Which program for summer classical voice before senior year?

College Majors Music Major
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<p>It is the summer before my senior year, and I am looking at my summer program options for voice. </p>

<p>I have been accepted to the Interlochen program, and they gave me an extension on my decision because I had not received all of my admissions decisions when they accepted me. Both my voice and piano teacher were excited about the acceptance, and they have connections with people in the program. My mom doesn't want me to be away for 6 weeks the summer before senior year. For those unaware, Interlochen has gotten rid of their VSS program, and has combined their two programs for a six week experience with intensive private study closely resembling Tanglewood's program. If I attend, I would miss out on a trip I take every year to California with a group of friends (which is okay because I'll take the trip next year), and I also would not be able to take PE for graduation over the summer (I could take a 2 week summer course or a semester long course during the year. Because of special circumstances, I have an entire PE credit to fulfill in order to graduate. My principal might waive my second semester anyways, and I get eight classes so it isn't a schedule issue. I just hate PE!) I dislike nature, and the uniforms aren't my thing, but I think I could get over that and the whole experience will be great for me. I believe I could grow a lot as a musician and person here. I feel some pressure from my music teachers to attend. I might feel guilty if I don't, and would love insight on Interlochen's summer programs. </p>

<p>I have been accepted to NYU's classical voice intensive. The program is 3 weeks long in NYU dorms with NYU faculty. This is the first year of their program, and I was very excited about it considering I love the city, but I have reservations about NYU's overall reputation as a classical school. My piano teacher doubts I'll make the kinds of connections there that I would at Interlochen. </p>

<p>I was waitlisted at BUTI, which was a bummer. I did kind of just throw my tape together by using iMovie to rip the audio off of my Interlochen video which was not recorded with an external mic, so the sound wasn't great. I also put my songs in the opposite order of my other auditions. I had reservations about BUTI anyways because of the grad student teachers. I am still on the waitlist, and we'll see what happens, but at this point I kind of feel like even if I get taken off of the list, I'd go with Interlochen. I don't want to be a second choice, I guess. </p>

<p>I am assuming I've been waitlisted or rejected from Oberlin because I know some other people have already received decisions while I have not. Last year I had a pretty good spot on the waitlist, so we were optimistic about acceptance for this year, but I guess not. I did make a mistake in the application process here. Plus I already have two pretty good options for my summer. The short length of the program would be a downside for me because I like being away from home and making close friends while away. </p>

<p>Sorry for the long-winded thoughts! I always do this :) I'm really just asking for insight as to what would be most productive before my senior year when I'll be applying for vocal performance programs. If anyone has opinions on Interlochen and/or NYU that might help me make my final decision, please let me know! I have to decide this week because my Interlochen extension ends Thursday.</p>

<p>Thank you!</p>

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<p>Interlochen was a wonderful experience for my D, she received good training there and made good connections. She did both summer and one school year there, and that opened lots of doors for her. Being in the woods with hundreds of talented high school artists can be motivating and inspiring. If you don’t mind missing the family outings, Interlochen is a great choice!</p>

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<p>ImThinking, when you say that you like being away from home and making close friends while away, it reminds me of my experience at Interlochen 30 years ago! I had a great family life, but I loved going new places and meeting new people, so I jumped at the chance to go. I have no idea what the experience is like now, but I attended two summers when it was the 8-week program, then worked there 4 summers after that, and my best friend to this day is a cabinmate from that very first year. I am in touch with other friends still, too. One thing that enriches the experience is that you are living with not just voice majors, but also theater majors, visual artists, percussionists, dancers, etc. </p>

<p>This is just nostalgic two-cents from an instrumentalist who did not study music in college. I am sure you will figure out what is truly the right choice for your summer!</p>

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<p>Bumping this thread, hoping a few more vocalists can give ImThinking some insight on these two programs!</p>

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<p>I sent you a pm.</p>

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<p>Longtime lurker here, first time poster…my D went to the University of Denver/Lamont School of Music Vocal Artist program last summer and learned a lot. It’s a rather new program, but the faculty members are fantastic and the facilities first rate. It might not be quite as high quality as some of the other institutions, but the experience was wonderful for her as she was only finishing her sophomore year in 2011 and just started seriously studying voice. She received a lot of attention and grew tremendously within the two weeks. You might want to check that out, even if it’s past the deadline. She also went to the MPulse (U of M) program, and enjoyed her lessons with her teacher (Martha S) and learned a lot in the chorus-the final concert was amazing. This year, she applied to Oberlin and Westminster, got into both, and accepted the Oberlin position on the spot. It is well-known in the industry is that Oberlin is turning out major opera stars-the level is astounding, and the summer program is a good screening for potential Obies. NYC is great, but I wouldn’t choose it over the chance to study with those phenomenal teachers. If you are wait-listed, I would advise that you find out what your possibilities are and wait a little longer, if possible. I went to BUTI as a Tanglewood Fellow (in college) and adored my two summers there. The HS program is fantastic, and a friend’s soprano daughter went last summer and loved it. Interlochen is great, and my advice is that you should probably go to a music festival to help prepare for your auditions next year, and take the trip next year when you know where you’re going to college.</p>

<p>All advice that I’ve written is worth every cent that you paid…$0.00…LOL! Just my opinion, but I’ve worked as a professional musician for 30 years, know a lot of people and ask questions constantly. Best of luck to you!!!</p>

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<p>I had to make my decision last week because my extension was up for Interlochen. I did decide to confirm my attendance there. I am looking forward to my experience, and it will be unlike anything I’ve ever done in a lot of ways. I don’t think I’ll regret this!</p>

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<p>I don’t think that you will regret this at all-congratulations! Interlochen is a very special place, and you will learn a lot and have a wonderful time. Good luck to you!</p>