Important read for potential Vocal Performance/Opera students and families

bridgenail
Thu, 09 Nov 2017 03:03:27 +0000

Thanks @dramasopranomom. I’m surprised at the numbers too. I don’t know any college programs that don’t balance females and males. Sure a few more girls may accept making a program 12 F and 10 M. But if my D were auditioning now I guess I would ask programs just to be sure. Boys do have it easier however bc there is less competition to be accepted and more roles once accepted. Still…it’s a tough road for all. Also not all kids graduating try for YAP programs and then the opera stage. While money is an issue, significant others seem to be another big issue. Many of my D’s friends (all finished grad school) are starting to marry. Many are choosing to perform in the city and not try for residencies. They are no longer willing to move. A friend of my D’s in grad school in NYC told her he found his home and has no intention of leaving the city and would not do YAPs. Still these kids do perform in their area but it is not their sole source of income. Many seem happy … as happy as my D’s liberal art major friends that are making their way in the world. I guess my point is: if you look at it black and white or opera star or fail, you will probably fail. If you look at it like a liberal arts degree (a launching pad into adulthood) and you are willing to work hard and hustle for opportunities and see where it takes you, you’ll probably do just fine. This type of path is not for all. But I have a liberal arts degree so I’m not bothered by it.

And yes the money. I hope I don’t know anyone who did that. I think some times articles troll for the most eye popping amts. But the truth is…any debt will be difficult to pay back. So be careful.