<p>Hi, I am a freshman in a VP program (I would prefer not to say where) and I am having second thoughts. I auditioned for VP because I have basically no MT experience, and I knew I could get into VP programs. I knew that a major in VP is basically training in an operatic style of singing, but I had never experienced opera, and so I though I wasn't sure if I liked it, I wasn't sure I DIDN'T like it either. So now I am here, and while I am not totally opposed to opera, I can confidently say that I do not feel the same connection to it that I do to the MT style of singing.<br>
Ok, now that I've given the background story, here is my current dilemma. Should I stay with VP (I have read people on these boards saying they wanted to go the VP route because it makes you more versatile) and hope I can somehow direct myself in the direction of an MT after I graduate? Or should I attempt to change to MT (mind you, this may not even be an option, but should I even bother pursuing it)? I have not yet scheduled an appointment with someone from the music school to discuss options because I didn't want to jump the gun (I wanted to give myself time to adjust to the whole new college experience), but I thought I would get some opinions on here first because I know a lot of you guys usually have valuable insight.
Also, all I ever hear about VPs doing is going to Grad school then doing opera. Do any of you know of other paths VP majors have taken (still with music of course)? I really do want to have a career in music, I'm just not sure opera is what I want that to be.</p>
<p>Many people with a major in VP end up doing Broadway. Ex: Kelly O'Hara and Kristian Chenowith. If you have or can get a hold of some Playbills and look at the bio section you will see that many of the performers have degree in many different subject from many different schools, many of them have degree in totaly un musical areas. My S started in MT and switched to VP, but his school allowed for that. You might take your question over to the CC MT forum, for a different view of your situation.</p>
<p>Are you at a school that has a MT emphasis or concentration? This could make the switch a little easier if this is the path your choose to take.</p>
<p>I have known a lot of voice majors over the years. While many still sing in some way or another, most of them either teach voice at the high school level or lower, or have non-musical day jobs and do a variety of musical gigs when they can. </p>
<p>Typical part-time music jobs include being a soloist at a church or temple (I have some friends who sing Jewish services on Friday and Saturday, then sing Christian services on Sunday and the occasional Saturday wedding), get paid very little to do lead roles in short-run shows (one to perhaps five or six performances) put on by small local opera or theatre companies, singing as soloists for a performance or two of a large scale choral work ("The Messiah" more often than not) put on by a community chorus, and similar short-term, one-of-a-kind opportunities. A couple have hit the big time with the Met Opera chorus. One does musical assembly programs held in local elementary schools, most often paid for through PTA funding and some matching funds from a local foundation. A couple are teaching both privately and at the college level and doing freelance work wherever they can find it. Some, particularly younger ones right out of school, work for a year or two doing shows at a theme park. One got a job singing shows on a cruise ship and hated it.</p>
<p>srw, thanks for mentioning Kelli O'Hara, I had never looked into her background before and had no idea she majored in Vocal Performance. That fact does make me feel better.
I guess the big thing that is making me reconsider is I'm not sure if I want to spend 4 years concentrating so heavily on opera, but perhaps it is just something I will have to learn to appreciate more.</p>
<p>The techniques you learn as a classical singer will help you regardless of which direction you go.
Does your school offer different ensembles that you could try out for? One that concentrates on "lighter" fare? Or an a capella group? You might be able to use extra-curricular activites to get the outlet you need.</p>
<p>Probably as an undergraduate your repertory will be more song literature than opera repertory. Stage experience is stage experience, whether in the chorus of an opera or musical, and that will be fine. In vocal performance, you will have the opportunity to expand your awareness of the cultures of various countries, and that is helpful in this very international age. Mainly you want to learn to sing well, protect your voice, be a good musician and musical colleague, get a good general education. Look at summer situations to enhance your musical theater experience. Good luck.</p>