<p>Hello, I'm new to the boards, and I was looking to start retrieving some information. I am a high school sophomore, but am trying to start planning now. I was trying to find some information about California vocal programs, specifically in the UC's and CSU's. I was courious to hear what you all thought about the different UC and CSU's vocal programs. Any information would be great. Thank you.</p>
<p>baritonebass, welcome. These two threads contained most of the titled threads on California/west coast discussions.</p>
<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/766215-good-music-universities-california.html?highlight=California[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/766215-good-music-universities-california.html?highlight=California</a>
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/879269-uc-irvine.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/879269-uc-irvine.html</a></p>
<p>There may well be more info buried in posts within other threads that don’t show up there.</p>
<p>I’ve outlined some of the tricks I use in searching here <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/892168-search-tips-other-insights.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/892168-search-tips-other-insights.html</a> It may be useful, it may put you to sleep.</p>
<p>One of the things that will probably help is if you indicate what aspect of a ‘vocal program’ you’re most interested in: choral, classical, musical theater, music education, etc. Two CA schools I’ve seen mentioned here a number of times are UCI and CSLB, albeit for very different reasons. Two lesser posted schools are UCSB and SDSU. I also understand (from other sources) that CSUSacramento has a pretty good performance program that is leans toward musical theater somewhat. I’m sure there are others that will be more helpful to you than I, particularly if you can clarify your intentions or current leanings. Best of luck :)</p>
<p>Edit: there are a number of strong private institutions, but I kept my response to UC/CSU as your original post specified.</p>
<p>Baritone,I sent you a PM on a teacher at a UC. As far as voice goes right now, UCLA has the strongest program in California right now. It is however, VERY small and select. I think they have it capped at 35 (grad and undergrad). However,I think this last year there were well under 30. Out of that small group, this year alone they had one MM student at the MET finals, one accepted to the 3 year Domingo Thornton program at LA Opera and one senior accepted to the Curtis MM program. Since the program is small, there are plenty of opportunities to perform, if you have got what it takes. (they generally accept 12 students out of 350 applicants per year)
All three teachers there are producing strong, healthy singers.</p>
<p>One very important thing to consider is the teacher. Teacher first then the school even if it is a “lesser” school. Many VP students have gone to a big name school had a poor match of teacher and had tons of work to do later in an MM program to get the bugs worked out of their voice before they could even consider auditioning and working. Go over to The New Forum for Classical Voice and do some searches for voice teachers in Calif.</p>
<p>Especially if your grades and test scores are good, don’t discount Chapman. They have excellent scholarship opportunities for both academics and music, and the two awards can be combined. So, the whole cost will likely be lower than UC’s after your scholarships. Also, Long Beach State has a strong program, with scholarship $. If you apply to either one, your chances of acceptance seem to be greater the earlier you audition. I suggest you visit and have lessons with a variety of teachers. Good luck!</p>
<p>Ditto on what sopranomom92 said^. ESPECIALLY auditioning early for Cal State programs!!!</p>