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I don't know a thing about voice - my comments are more general in nature. From reading these boards, I have realized there is a great deal of variation in what kind of voice program to choose. I have always thought of most of the conservatories as "opera" schools for voice. But now I know there are choir schools, jazz schools, musical theater schools, etc. It sounds to me like your S prefers more of a soloist focus? Does he want to sing opera? Does he want to be a pop star? Nightclub singer?
I know that singer's "instruments" mature later, and grad school study is common. Maybe solo parts in operas often go to the older students for this reason. Perhaps if your S can finish his degree there, and spend the time figuring out exactly what kind of vocal music he wants to do, then he can choose a more fulfilling graduate program.
I am curious if he has taken his concerns to his teacher, and what the teacher says about it. It does sound like your S is talented - admission to three good programs. Your comments about CCM surprise me, because, as you say, they have a great reputation, and it doesn't seem like that would come by ignoring the students. How is their placement in grad schools and jobs for vocalists?
Are the other students equally frustrated? Is it possible that, after getting such accolades early on, your S is having a hard time being one of a group of good singers, as opposed to the best? That seems to happen often to bright students who end up at selective schools, and suddenly are middle of the pack (or less.) (No offense intended, just brainstorming.)
My S, who is an instrumentalist, creates a lot of his own performance ops by actively seeking out gigs. He has not played a single solo at school in his 3+ years there, except at Master Classes and such. He gets those at summer programs, local churches, and things of his own design. I wonder if there are voice programs out there who have lots of solo ops for undergrads/ underclassmen?
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