<p>For singers the big-name school is much less a benefit than for instrumentalists. I know that there are previous posts in at least a couple of threads about this exact issue and they mention the large number of opera stars that did not go to well-known schools. The voice develops later than an instrumentalist’s chops do, so your undergrad school is not nearly as big a deal as is having a good teacher. </p>
<p>Top instrumentalists also come from a great variety of schools, but there is a higher percentage of top instrumentalists that come from certain schools. As a singer, being amongst the best is not as important as it is for an instrumentalist. Choral singing is of smaller value to the singer than orchestra and chamber music are for an instrumentalist (and, in fact, the choral singing can be almost detrimental if the director insists on a totally different sound from what one’s private teacher wants–choral directors usually want much less vibrato or none at all and depending on how bright or dark a sound they want, you may find yourself having to change your placement considerably). Instrumentalists really can’t hone their chamber music skills to a high degree with players at a much lower level than themselves. Instrumentalists tend to spend a lot more time in ensemble (compulsory orchestra for 6 to 10 hours per week for 8 semesters and compulsory chamber music for 3 to 12 hours a week for 8 semesters at many schools), than do singers (more typically 3 to 5 hours per week in chorus/choir).</p>
<p>Bottom line: as an undergrad singer, if you have an excellent teacher, a move to an exclusive school is not crucial. Yes, there are benefits from being amongst a talented peer group, but you can spend your summers amongst good peers.</p>