<p>No direct experience here, but son (accepted at IU for entering '08) chose not to attend for that reason–that grad students are the focus, per advice given to him from his voice teacher, who knows the program well; I’m not sure why he even applied, except to see if he could get in and thus assure himself he had some potential). Son looked specifically at what undergrads are allowed to audition for at his other acceptances. At NU, where he’s now a sophomore, freshmen and sophomores may audition for opera chorus but not for leads (this may be a fairly new guideline, as the opera program saw a very welcome change in leadership in 2008, with Jay Lesenger now heading the program). Leads are taken by upperclassmen and grad students. On the other hand, son has a friend at a prominent NYC conservatory where no undergrad may audition for an opera (except for exceptions…). It’s frustrating for said friend, but I’m guessing some would say that’s better for the young voice.</p>
<p>And, on the third hand (!), son chose not to attend a smaller, mostly undergrad program because he actually liked the thought of having grad students around. He’s been lucky enough to sing with grad students in choruses and in a concert, and he appreciates that experience.</p>
<p>I’d take the IU professor’s comment seriously. But it’s possible being able to secure a particular voice teacher might win out over the lack of stage experience. (But that doesn’t always work out either! Son’s NYC friend is on his third voice teacher.) Sorry I have no direct experience with IU, as I know that’s what you are looking for. Kudos for the acceptance, though.</p>