<p>Hello music forum members! I am a college graduate with a BA in French looking to go back to school to earn a BM in Vocal Performance, focusing on classical and operatic repertoire and perhaps pedagogy as well. I am seeking advice on where to apply based on academic rigor, reputation, quality of faculty, and financial aid packages available to post-bac students like myself.</p>
<p>I am a late-blooming lyric soprano with a lot of talent and a dogged work ethic. However, I cannot afford most college programs on my own, and because I have already earned an undergraduate degree I am disqualified from receiving federal aid. Can anyone suggest any university or conservatory programs that are fit for serious students of voice and that provide good financial aid packages for their undergrads, including post-bac students?</p>
<p>Here are the programs I am currently considering, based on A) location (I am an AZ resident), and B) connections to current faculty/alums:</p>
<p>Northern Arizona University
Arizona State University
Boston University
Shenandoah Conservatory
University of Washington</p>
<p>It might also be relevant to mention that I am 29 years old (a VERY late start, especially for a soprano), but my voice is quite bright and clear, and I look much younger than I actually am. My goal is to become a recital performer and work in regional opera productions, then to become a private voice teacher. I would like to focus on the performance aspect before I start moving into music education. </p>
<p>Thank you!!</p>
<p>How much voice training do you have and are you currently working with a good voice teacher? What type of performance experience have you had?
Unfortunately, your age is going to really impede you at this point, because there are thousands of lyric sopranos trying for spots and auditions. If you had said that you were a budding Wagnerian soprano, that would be an entirely different ball game, but you’re going to be up against singers who have had 14-15 years of training by the time they are your age. Schools often rule out taking on older voice students because 1) They usually come with a train load of bead habits which become more ingrained with age. 2) Competitions have age limits 3) YAPs have age limits, even if they don’t put it in print. I do, however, know of several age 25-29 year old students who were/are accepted into programs, but they are all at conservatories and that is very expensive.
If you do have quite a bit of voice training under your belt, consider going for your Master’s in VP- you’d have to take a number of remedial courses ( theory and music history sequences, Italian, German and diction in those plus French and English), but that can be done. Keep in mind that sopranos are the lifeblood (cash cow?!) of performance programs and the top schools can have several hundred girls auditioning for the open spots so it’s a matter for finding the right school for you.
No one is going to hire you as a recital singer- that’s just not going to happen. A name and reputation is needed to fill those seats, but there is no reason why, if you have a good voice, you can’t be hired to sing, the soprano soloist in oratorios, but even the regional houses now have their own YAPs and may receive 1500 requests for auditions.
You’d like to teach voice- at what level? Obviously credentials, i.e. degree(s) help lend credibility for those establishing studios to teach out of their homes or community music schools, and at least a Master’s is needed for college/university positions.
Since you have a degree in French, have you considered working as a diction coach in opera houses? They are needed, so it’s something to think about.
Good VP programs are expensive and you’re well aware of the financial aid “rock and a hard place” situation that you’re in. Since you live in Arizona, do check out your state schools as they’d give you the best financial aid package and they’re a less expensive option to begin with.</p>
<p>I’m sending you a PM, so please check your box!</p>