Hello…My D is looking at Classical / Opera Voice Summer Programs. She is a Junior in HS. Any suggestions? (Her plans are to apply to conservatories in the fall for voice.)
Also, advice on --should one attend a summer voice program with plans to apply to the same school in the fall? What are some Pros / cons ? Thank you!
I looked into this last summer for my S18. We steered clear of the longer programs due to cost. He ended up doing a 10 day voice program at U of Miami-Frost School of Music, which was great because it gave him a good intro into what it would be like to study voice in college, and convinced him that he wanted to do it. My son had only started studying voice in earnest one year before that and had never been to a summer program before. If your child is more seasoned she may appreciate a longer program.
I don’t know if going to the Frost program helped him get admitted, but it definitely put Frost at the top of his list because he had such a great experience.
My daughter did Tanglewood (BUTI) last summer and loved it, but the application deadline has passed. Ditto Brevard, which a friend of hers did and loved.The Schmidt Vocal Institute in OH which a different friend did and enjoyed is still accepting applications. Baldwin Wallace also has a summer opera program, which a trusted source said went well last summer.
It’s possible BUTI or Brevard might accept a late application, it couldn’t hurt to call, but it’s not guaranteed, of course.
My daughter attended a summer academy at the Lamont School of Music at the University of Denver and really got a lot out of it. The audition deadline is March 15.
NYU has a 2 week program through Steinhardt
At this late date I second @NYCMusicDad ‘s suggestion of the Schmidt Vocal Institute at Miami University (if they are still accepting applications)! Excellent faculty… my D didn’t do it, but has experience with some of the faculty and I’d say it’s a great opportunity. Also, consider looking at Oklahoma City University’s Vocal Arts portion of their summer program (2 weeks, incredible faculty, plus dance, theory and scenes work). My D DID do this, and I can’t say enough about the program.
To your question about attending a summer program where you hope to attend college, I’d say it’s very helpful, but not necessary or a sure thing (and honestly, not super possible at this late date). It’s not so much that it helps you get admitted (although it can), it’s that the student and faculty have a chance to try each other on for size. Just be sure that College vocal teachers/ directors, etc., actually teach at the summer program. Also, the college level preparation can help a lot, and can also solidify and/or change a student’s college goals.
D applied to Oberlin vocal academy for the summer before auditioning and had a wonderful experience and ended up as her first choice during applications. She was able to get classes w/ the whole faculty which gave her an advantage of which studio teacher she preferred if admitted. She is presently a freshman at Oberlin.
^^ My D also did Oberlin’s Vocal Academy the summer before Sr year and it was a great experience. Ditto what coloraturadad said about faculty exposure. Made some good friends, too. Well-run program.
Thanks for all of the tips and advice-greatly appreciated!