| Going back the original poster's comment "s is interested in mt and classical opera". I think that's what originally drove the original MT/opera comment. Yes, there are schools where kids are encouraged (or required) to cross over between MT and classical. OCU is one, as is BW. Probably most of the BM based programs. There are others where it would not be allowed. Not to say that everyone has to have classical chops to do MT, but if a student has the pre-college training, and the desire, then that should certainly be one of their criteria in college selection.
And, I agree with soozievt that programs have different curricula and philosophies, which don't make them wrong - just better "fits" for some kids.
That said, especially when you go beyond the schools most talked about on this list, there can certainly be a wide diversity in the amount of vocal training included in the program. When ocuMTinfo said
"I know of a couple of friends at other MT schools who learn 5 songs each semester for their rep. They choose whatever they want and it's all MT music." I totally believe that can occur, and that is the kind of kid that I was referring to - if they don't have the knowlege, exposure, etc. to a wide variety of MT material from all eras, and they don't have a ton of guidance in song selection, they can end up limiting themselves.
Vocaldad - JRB really seems to resonate with young performers, because as a contemporary guy, he is speaking more "in their voice". And, I agree, many of his songs are fabulous for their acting potential. I think the men's material is possibly not as overdone as the ladies', but if I were you, I think I may still try to find a different college audition song, OR at least make sure you find something much, much, MUCH earlier to balance it. Using for other auditions, I think he's fine. |