i think the phenomenom of singers being bad musicians when they get to
college is as a result of their (most of them) very late introduction to
music. a lot of them don't even start singing until high school chorus.
they don't know that people actually major in singing until the chorus
director asks them "have you ever thought of majoring in voice?".
there is not the expectation of learning music on one's own in a high
school chorus. it is very unlikely that someone could play music on an
instrument without first learning how to read music but, it is very easy
(easier, in the beginning) for a singer to learn music just by listening.
unfortunately, this gives the singer, who has followed this path, the idea
that this is how it works. by the time they find out otherwise, it is
really very late.
the seeming lack of interest a lot of these singers may have in
familiarizing themselves with operatic and song literature may reflect their
lack of interest in that music. many of them might have gone to a school
where they could major in musical theater as music majors (as opposed to
theater majors) had they known that was possible, instead of majoring in
classical music because that was the only choice presented to them.
the students who arrive at college as musicians usually come from
families where music is important to the parents. these kids are usually
given some kind of music lessons at an early age and it becomes part of their
lives. those who come by music only in high school chorus may even come
from families where music is discouraged ('gonna sing for your supper' or,
'what are you, some kinda fag?').
in this light, these students would be better served if the colleges
would take this phenomenon more into account in the planning of their
programs. it might even be better if all singers had their theory programs
seperate from those of instrumentalists with more emphasis on solfege and
analysis of vocal music (for that matter, it might be better to look at music
history in a different way as well).
i recognize that there is only so much a school can do (as the old joke
goes, 'you can lead a horticulture but you can't make her think!') however,
the entry into the serious study of music should, at least, be more
invitingly structured.
mike
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