<p>In trying to make a final decision we are running into a lot of people commenting that Indiana University is a much better choice for graduate school rather than undergrad. Two issues seem to be at hand -- the sheer size of the program, and a lack of performance opportunities for undergraduates. In fact, during a prospective lesson with an IU professor we were told that the undergraduate "might be able to carry a spear" in an opera.</p>
<p>I am particularly interested in first hand information. What has been your undergraduate experience at IU? If there has been a lack of performance opportunities, how has it affected your motivation within the program?</p>
<p>No direct experience here, but son (accepted at IU for entering '08) chose not to attend for that reason–that grad students are the focus, per advice given to him from his voice teacher, who knows the program well; I’m not sure why he even applied, except to see if he could get in and thus assure himself he had some potential). Son looked specifically at what undergrads are allowed to audition for at his other acceptances. At NU, where he’s now a sophomore, freshmen and sophomores may audition for opera chorus but not for leads (this may be a fairly new guideline, as the opera program saw a very welcome change in leadership in 2008, with Jay Lesenger now heading the program). Leads are taken by upperclassmen and grad students. On the other hand, son has a friend at a prominent NYC conservatory where no undergrad may audition for an opera (except for exceptions…). It’s frustrating for said friend, but I’m guessing some would say that’s better for the young voice.</p>
<p>And, on the third hand (!), son chose not to attend a smaller, mostly undergrad program because he actually liked the thought of having grad students around. He’s been lucky enough to sing with grad students in choruses and in a concert, and he appreciates that experience.</p>
<p>I’d take the IU professor’s comment seriously. But it’s possible being able to secure a particular voice teacher might win out over the lack of stage experience. (But that doesn’t always work out either! Son’s NYC friend is on his third voice teacher.) Sorry I have no direct experience with IU, as I know that’s what you are looking for. Kudos for the acceptance, though.</p>
<p>For guys, spear-carrying is a remote possibility after a year or two, for girls, don’t even think about it. Even for grad students, one part/year is what can be hoped for as older, semi-professional performers are often brought in for the main roles (an exception was one of the Lucias this year, but when the other fell ill, a Met performer was brought in- great for the audience, lousy for the cover…)
There is a lot of info about IU over on the New Forum for Classical Singers, from current and past students. You may want to check that out. PM me if you want to talk more.</p>
<p>We found the same issue with my d, an instrumentalist, which is why she chose to not go there. It was very important to her to have the opportunity to perform in large orchestras and concert bands as well as chamber groups. After her audition we spoke to many people about the opportunity available to perform (undergrad and grad students). We were told the same thing…not very many opportunities for an undergrad (especially when we told them flute) to perform in orchestras and concert bands…but probably the marching band. (not what this performance major wanted to here!) We are IU grads. While it was the right decision for our d, it was the hard for us to hear her say no to IU. We know she is in the right place now, with her first choice professor. And she plays in orchestra and bands all afternoon.<br>
My advise is to ask the studio. See how many undergrads have been in the opera this year…and the part they were given!<br>
Wishing you the best…and I hope you find the right fit.</p>
<p>D was accepted as an undergrad and decided not to go there for a lot of reasons, the size of the program and the scarce performance opportunities being two of them. I still think that it is a fabulous opportunity for the right undergrad —someone who is a great sense of direction, someone good at networking and a really hard worker (well that last point applies everywhere). That opera house in Jacobs is HUGE. It takes a big, mature voice to fill that hall.</p>
<p>" That opera house in Jacobs is HUGE. It takes a big, mature voice to fill that hall. "
(sorry, I still can’t work the quotes feature! help, please!)
THAT’S why they often bring in those much older post-grads and pros to sing! While the young lady, first year grad student, who did Lucia had a lovely voice, she was hard to hear in there, which is what’s to be expected of someone that young. The school does put on beautiful productions and you can visit their web site and see clips as well as read cast bios for the year. That will give you some first-hand info also,Keppler.</p>
<p>Please may I have more information on the undergraduate strings program and the experience of string players at Jacobs, particularly regarding performing opportunities and prospects on further studies and career?</p>
<p>The cast bios of Jacobs productions are all online, I think you would get some idea from combing through them on the degree of participation. Just looking through the recent production of Puccini’s La Rondine, it seems to me that yes, the big roles mostly go to doctoral or masters students but there are also a few undergrads doing smaller roles. I guess out of the total number of undergrads at IU that’s probably not a big percentage at all but it also means that it’s not totally out of the question for undergrads to be cast.</p>
<p>The productions are also generally streamed live at the school’s streaming website. Certain past productions are also available on demand, and I think it’s worth taking a look if you’re interested.</p>
<p>[IU</a> MUSIC Live! from the Jacobs School of Music](<a href=“Home”>Home)</p>
<p>Mezzo’s Mamma, here’s how you quote.
Before the words you want in the quote, type lower case bracket [ and the word quote (no spaces) and close with the lower case square bracket ] . Now, at the end of the words you type, you’ll want another lower case bracket [ a slash/ the word quote, no spaces, closing bracket ]. If you for any reason leave a space in, it will not work - it must be exact. Hope that helps ;)</p>