Countertenor shopping for colleges

Musicmanjdb · 11-06-2009, 05:07 PM

Hello there, I am an Senior in high school, and I am going to pursue an undergrad degree in vocal performance next year. That said, I have no idea where I am going to go. I have sent in applications to seven schools in Ohio and Indiana (from Ohio). However, I am not exactly sure where to go. I have been to the facilities of most of these colleges, and have been offered lessons with instructors who have experience with countertenors.

If there is one thing that the internet lacks, it's knowledge on countertenors and college.

Any suggestions on where to go, or how to go about the process?

Thanks!

catharsis · 11-06-2009, 05:11 PM

Why don't you check out the New England Conservatory of Music. Its an amazing school located in a great city!

mom22girls · 11-06-2009, 05:14 PM

Crane School of Music @ SUNY Pottsdam

Musicmanjdb · 11-06-2009, 05:16 PM

I agree, they are quite reputable in the early music department. I have spoken with a few of their admissions people. I'm just not sure I would want to make the trip across the U.S. I was hoping to save the distance thing for grad school.

Musicmanjdb · 11-07-2009, 04:22 PM

I am also open to suggestions on which colleges have reputable early music programs.

violadad · 11-07-2009, 04:49 PM

May be some help in these:

Early Music Program and Music school for Countertenor...
Good Schools for Early Music/Recitalist Soprano?

Mezzo'sMama · 11-08-2009, 08:30 PM

Hold on- did I misread your initial post? Aren't you in Ohio? Crane is in Potsdam, NY, which is certainly not across the US, but rather in upstate NY. Really, depending upon where you live in Ohio, it's not a bad drive- it's about 3.5 hours from me and I live exactly 3.5 hours from Cleveland.
Finding a teacher who is experienced with counter tenors-and a school who would have a program in which to utilize one- is not going to be the easiest thing, so if you were mine, I would suggest that you really concentrate upon finding the best possible combination of teacher/school and not be quite so hung up on location. If funds are a huge constraint, schools will take travel expenses into consideration in the fianancial aid package. You have an unusual gift, as I'm sure you are aware, so please take the time to look for the proper place to nurture it. If you are comfortable, please share the places you are considering and I bet you will get folks on here who can give you insights on most of them!

neumes · 11-09-2009, 09:39 AM

Just some anecdotal info: I don't see a specific Early Music program at Westminster Choir College, but I know a superb countertenor and early-music expert (perhaps driven by his own life-long and intense interest in Early Music) who graduated from WCC. He's able to make a living singing in various venues, incl. small ensemble and churches. And the other fantastic countertenor I know graduated from James Madison (BM) and University of Arizona (MM); sings in churches and in opera around the US.

Hunt · 11-09-2009, 10:27 AM

If you're a Bargain Basement Countertenor, you might look at the University of Southern North Dakota at Hoople. (That's a little joke.)

Mezzo'sMama · 11-09-2009, 10:36 AM

OK, you can't leave us all wondering about what you just said, Hunt.Let us in on it, please?!

Hunt · 11-09-2009, 10:41 AM

In the recordings of P.D.Q. Bach's "music," it often refers to one of the performers as a "bargain basement countertenor," in such works as "Iphegenia in Brooklyn" or "Oedipus Tex." The University is the (fictional) one where "Professor" Peter Schickele supposedly teaches.

Musicmanjdb · 11-09-2009, 02:39 PM

Aha, very clever I would never have gotten that joke! Also, funds and trans. aren't an issue.

Trying to find programs with Countertenors is essential to me as well. I talked with a rep. from Indiana, and it seems they have two undergrad countertenors, which is about the biggest number of undergrads I can expect to find in my category.

I am turning in my prescreening for CCM this week.

My teachers encourage me to first find a suitable teacher, then broaden out and rate the music program at the college. That is definitely what I'm trying to find, Mezzo. =]

I am just very involved in school, it's hard to get away from my life at the moment to help my future. I have a lead in our christmas musical, I have to worry about keeping my 4.0, and being in 3 choirs, 4 bands, other various programs, and doing 5 honor choirs a year or so. It's so hard to schedule time to have a lesson with professors. And it just so seems that countertenors are about the least informed group there is. With so few people pursuing the voice, it's hard to find someone to answer questions at each college I'm interested in.

And yes, I am in Ohio, I just exaggerated on a few mentioned distances. =]

musicamusica · 11-09-2009, 02:54 PM

Have you considered contacting a countertenor grad student directly? You might get some very specific help and insight. (try and find them on facebook) I know that a very talented countertenor who is now at UCLA and did his undergrad at NEC just placed first in the MONCA Western Finals this weekend.

Singersmom07 · 11-09-2009, 04:38 PM

Just a caution, you are young and your voice may yet change. I believe I know one of the undergraduate countertenors at IU. He auditioned as a baritone. When I talked to his Mom who is a voice teacher; she and he were amazed that he was becoming a countertenor and he is a freshman. So another vote to look for teachers that will work well with you and your vocal development, wherever it takes you.

Musicmanjdb · 11-09-2009, 05:11 PM

Yes, I have had a lesson with a grad countertenor at one of my prospective colleges. I have also emailed a couple others.

i am aware of the vocal changing thing as well, but I am a baritone (continually sang boy soprano through middle school, alto in chamber choirs and such now in high school) and my range has continually grown to 4.5+ octaves, so I am pretty sure it's not going anywhere.

Maybe I'm looking more for a college/conservatory that is most eager to work with countertenors?