When I began my search for Graduate programs back at Ole PSU, I never would have dreamed that I would end up on the East Coast and I never thought that I would have Manhattan School of Music to my name. The process of even applying to these schools was an event in itself. As hard as I was working to earn my bachelor degree, I didn't realize just how much planning really needs to go into taking the next step for Grad school. By the time I was in my senior year, I was working part time for the Student Opera Association in Arts Administration, Singing for the Portland Vocal Consort with Brilliant conductor and friend Ryan Heller, as well as singing away at my Church Job of the past 4 years at First United Methodist Chancel Choir. Combine that with 22+ credits, an on and off again part time job in child care and preparing roles for Portland State, and you've got one busy kitty!
As a side note I have to advise all of those young singers out there against childcare as a part time job. On one hand it gives you great experience with children and usually pays a bit more than minimum wage- but on the other hand it exposes you to all of those cute babies and their germs. For the first three months in that job I was sick! When considering a job with children you have to weigh the advantages versus the incredible disadvantage of being ill and not being able to have full access of your healthy voice to further your studies and career.
But back to the matter at hand. There is no how to guide when it comes to choosing your next move. For many singers just graduating with a bachelor, the idea of going out in the world and working right away seems vague and un-attainable. Some however are completely ready and my best wishes go to them- but for the rest of us youngins, graduate school is a smart move. You're still in a formal setting to learn more (because there always is more to learn believe me.) and you still have important resources that you can only get in academia. The catch is that you have to get yourself there.
Pre screening materials are highly varied. Every college has similar requests for song repertoire for your recording, but they are never exactly the same. Having Art songs in every language is definitely important- Have an Oratorio piece ready- Have Arias from before the 17th c and after. Look at the college websites to see what you need. It's all there at your fingertips. Isn't The Internets great?
I cannot stress enough that the early bird gets the worm. The sooner you start investigating, the sooner you realize the materials you are going to need. When you know that, you can start budgeting for a new recording and saving up for those pesky application fees. You can start planning for airplane tickets for those oh so far away auditions. This is an important step in your life and shouldn't be taken lightly. It's easy to put it off and not think about it, especially if you've got a heavy class load. Earning a bachelor's degree was not easy for me so naturally it was difficult to pull my mind out of the present and really put a lot of energy and effort into the future. Don't fall into that trap! Some prescreening materials are due very early. It's valuable to start researching this stuff the summer before your last year in your undergrad.
So in a nutshell, Always be prepared! Those boy scouts really know what they're talking about!
While if I could do it all over again, I would take my own advice in spades; I couldn't be happier about where I ended up. After (at the last minute- ugh BAD Soprano!) sending in my pre screening materials to Sanfransisco Conservatory, Manhattan School of Music, Mannes and University of British Columbia, I played the waiting game until I got two bites. I had auditions for MSM and UBC. I was accepted to UBC and was all geared to head north and was very happy about it. The program there is stellar and there is much room for a young singer to grow and be nurtured into a fantastic young artist. I was flabbergasted however when I heard back from an East Coast school. To be honest I wasn't expecting anything back from them, as it is a highly competitive place. I still wanted to try though, because. Well it's New York! You don't plan to be a professional Singer in America with out factoring in some time spent in the Big Apple. You just don't!
My audition at MSM was actually just like any other audition. There were no burning hoops to back flip through or anything of the like. The vocal staff was present and I sang what I had prepared from their audition repertoire list. I was fortunate to know the pianist and renowned coach who played for me. I met Chris Cano at the VOICE experience the previous summer. It's amazing how people remember you when you've sung for them before. I'm hoping to coach with him now on a regular basis.
Needless to say, just when I thought I'd be packing my bags for Canada, I received the call of the Jungle. I didn't hesitate. Out of nearly a couple of thousand applicants 350 students end up attending. The resources and connections I've made in the month I've been here are amazing. I won't lie- it is a high-energy place and yes it is competitive. At PSU there were maybe 20 people in Opera workshop. Here there are over 60. At PSU you could count the number of Grad students on your hands and maybe a few toes if it's a busy year. There are hundreds here- mostly singers. And I'm a Soprano. I hate to say it girls- but we grow on trees. Now all of that intimidation aside, when you are surrounded by talented colleges of this caliber, you have to realize the incredible positives. By just existing with these people, it causes you to always step up your game. Looking your best, Studying hard, singing well starts to become second nature. One develops a very professional attitude in this atmosphere. And the resources! The people at MSM want to see you succeed. The first few weeks for first year Grad students are filled with how to lectures for gaining your professional materials. On top of a stellar music program, we are being groomed.
Now it all seems like a lot of pressure but you already knew and expected that going into this field right? With the good and joy of singing comes the necessary toil and hard work to start your career. It's all about how many hours you can log into this every day. At least that's what they tell me. :)
More to come in November! Happy Hunting!
