<p>Hi,</p>
<p>I was wondering if anyone knew of any REALLY music programs that are all or mainly undergrad students. I am looking for a school that will allow me to get some roles under my belt before I go to grad school. I am at that sort of school now but the music department is on a steady decline and I feel like I must transfer if I want to keep moving up.</p>
<p>If you want to transfer because your teacher is not the best fit, or if the program is truly in disarray, that’s one thing, but to transfer to get full roles, no. You may also lose credits and even a full year, so keep that in mind.
There is a reason why “Roles” are not given to undergrads- their voices are not ready for them and it’s far better to get good, solid training in art song, bel canto based programs. And, you don’t need to have full roles on your grad school apps nor are you expected to have performed them.Nor, in fact, are summer programs necessary; nice, yes, strictly a requirement, no.
I’ve said this dozens of times, but I can’t stress enough that the voice is a “living instrument” and if damaged, not easily repaired. You can’t get your sound post reset or use a welding torch to put the tubing back together… you get the picture. Opera singers have years ahead of them and long careers, IF they are careful and treat “the voice” as an entity that is fragile.
With the notable exception of Oberlin, which is all undergrad except for the few, 5th year grad students they have from those who stay on from the undergrad year, you won’t land big roles as an undergrad. Chorus perhaps as an upperclassman, or something in opera scenes; as a guy, you might stand a better chance at a small role as an upperclassmen at a good school though! Take your time, you have plenty of it, and keep safe…</p>