I think you also need to consider whether you may want to teach at the college level someday, in which case you will need to have a minimum of a master's degree and more likely a doctorate. That day may seem far away at this point, but it will come eventually, and you will have more options from which to choose with degrees in hand.
Since you like your teacher so much, you may want to look for a school that will let you study with your current teacher (for credit) while you attend. Queens College in New York, which has a well-respected music program, is one such school. Maybe there is something like that in your area.
Robin Lynne Frye Mezzo-Soprano Voice and Piano Teacher New York, New York
-----Original Message----- From: sopran@a... <sopran@a... <vocalist-temporary@egroups.com <vocalist-temporary@egroups.com < Subject: Re: [vocalist-temporary] hello from a new member
>In a message dated 11/22/00 10:47:10 AM, annabelleq@y... writes: > ><< Since I am happy with my teacher and my progress, I wonder if I should go >to conservatory at all. I am thinking of taking that money and putting it >into private >lessons and classes instead.>> > >A really, really, really good teacher is hard to find. I personally would be >extremely reluctant to abandon a highly productive working relationship with >a teacher who knows you and your voice, and what you both need. > >My teacher (whose name I will provide privately if you are interested) is >teaching quite a few promising young singers who are enrolled in >conservatories for a degree, but not as voice majors. Conservatories can be >factories, where you are just a cog in a big machine. She saw more than a few >young singers enter conservatories in good shape, only to be damaged by the >machine. Obviously this doesn't happen to all conservatory students, but it >happens. > >Conservatories have their own objectives, which may not fit well with yours. >If you are considering one, take great care to determine whether your goals >will be well served. > ><<Is this a stupid idea? What can a school like Juilliard or Eastman give me >that I couldn't get just studying by myself?>> > >A piece of paper that has a degree. A certain amount of prestige, maybe some >contacts. >For A LOT of money (and time). > ><<People say performing experience. There are many small companies to get >performing >experience with here in California. >> > >You can also make your own experiences. Get a church job. Join music clubs. >Sing at ball parks or supermarket openings, civic events or anywhere they'll >let you. Sing at retirement homes and hospitals. If you're good, the word >will get around, and other opportunities will come your way. > ><<So I'm in a dilemma. My teacher leaves it up to me. Advice? >> > >Think long and hard about what you really, really, really want. Is it a >degree, or a career? The first in no way guarantees the second, although it >can help. An advanced degree is more helpful, but I see plenty of working >singers without one. In my experience, conductors and agents only care >whether you can deliver the goods vocally. > > >Judy > > > > >
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