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.
Expert: Pamela Thomas Date: 7/6/2008 Subject: pre-college choices for Voice
Question Hello, Ms. Thomas,
My daughter, age 16 was accepted into both Manhattan and Mannes Schools of Music. The teacher at Mannes would be Ms. Lois Winter. At Manhattan it would be Ms. Jane Olian. We are confused by the mixed messages we are receiving from various people who are involved in music at varying levels. Hoping you can offer input as to which school is a better all around package. Thanks for your time. Sincerely, June
Answer Hi June,
That's great that your daughter was accepted at both schools! It might be good for me to know what mixed messages you are getting from people.
I would say this: both are excellent schools with good pre-college programs. (Is that where she was accepted? Or was she accepted early to the college level?) I actually know Jane Olian from my years at Manhattan. I don't actually know how good a teacher she is since we've been out of touch for so long - but she's a nice person and what very knowledgeable about voice and sang well when I knew her. We both studied with Ellen Faull (a wonderful teacher and great lyric soprano) when we were there (in the 1970's).
I've heard from other friends that Lois Winter is an excellent teacher as well... my friend had sung with her and was highly complimentary of her as well - as a person and a teacher.
Since Mannes is smaller than MSM your daughter might get more opportunity at Mannes - but competition is tough at all the top schools.
I think both schools are good - Manhattan is maybe thought of as more prestigious - but competition there is tougher, I think, than at Mannes. Both certainly have excellent teachers. The Mannes Opera department is run by Joe Colenari - who conducts at the MET and was the chorus master at New York City Opera while I was there (and he was also the interim music director there as well). Joe is excellent and knows opera! And I know most of the opera coaches there as well - all have worked at NYCO and all are excellent. George Mannahan (music director of NYCO now) graduated from MSM.
Pending any specific questions you have about conflicting advice I would say that if your daughter is going to the schools for pre-college she will probably be fine at either school - so she should go where she feels most comfortable. Go with her gut feeling.. would be great if she could take a lesson from both teachers to get a feel from them - how do they communicate? does she like them? are they positive? She could always switch to the other school if she doesn't like the one she picks. And when she's ready to move to the college level she can audition for both again - plus other great music schools (Juilliard, Ob erlin, Indiana, etc.
I hope this helps - let me know if you have any specifics you want to share,
