Hello. (I’ve never posted here, so forgive me if I did something wrong, or put this in the wrong place.) I am wondering if anyone might have some advice on choosing a Graduate Voice Teacher and/or program? I am a 23 year-old soprano preparing for graduate voice/opera auditions. I’ve done some research and compiled a list of schools that seem to have a good track record for turning out successful performers, but otherwise, I am pretty uninformed on the world of vocal programs and teachers. I have done some very basic research on literally every voice teacher at the following schools:
Eastman School of Music
CCM at Cincinnati
IU Bloomington
New England Conservatory
Boston Conservatory
Rice University
University of Michigan
San Francisco Conservatory
Yale School of Music
Manhattan School of Music
Northwestern University
Is there anything I am overlooking? Are there specific teachers you would recommend (or avoid) at these schools or others? Any general advice on what to look for in a teacher? So far, I am primarily looking for teachers with extensive performing experience and a track record of successful students. Hopefully they work well with lyric sopranos. I’ve found that I respond well to many different teaching styles, just not teachers who are overly relaxed and carefree. Thank you in advance for any insights you can offer on navigating all of this!
While users can advise on programs, suggestions for individual teachers is not allowed here.
Oh ok, I didn’t know that. Thank you.
Can this be moved to the music major forum? Lots of very experienced VP posters there.
The best thing to do in your research is to try to get lessons at the schools from one or a few teachers so you can get a feel for their teaching style and how it works (or doesn’t) for you.
You can also go on youtube and search for recitals or master classes taught by those faculty members and see what it’s like, but an in person or even virtual lesson is the best way to tell.
Also, if you’re an undergrad voice major now, talk to people who are graduating and auditioning now for advice. Summer programs are also a good way to network and find out how people feel about their studio teachers in grad schools.
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Thank you! And thank you for fixing the post! I realized it may have come across as rude, so I am grateful that you fixed it.
Have you worked with your UG teacher on this? My D got most of her recommendations on teacher/school by working closely with her UG teacher. She also knew a few teachers from summer programs and had some auto pre-screen passes from that.
Have you talked with peers about the “skinny” about different schools/teachers? Again from summer programs (and even a high school Sat school), she knew students at different schools that she could talk with.
Some of it depends on your goals too. My D chose a school in a market where she could start building a professional network. She gave up on the prestige element as she wanted to get more in a community to start performing. She was never that interested in the more academic side that could be emphasized at a school like Yale. She wanted the master’s degree (at a low cost, please) but also wanted to start performing outside of the school if possible. Her teacher knew her goals/voice and assisted her greatly with her choice.
Grad school is different from UG. For VP UG, you often want a good list of solid schools as you are pretty young in your development. For grad school however, it really gets more specific about your goals after graduation: opera YAP circuit, academic pursuit/DMA, choir/ensemble singing, church emphasis, concert/competition emphasis?
I’m assuming that you have done some of this already. But I would not be able to make a recommendation on a teacher or program. I can only give you things to think about…and discuss with a mentor knowledgeable on your voice and goals.
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