music
University of Cincinnati CCM
DePaul University
Eastman School of Music</p>

<p>Sorry for my (at least what it feels like) lengthy post.</p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

<p>also if this helps, I am a baritone (closest to lyric right now but don’t know if I’ll settle there or up to a lower tenor fach a gazillion years down the line)</p>

<p>Sorry you are having a tough time at your current school! Financially, you would be better off toughing it out for the next 2 years and targeting schools for your masters. Typically, music schools and non-music schools give their best scholarships to incoming freshman and you are unlikely to receive a full scholarship as a transfer. In addition, it will probably take you an extra semester or year to graduate if you transfer because music schools are notorious for not giving you full credit for music theory sequences, music history classes, etc. Hopefully, you can find a few like minded friends to help you survive the cultural misfit during your remaining time on campus.</p>

<p>If you’re going to make the fach shift to tenor, chances are good that it will come early in grad school. I don’t know what’s happening at some schools, but I am seeing more and more guys who clearly don’t have the “bottom” nor the support for the sound make that leap within a few weeks of beginning graduate school. Hang in there!
I’m not well versed on the $$ at McGill, especially for a US citizen, but I can tell you that financial aid from the other schools on your list, with the exception of DePaul, will be slim to nonexistent. Should you happen to have a voice type they need, and because you’re male, there might be some wiggle room. Sending you a PM.</p>

<p>Mezzo’sMama really knows her stuff. :)</p>

<p>I would hesitate to comment online on anyone’s fach shift. Is that the sort of advice this student is looking for? @Mezzosmama, are you a voice teacher or the parent of a student (or both??)? </p>

<p>@hyperette‌, MM is an accomplished and knowledgeable musician who works in the music industry but she is not going to reveal her identity here. I do know that sometimes the conversation on PM is more detailed and frank than the parallel, more general conversation on the open board, which is maintained for the benefit of others who browse the board or may come by in future seasons seeking information. </p>

<p>I assume, perhaps incorrectly, that she has never met or heard this student. I shudder to think what advice she gives a student via a PM. Then again, I am just an accomplished and knowledgeable voice teacher. I don’t want to get in any sort of qualifications match…but I just do not consider arbitrary comments on fach development appropriate especially considering the fact that she does not know this student and none of us know her qualifications. This is not the the insight from someone who “knows her stuff.” Just my .02 and with that I will move on.</p>

<p>I am going to agree with glasshrmonica on this. Hyperette I think you are being very harsh and hurtful!!! MM has helped myself in many ways this past year with my son who is a vocalist studying for his masters. I don’t know where we would be today if it was not for her vast knowledge of the field, teachers and schools. I am forever thankful to her because of all that she has done for us. You do not have to be a “vocal teacher” to know how to direct student and parents in their search and their questioning of various topics. WIth that being said MM does “know her stuff” and is I consider her to be my go to if I ever have any questions or concerns. I trust her insight and will go to her in a heart beat if anything else would ever arise. Mezzo’s Mama thanks again for everything!!!</p>

<p>Well said @momoftenor! I couldn’t agree more. There are a handful of people on here who I would contact for advice and @Mezzo’sMama is one of them. Not sure what I would have done without her this past spring when my son was making decisions about where to go this fall. </p>