Hey everyone, I'm planning to pursue vocal performance in college. Do any of you have suggestions for the best music schools in California, specifically those that excel in vocal performance?
Absolutely, California has several excellent music programs with strong vocal performance components. Two that typically stand out are the University of Southern California's Thornton School of Music and the Herb Alpert School of Music at UCLA. Both offer comprehensive training programs for vocalists, with Thornton more renowned for its emphasis on classical operatic singing and UCLA tending to have greater focus on jazz and contemporary genres.
If you're leaning towards a more conservatory atmosphere, the San Francisco Conservatory of Music is another fantastic option with a dedicated vocal and opera program. They've received particular praise for their intimate class sizes and focused instruction.
If you want to explore more options within the UC system, UC Santa Barbara's Department of Music is another good choice. They have a well-regarded opera theatre program.
Of course, fitting in with a school's overall environment and ethos is just as important as program quality. So make sure to thoroughly research each school, visit if possible, and talk to current students or alumni to get a sense of what it would be like to study there. Good luck!
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