AboutPamela Thomas Expertise Questions on Opera performance, repertoire, vocal technique, acting for opera. I have some 20 years experience in opera in both leading roles and chorus. I have sung with New York City Opera since 1981. I have studied voice in NYC for over 20 years and have also taught technique and coached singers in acting.
I am a senior in college pursuing a degree in Vocal Performance. I attend a small college and have only some experience in staged opera (4-5 shows, compramario, chorus) and am trying to figure out the best place to go to Graduate school. Because I am a Baritone, are there any traditional schools that are known for producing good singers of my fach? Or will my small college name and limited experience prevent me from getting in to a great, well-known program? Also, do you have any insight on the possibilities of entering graduate school in Europe?
Thanks again,
Luke
Answer Hi Luke,
There are really so many great schools with excellent graduate programs. If you go to www.classicalsinger.com and click on "university vocal programs" you can see a pretty full list of schools across the country with information on their programs. Also - each school has a website. You don't say where you are now or where you would like to go - but there are excellent schools in all parts of the US. In NY, of course, Manhattan School of Music, Juilliard, Mannes, and many more. Indiana University, Oberlin, Benjamin T. Rome School of Music at Catholic University, USC in California, North Carolina School of the Arts, New England Conservatory, Peabody, so many more.
So you really have a lot of good schools to look at. What does your teacher say? If there is an opera coach in your city who is working professionally - perhaps you could sing for him/her and get their feedback.
I believe that when you audition the schools will focus on your voice, musicianship, how you perform/interpret your pieces. So, if you sing well and are really prepared for your audition, you should have a good shot anywhere.
