Should he press for a classical muic performance career without an undergraduate degree? (Details in question)

Hi Ms. Chick, I'm no professional. But IMHO, I think he should just go for a career without the degree. There will be people who would ask about his credentials or be skeptical about his abilities, I'm sure, but if he has such a great vocal gift, does it really matter? There are many more graduands who don't have a gift like his, and who are struggling to make a career out of performance without ending up teaching most of the time. I don't know how opera houses do auditions, but I do know that for instrumentalists, it's the quality of performance that counts more than degrees when it comes to the stage. Many conservatories don't care what certificates you've achieved. All they care about when you go for auditions, is whether you have the potential to be groomed into a fine performer, and whether your playing touches their hearts. The only time when paper qualifications matter is when you're applying for a job as a college/conservatory professor, for example.

I can see why he says his appearance would pose a problem, but then again, how many lucky souls are blessed with exquisite looks and voices at the same time? And as you said, there are roles that would suit his build. Be thankful that it isn't the other way round (looks but no voice). Could you possibly talk to him about your own experiences in casting, auditions, etc.? I believe that would help quite a bit. He's in the prime of his vocal life now, and if he lets the clock tick by going back to school...well... Now would be the best time to launch his career if he wants to get anywhere, unless he wants to be primarily a vocal teacher after graduating (which is very likely to happen).

Alternatively, if he's really concerned about it, he could take specific courses that tailor to his needs. Diction courses, acting, stage movement, history, theory, etc. Basically the same skills that someone with a degree would have. I'm quite sure these courses are available separately (or are they not?). He could enrol part-time in a conservatory, and do performance together. Any of those would be better than going completely back to school for 4-6 years, given the time he has.

That's all I can offer, since I'm still very new to the vocal scene. Hope I helped somewhat, and I hope to hear your friend one day!

,This is not an easy question to answer. First, I would like to say that good looks doesn't seen to be very important for a male. Look at all of the Opera singers, Gene Simpson or Mick Jagger, now he is big time ugly. Second, would the degree help booster his self-esteem and make him feel better? I actually don't feel that he is too old and unless working gets in the way of his career, I would pursue the BA degree. A well rounded education is a good thing for many reasons; you speak better, write better,and can have more intellectual conversations.

I would do both and it can be done because I did it. It wasn't easy and now that I look back I wonder how I did it, but I am very glad I did.

Ms. Chick,

I know you are a knowledgeable voice teacher and an honest one...i understand the problem he has about the age...i truly believe he MUST try NOW to get a career by auditioning into a medium opera house. I trust when you say he has an amazing voice and sending him to school would be like throwing away the possibility of a voice career. The school he can come back later on and then get his degree in order to teach, there is no need for a degree to sing if he knows how to do it. Do I make any sense?

I encourage you to encourage him to audition in opera companies, does not need to be the Met or Houston Grand Opera, but needs to get out there and show to the contractors what he has. Again, I firmly believe he can go to school later in life to get a degree, that will not be a problem, but later in life (meaning after college) getting a singing career, that will be quite difficult or almost impossible.

Good luck to both!

Ps. Rep? Germont in Traviatta, maybe Scarpia in Tosca, Donizetti's L'elisir d'amore, Verdi's Rigoletto

He doesn't NEED an undergrad degree in vocal performance to have a career. But even with multiple degrees, making a living as a professional singer is going to be very competitive, very hard, and will depend a LOT on his connections. (Things I'm sure you're well aware of!)

That said...does he have ANY undergraduate degree? Even in a non-music field. I ask because he could really consider going and getting a master's degree. If he's really as outstanding as it sounds, then he should be able to get in without a bachelor's degree. I have several friends who have done this. Even know a guy with a PhD in engineering who went back and got a master's in piano performance. It CAN be done.

But, he's going to need to make sure that he has the same "skills" as someone who completes a bachelor's degree program in music. Theory, aural skills, music history, etc. Most master's programs allow for students to take "remedial" classes in these areas, but it's going to be really hard if he doesn't know how to read music in more than just bass clef, for example.

Tell him to go for it! Find a GREAT teacher, take some lessons, and ask his/her advice.

Good luck!

If you've got the chops and it sounds like he does, then all he needs is exposure. If he were a tenor, it would be a no-brainer as the world is hungry for world-class tenors. The baritone field is more crowded. I have a friend who fits a similar profile, but he's a bass. We are now 50, and he covers at the Met.

It's not about the degree. Get out there sing for the people who hire talent, get an agent, but above all have fun!

All you have to look at Algana of an example of an A list opera singer without a ton of formal training. I think if he can get representation, roles and parts he will be fine. What he needs, from your account, is someone to guide his career, but lack of formal education should not hold him back.

No, you need a degree that is BPS (British Psychological Society) credited to be a chartered psychologist.