Expert: Pamela Thomas - 9/25/2008

Question
Hi Pamela,
I am currently in the process of applying to graduate programs for opera, and I was wondering if you could help me out.  I've already started looking into Manhattan School of Music, Mannes, Rice, USC, CCM, and Boulder. Could you give me some other good suggestions?  Also, how do all of these rank against each other? I went to Washington University in St. Louis for undergrad, so I would really like to go to grad program that is better recognized, but will also give me a lot of performance opportunities (i.e. not a factory like Indiana University). I really have no interest in teaching, mostly because I don't think I would be very good at it, so I'm thinking that I should probably apply more to conservatories. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you,

Tasha Nicholson

Answer
Hi Tasha,

Sorry for the delay in answering.

It looks like you have listed some excellent schools.  In NYC you might also check out Juilliard, of course.  I don't know the programs well enough to compare and contrast but you should check out www.classicalsinger.com (it does cost to become a member but they have just completed a survey on music schools and they have lots of great data about the programs.  They also list auditions from all over the US and have terrific articles for singers about the "business".  You should also consider joining Opera America (www.operaamerica.org) - they are an opera service organization and they also have seminars for singers.  They have a student membership which is less.  But I heard a terrific talk by Anne Choe last week (she spoke to the opera students at Manhattan School of Music) and she gave some great advice.  I really like Manhattan School of Music (I'm actually there now picking up the few credits I had to get my Masters).  They have a number of excellent teachers, and the opera program is excellent.  They really seem to care about the students.  However, the competition is tough (90 Masters vocal candidates) - but they do their best to provide performance experience for everyone...

You might check out Benjamin T. Rome School of Music at Catholic University.  It is an excellent school (Dean Murry Sidlin is not only an amazing educator but also a working conductor - so he knows the "real" world.)  

But look at the university/music programs at classicalsinger.com.

By the way - you don't say if you are a soprano or mezzo... obviously competition is very tough for sopranos - but you should go for it!  Also - don't discount teaching.. perhaps you could take a course or two and see if you can feel more comfortable... you will need a way to make a living after grad school while you pursue your singing career.. you'll need to continue lessons, coachings, acting ect. and teaching might be a good way to bridge that time.

I hope this helps - but join classical singer and opera america - both offer terrific learning experiences for young singers.

All the best,

Pamela