10:00 am: To Grad or Not to Grad or What to Grad - a panel discussion with Robert Swensen and William Florescu
Is a master's degree really required to make it as a professional singer? Will a doctoral degree actually count against you? Get very different viewpoints to these and other questions about graduate school.
11:30 am: Auditioning for Grad Schools - by Robert Swensen, Eastman School of Music
So you want to seek additional higher education. Learn all you need to know for selecting the right program, applying, and auditioning to ultimately be accepted to the school of your choice.
12:30 pm: Lunch Break1:30 pm: Creating Your First Jobs - by Mark Stoddard
In a highly competitive industry, where singers outnumber jobs, you can't wait for opportunities to come to you. Learn how to create your own jobs using your creativity. The keys are knowing the steps to take including how to prepare your Resume, Biography, Website, Headshot copy, and how to submit and follow up. In addition, at this workshop you'll find unique ways to jump start your career by getting jobs at more than 50 different venues that can prepare you for performing on any stage ... and get paid the right amount.
3:00 pm: Negotiating Your First Contract - by Mark Stoddard
You've landed your first gig. Now if only you had a manager, agent, or attorney to work out the fine print of the contract. But with a little guidance, you can wear those hats yourself. At this workshop you'll begin to use the negotiating patterns and methods to be your own best negotiator, even if you find proper management — the kind that gets you paying jobs without having to pay the manager first! Whether your desired contract is a couple of hundred $$s or millions, the principles are the same. You'll learn to ask the right questions and how to lead the discussion with anyone from a speaker who regularly negotiates million dollar deals with very savvy CEOs.
4:30 pm: A Holistic Approach to Preparing for YAP Auditions - by William Florescu
Learn everything from how to complete an application to what YAP auditioners are looking and listening for in those they hire. Find out how to stand out in the right way in this very competitive audition process.
6:00 pm: Getting In & Staying in the Business - by William Florescu
Making the leap from student to professional can seem impossible. But by truly looking at the diversity of options available, you can make a game plan to become and stay marketable. Put another way — define for yourself what constitutes success.
Sunday, May 27, 2012: Young Artist Series Masterclasses10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Attend and sing in masterclasses taught by graduate schools for all young artists. Choose from two schools each hour.
Singers interested in singing in a masterclass should sign up with a specific school in the exhibiting area on Friday or Saturday at the Convention. Volunteers will also be selected in the class as time permits.
Participating Schools:
| Carnegie Mellon University |
| Colorado State University |
| Kent State University |
| Northwestern University |
| Palm Beach Atlantic University |
| Temple University |
| University of Iowa |
| University of Michigan |
| University of North Texas |
| University of Oklahoma |
