Vocal Music Advice

Kayla, 17 says: Hi, I have been singing for around 4 years, and am singing grade 8 and ATCL repetoire. I have recently been auditioning for classical singing at universities in New Zealand. At the first one I went to, they said they were not looking for light voices, although they could hear my lower register beginning to develop. I commented that I am only 17 and my voice has only just really begun to develop within the last year. I did not get accepted because of this. I got the same comments from the last one, although they said they probably would put me through. Why is this, when they know about normal voice development? My pitch/rhythm/etc was fine, and the rest of the audition for both went quite well, they said this was the main thing that let me down.

ANSWER: Kayla, I’m sorry for the disappointment.

Naturally, since I was not there, and since I am not part of the New Zealand university music scene, I cannot give you a definitive answer.  Of course, the elements you mention are important factors: intonation and accuracy of rhythm.  Other factors figured into a university audition would also include, authenticity of language (Italian, German, French if those were sung), native musicianship, expressiveness, ability to communicate, resident vocal problems, vocal maturity, sight-singing ability and size of the voice.  The last criterion would normally be about the least significant, unless that particular school is looking to cultivate opera/oratorio soloists.

Assuming that the judges of the school that rejected you were being forthright with you, then I think it is safe to conclude that they were looking for (young) singers who already have developed voices that are significantly larger than yours … and larger than the average singer.  In other words, for them, the size of the instrument was a significant criterion.

Some schools look to fill particular vacancies, and only those vacancies, and for this reason they can afford to be exacting in their choice of who they accept.

I realize that a rejection is difficult to accept when everything but one area seems to be strong.  Don’t fret about it.  Keep studying and allow time to mature your voice, your sound, your musicianship and your ability to communicate songs.  The majority of us have “lyric” and “small” voices, voices that are more suited to church, small theatre work and choral singing.

Still, if you love to sing, then persevere and keep studying and performing.  By the time you’re about 21, you will be producing a markedly more powerful sound, and more mature in every other respect as well.  Most of all, be encouraged with the positive feedback and the acceptance by some institutions.

Best wishes.

Answer: Most music schools or university departments of music expect to hear two or three songs from a 17 or 18 year old or high-school senior.   Some conservatories specify the type and genre of the songs auditioners should prepare.   If they do not specify what to prepare, then the following is a trustworthy guide:

1. One song should be an English or American Art song, E.g., Loveliest of Trees by John Duke
2. One song should be in a foreign language, perhaps one from the “24 Italian songs and arias” anthology.
3. One song can come from Music Theatre (Broadway Musical) or operetta (nothing heavy from an opera at this age).

These songs should “show off” the capabilities of your voice. Therefore, the songs should not all be fast, or all be slow or explore only one part of your range – they should vary from one another and demand different things from you the singer. When doing music theatre you should feel free to move (in place) and “act out” the emotions of the piece as you would envision doing on stage.

Be sure that anything you sing in a foreign language has been thoroughly coached – so that you SOUND authentically Italian (or German or French – whatever the language is). Always express and communicate the meaning of the text.

Hope this is helpful, and best wishes.