My D is currently a junior and is starting to make her list for graduate programs in Opera. Does anyone have a list or recommendation of good voice teachers/coaches for a mezzo. She is open to anywhere in the country so if there is a good teacher at a certain university/conservatory with a great Opera program she would love to have them on her list. Thanks in advance
This is something she should discuss with her current teacher who would know what she needs for continued growth. Some teachers are great for particular students, but it is difficult to generalize.
1 Like
Of course this conversation is going on but always good to crowdsource the knowledge of this group for other people. She fully intends to visit all the potential schools but it is better to go in with good professors with mezzos instead of pure random visits.
Your D could trace the bios of younger mezzos she admires - either those she knew at her present school from classes above her or those she has heard elsewhere. If she likes the product, then maybe their teacher could be a match. A good place to start is following the singers who have advanced in the Met Laffont competition recently. You can find out more on their competition Facebook page.
It’s different “game” for MM admission. By the time they are applying, unless they are really lacking in technique, the next step is highly individual. My D needed to work on her highest range as well as being in the moment. Some need to work on breath support. Or low range. Some need better cut. Or pitch control. Some have technical issues that need correction. Some need discipline. And all approaches do not work for every student. My D describes it as “singer language”. She can understand some teachers and others just don’t penetrate : she cannot comprehend what they ask, as if they are speaking a different language, but these teachers produce some phenomenal singers. So this is why I feel making a specific recommendation is really impossible at this level.
P.S. Studios do tend to produce a sound, though, and you may not like it. There were well regarded studios that my D had zero interest in because she didn’t like the product. So listen to the students coming out of a studio to get an idea if this what you want to become…
PPS Has your D done any competitions? That is a great way to asses her level AND get free feedback from voice professors all over the country. Classical Singer is one I would recommend. They give written signed feedback which was very constructive to help my D figure out what she needed to complete her package.
1 Like
Sound is never discussed enough for vocalists…lol. My D was told by her UG teacher not to attend a certain school bc she didn’t like the “sound” coming out of that school.
My D worked closely with her UG teacher and friends. Since the school had a grad program, she could get feedback from grad students too.
I know the teacher is important but @songbirdmama brings up a good point. To narrow the field a bit, she could look at the grad program as a whole. What do they sound like, how many/what type of operas have they done, and then what teachers are available…and narrow down the field from there.
As important as the teacher is (and the teacher is VERY important), the program matters too. You need to start building that resume!!
Good luck!
2 Likes
sent a pm…