If you belong to every choir in your area, fight for the microphone at
karaoke, and dream of winning a Grammy Award, you should consider a vocal
music program.
You can study vocal music at several colleges, universities, conservatories
and private schools. Some undergraduate degree options include a bachelor
of music, bachelor of arts, bachelor of fine arts, or bachelor of music and
education.
Many community colleges offer two- or three- year diploma programs. To
teach at a college or university, you'll need a master's degree or a PhD.
"For many people, a degree is an important thing these days. It gives you
more flexibility in your career. You can do your master's or get a teaching
degree down the road," says Trish Colter. She is head of a vocal department
at a college.
"If you really want to be a performer, focus on that side of things. We've
had students who have been really successful coming out of the diploma program,"
says Colter.
Most music programs require you to audition to earn your place in class.
Auditions for vocal performance programs are very competitive.
"Pick out your top schools. Look at the audition requirements. Contact
teachers with whom you may wish to study to set up a trial lesson, or sit
in on a lesson while you are in town to audition. And go for your dreams!"
So says Freda Herseth, chair of the voice department at the University of
Michigan.
Although auditions are nerve-wracking, you'll have to get used to them
if you want a career in performance.
"Everyone who comes into this program wants to do some performing. They
have to go through that process [of auditioning] everywhere," says Colter.
She encourages students to audition at several places. Not only is it good
experience, there's also no guarantee you'll get into your first choice and
it's good to have options.
If the school asks for an audition video or CD, make sure it's good quality.
"With the equipment available today, there's no excuse for hearing an echo
or feedback. That requires some sort of care," says Dominic Cossa. He is the
voice/opera division chair at the University of Maryland.
Get involved with your high school or community choir. If nothing
is available, start something yourself! And you'll need to do lots of listening.
"Become a fan of the medium," says Cossa. "If you want to have an opera
career, go to operas if possible; listen to records; and in general, become
acquainted with the voices of the past as well as the present."
When you're in high school, Cossa recommends you do, "anything that has
to do with music or language." He suggests getting some form of musical training
during your high school years, such as piano lessons.
"Language classes are very important -- to hear the sounds, speak them,
and understand them. It is a skill which will be invaluable and one upon
which they will continually build throughout their lives," says Herseth. She
also recommends acting, dance and yoga.
"Singers who have piano or other instrument training have an easier time
with theory and ear training," says Colter.
It is extremely difficult to begin a career in performing or singing. Those
who want to perform, follow their passion for music and work really hard to
get gigs. Grads of vocal music programs often go on to graduate studies. Some
enter the profession in teaching, coaching, broadcasting or research.
"You have to do it because you love it, you have passion for it. It's that
wanting it so badly and drive that makes you go into it," says Colter.
Links
Occupational Outlook Handbook
For more information on this field of study, see: Musicians,
Singers and Related Workers
National Association of Schools of Music
Find information and resources for education programs in music