Interesting Reviews

So, I have successfully completed two of my five college music auditions.

Or unsuccessfully?

It's hard to say, but one thing's for sure: The general consensus among the music faculty at the universities I have auditioned for seems to be that I am better suited for Musical Theatre, as opposed to Classical training.  I suppose based on my solo repertoire and my extensive background in musical theatre, it is easy to assume that musical theatre is my area of focus and intention.

Au contraire.

My intention is to be classically trained.  I have been thorough in my research of universities and their music programs, what they are all about, and certainly the difference in musical theatre training and classical training.

Hearing that consistent uncertainty in my musical purpose has somewhat daunted me.  I was taken aback at today's audition, after performing a requested musical theatre piece.  They asked me what my interest in their program is. And if I thought I would be bored at their school...studying French, German, Italian literature, etc...I wondered if they really assumed I had not made myself aware of what type of singer their program composes, how they train, and exactly what I might be getting myself into. Which, frankly, slightly offended me.

Of course, I wouldn't be bored! That's exactly WHY I chose to major in music.  So that I could learn all of that, and build a solid foundation from which to launch and maintain a successful music career.  I know exactly what I am getting into, and what I am looking for.  I may not be (vocally or by genre) exactly what they look for in auditionees or future/prospective students, and I was aware of that before auditioning...But I guarantee them this: They are exactly what I want.  And I am willing to do what it takes to get the training that I firmly believe in, and hold the highest respect for as a musician.  For what other reason would I even bother?...If I didn't give it my all or work to and above my highest standards? I am not the type of person, or musician, that settles.  That, in my book, is not above giving up.

I didn't skip a beat, though.  I explained that I was completely aware of what it means to be classically trained, and that it has never been my intention to major in musical theatre.  I also explained that I understand that, although that is what my background is made up of, and that I have never been operatically trained, it is still my desire to become a classically trained singer.

Even then, they threw back that it's okay to admit that Musical Theatre is my career intention and that I may wish to base the extension of my career in performance on classical training...but that thought has never crossed my mind. And I explained that in a Statement of Purpose that was submitted along with my application.

But never fear.  (Although I somehow screwed up the Italian piece that I have been studying for over a year)...I was the last voice student to audition today, and the first to be asked to perform three pieces (as opposed to two), and also the first to get a perfect score on the sight-reading. Surprise, surprise.  My theory may be a little bit of proof that I am working to be where I know I want to be.

I plan to exhaust every source possible to prove that that school is exactly where I have specifically chosen to attend.

Good day.