<p>My nephew is in the vocal performance program at USC, and will be graduating in June. He is an excellent student. I told his mom that I would ask here for suggestions for opera programs to obtain his masters. His mentor at school suggested Manhattan School of Music, Mannes, and Roosevelt.
He is hoping for a school that offers good merit aid as the family will not qualify for need based aid.</p>
<p>Any suggestions or comments will be welcomed. Thanks. :)</p>
<p>There are no need-based grants for graduate school as far as I know, only loans.</p>
<p>Because he will already have an undergraduate degree I do not think his family’s finances would be required on his FAFSA. [Student</a> Aid on the Web](<a href=“http://studentaid.ed.gov/PORTALSWebApp/students/english/studentloans.jsp]Student”>http://studentaid.ed.gov/PORTALSWebApp/students/english/studentloans.jsp)</p>
<p>Some graduate programs offer assistantship money and/ or scholarships to graduate students. Depending on the school the student may be required to teach undergraduates, assist faculty, work in the office, etc… </p>
<p>Curtis Institute of Music is a VERY tough admit, but if admitted tuition is covered [Curtis</a> Institute of Music : Financial Assistance](<a href=“http://www.curtis.edu/admissions/financial-assistance/]Curtis”>Financial Aid - Curtis Institute of Music) </p>
<p>I am sure that others with much more experience will have loads more information than I. His instructors at USC will best know his voice and be able to advise about his chances at MM conservatory programs. </p>
<p>Best of luck your nephew!</p>
<p>I’m posting these links not for the purpose of potential schools, but for the repeated advice that the best source of suggestions would be his mentors/teachers/peers at his undergrad program as well as any other networking contacts he’s developed professionally. They will know his strengths, and be far more able to direct him to programs he might consider.</p>
<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/893139-vocal-performance-masters.html?highlight=masters[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/893139-vocal-performance-masters.html?highlight=masters</a>
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/810991-masters-vocal-music-univ-tenn.html?highlight=masters[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/810991-masters-vocal-music-univ-tenn.html?highlight=masters</a>
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/490387-anybody-entering-masters-program-fall-vocal-performance.html?highlight=masters[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/490387-anybody-entering-masters-program-fall-vocal-performance.html?highlight=masters</a>
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/385871-how-many-masters-programs-apply.html?highlight=masters[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/385871-how-many-masters-programs-apply.html?highlight=masters</a>
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/780287-vocal-performance-graduate-school.html?highlight=graduate[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/780287-vocal-performance-graduate-school.html?highlight=graduate</a>
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/950989-grad-schools-vocal-performance.html?highlight=grad[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/950989-grad-schools-vocal-performance.html?highlight=grad</a>
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/330715-grad-school-classical-vocal-performance.html?highlight=grad[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/330715-grad-school-classical-vocal-performance.html?highlight=grad</a></p>
<p>As KatMT says, parental income and assets will have no bearing (it typically will for law and medical school) once he has his bachelor’s. There is no need based aid available from the federal government beyond the Graduate PLUS loan in the student’s own name. (They may have changed the name with the last legislation, I’m not 100% certain on that.)</p>
<p>Talent scholarships are usually awarded, but amounts are are based on strength of audition, and will vary by institution depending on how each allocates resources. Further aid may come through the award of a TA or GA position which will reduce cost, or pay a stipend. He needs to thoroughly read the parameters and availability and procedures for applying at each institution he considers. Requirements are varied.</p>
<p>While I understand that the financial situation is an important consideration, the teacher should be the primary concern. Once he has some teachers that he would like to study with, then start to look at the best financial package. He could go to a school that will give him great money, but if he doesn’t get the right teacher none of it will make any difference.</p>
<p>If he likes soCal, UCLA is certainly worth a look. It’s a tough admit, but there is some wonderful training going on there. Maybe the school rivalry is not so bad in the arts! 
If he’s in-state the price is reasonable.
Roosevelt is putting a lot of money towards new facilities, and they have quite a number of excellent teachers there. Perhaps he can visit there and take some lessons with teachers–his USC teacher may be able to guide him towards someone in particular. Roosevelt’s cost is not as high as some of the other conservatories, and he might get merit aid. Good luck to him!</p>
<p>Thanks everyone, you have been very helpful. I will pass all this along.</p>
<p>Try Yale. You never know.</p>
<p>Check out the Academy of Vocal Arts at [Academy</a> of Vocal Arts: Giving Voice to Opera’s Future!](<a href=“http://www.avaopera.org/]Academy”>http://www.avaopera.org/)</p>
<p>Note that they offer an Artist Diploma, not a graduate degree. Like Curtis, admission is quite selective and tuition is free but the student must pay for living expenses. That can easily top $2000 per month in Philadelphia.</p>
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<p>All aid for performance grad programs is in the form of performance awards based on the audition. No need based aid.</p>
<p>I hope Lorelei sees this thread…she will have some good suggestions.</p>
<p>The Fletcher Opera Institute (I think that’s the name) and University of North Carolina School of the Arts in Winston-Salem might be worth a check.</p>
<p>I would be reticent to suggest any particular school for a potential grad student. I imagine his “mentor” (his teacher?) knows his students voice well and is suggesting Manhatten, Mannes and Roosevelt because of particular teachers. I would recommend that this student get some frank evaluations of where he is technically. Possibly seek out a few teacher recommendations from some currently successful graduates. If he is ready for grad school and has a great voice, money should not be an issue. Find the right teacher and the right opportunities. These two things are different for every young singer.</p>
<p>Cincinnati conservatory of music, very good. i know someone who got his masters there and he’s an amazing baritone</p>
<p>University of Kentucky has a strong opera program.</p>