<p>To Current Syracuse MT Students</p>
<p>My voice teacher has talked to me about how Syracuse has a more classical, operatic philosophy when it comes to vocal training. She has cautioned me not to go to Syracuse because they will make you sound too “classically trained” or “opera trained.” Is there any merit to this? I know that when I auditioned they wanted me to sound more open with more rounded vowels and I thought this went along with my voice teacher’s description. </p>
<p>Any thoughts? I am very interested in the Syracuse program</p>
<p>I have never heard that comment about SU before, and I can’t say I agree with your teacher’s assessment. I have seen many productions there, and few of the singers sounded overly “classically trained” – if you mean that in a negative sense. </p>
<p>My D graduated from SU last spring, and I can tell you that her vocal instructors did focus on proper technique and healthy singing; D is a mezzo belter, and needed improvement in her upper register, which she did get.
But she also improved her mix, and increased her belt range. And right now she’s working on a cruise ship, singing mostly rock tunes! She sings in a healthy way, has had no vocal problems – and most definitely does not sound like an opera singer. Neither do most of her classmates – most of whom have been working pretty regularly since graduating last year.</p>
<p>In addition, Syracuse offers the Tepper Semester during senior year, where students live and study in NYC with professionals who are very active in the industry. My D’s NY voice teacher has extensive B’way experience, and was very helpful in fine-tuning the training she received on campus.</p>
<p>If you have any specific questions about the program at SU, feel free to send me a PM – it’s a great school and a wonderful program.</p>
<p>Thanks for the info! That sounds wonderful! I just hope I get accepted…</p>
<p>Thank you onstage! It’s comforting to know that their vocal training focuses on healthy singing.</p>
<p>My name is Tyler and I am currently a freshmen at Syracuse University, department of drama.</p>
<p>I must speak very highly of the quality of voice training given at Syracuse University. It is true that the basis of the training, especially in your first year, is classically based. This however is not in an attempt to get you to sound like an opera singer. It gives you a foundation in healthy singing so you can move on to work with your mix and belt voices without destroying your voice. Your first semester: part of the musical theatre class is voice health and pedagogy, they explain how the voice works, why they train you the way they do, and what the proper methods are for handling illness and minor voice dysfunctions.</p>
<p>The notion that the program trains you to have a ‘sound’ is inaccurate. The teachers assess each voice and train them to be healthy and technically sound instruments.
The kind of training you get often depends on your teacher.
The Department of Drama has their own voice faculty but also will allow students to study with professors from the school of music. All of these teachers are very gifted and good at what they do, and they all have a proven track record of successful students graduating from their studios and getting work. </p>
<p>I urge you to not believe that SU pushes their students to have one ‘sound’. I do urge you to go into the program with an open mind and if you think things are not working with a teacher, talk with them, ask questions and gain clarity. Everyone is here to help in the department, everyone wants you to succeed. If you feel like your teacher teaches in a way that is difficulty for you to understand that is perfectly legitimate and there are ways to switch and fix the situation. </p>
<p>Again, I cannot speak highly enough on the quality of vocal training given to Drama students at SU. Our graduates go on to have marvelous careers and more importantly long-lasting healthy instruments.</p>
<p>If you have any questions I would love to help in any way I can!</p>
<p>Thanks,
Ty</p>