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.
Question Hello,
I was wondering if you could recommend some schools to me with good opera programs. I'm 19 and am currently attending a community college, and have been studying voice for 11 or 12 years. I know that Julliard and Indiana University have outstanding programs. What are some other schools that I can make an option?
Thank you!
Answer Hi Gabby,
There are so many good music schools it's hard to list them but here are some:
In New York you have Juilliard, Manhattan School of Music, Mannes School of Music, Eastman School of Music, CUNY at Stoneybrook and Purchase, Pace University, Columbia, NYU, Bard College of Music- all are excellent. Then you have Boston University and the New England Conservatory of Music,
The Benjamin T. Rome School of Music at Catholic University is excellent. I know Dean Murry Sidlin and Sharon Christman is an excellent voice teacher on faculty there.
In Ohio you have Oberlin, Cleveland Institute of Music, Cincinnati Conservatory and in Indiana, of course, Indiana University.
There is also in PA Westminster, Curtis Institute, Academy of Arts in Philadelphia
All of the California schools - Thornton School of Music UCLA I've heard is good.
Anyway - there are so many - I might suggest that you consider subscribing to the Classical Singers website (www.classicalsinger.com) because they have just updated their university vocal program database - then you can look up almost any school for information.
Of course, money is always an issue - but look at the list and do some research.. then contact the schools and ask about tuition aid.
