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 got started in music a bit late (I'm 18 and have been singing for 2 months
now) and my teacher, who I've heard great things about, is very excited about
my voice. She has said a few times that she thinks that I may have a world
class voice, though I'm trying not to get ahead of myself. She believes I may
be a coloratura soprano, but hasn't been too quick to classify it just yet. I've
heard that sopranos have the hardest time breaking through the pack, and
I'm worried about my transfer options. I'd like to transfer as a junior, as I
started singing after graduating from high school, and it seems a little too
soon to go out for an audition.
I'm just wondering what are my chances of getting onto a big name school
like Juilliard, Curtis, the Manhattan School, Eastman, etc.? I know without
hearing my voice it's a bit impossible to tell for sure, but what are the levels
required for admission, and will being a soprano make it even more
stringent? I'd like to my hopes realistic.
Will being a transfer student hurt me, or could it even benefit me?
I like in San Francisco, and I haven't really heard too much about the San
Francisco Conservatory. How does it rank against leading institutions?
Are there any great schools of music in my area? I've heard bits about
Stanford, but no real information on how they rank in quality. What other
leading conservatories are there to consider?
Thanks for your help!
Sarah
Answer Hi Sarah,
If you really have a world class voice you have a good shot at getting in almost any school. Of course, the competition among sopranos is intense - but if you are good then you have a good shot!
I think it's a good idea to transfer - and no, that should not hurt you. Although some of the major music schools may or may not accept some of your credits - but you can talk to them about that.
As for schools - clearly Juilliard, Manhattan School of Music, Mannes, in NYC are great. As is Curtis, New England Conservatory, Indiana, USC Thornton School of Music are just a few. I would suggest you go to classicalsinger.com and click on the left "University Vocal Programs". They just did a nationwide survey of the music schools and there is some great data you will find there. Also - each of these schools have a website and they all have the audition requirements and most have the course curriculum listed.
USC Thornton has some excellent singers/teachers listed: Elizabeth Hynes sang leads with me at NY City Opera; Gary Glaze sang at NYCO as well and was a visiting artist at Stetson University where I went to school. So perhaps that's a good place to start!
Obviously, Manhattan School of Music is my alma mater and it's a great school with a lot of really good voice teachers.
So - just work with your current teacher and prepare your audition materials - really, if you have a beautiful voice, excellent musicality, and are a good performer - they will see that.
