Music School Q&A | Avi Green

[@VivsGreen]

What other questions do you have for me ? Also check the Premier chat on the side!

[@zawarudrobe9300]

Thank you Avi, this advice is really helpful! As an incoming international student pursuing a vocal undergrad, when I first met others in my major, I was intimidated because it seemed like everyone knew each other (I was the only international student). It's nice to know that the transition process is normal and to be expected.

[@VivsGreen]

Yeah it can be really shocking and daunting at first but take it one day at a time and all you need it one friend to make you feel comfortable and not alone. It's really hard at first but it really really really gets easier and you get better at being the international kid. fingers crossed it all gets better for you soon! Also top tip! look at other departments from friends and other international students. Cause there is no way you are the only one in the entire school but very likely in your department. :) Hope that helps! I'm routing for you! ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@howimettheopera]

Your point about the 2 years time really resonated with me. I did my masters in Germany and it really is not a lot of time; by the time I was truly comfortable with the language, traditions and just general socialising habits ( whilst studying like a crazy person all throughout) both years had gone by 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@VivsGreen]

How I met the opera YES!!! I know exactly what you mean! When I was studying in the Netherlands I felt the same way! Just basically always trying to catch up! It really takes 3-4 years before you really start to find your place!

[@katepengelly5437]

Thank you so much for the video, very helpful :). I am so glad I found this channel

[@VivsGreen]

I am so happy to help and thank you so much!!! I'm glad to have you hear!

[@chantevanderwesthuizen16]

Thank you so much for your help Avi. You answered my questions so well 🌸💜

[@VivsGreen]

Chanté Van Der Westhuizen Yay! So glad I was able to do that!

[@neanord]

9:46-10:48 Thank you! I can relate to this so much!! 💕 When I was touring schools I remember it was so easy to fall into the mindset that the biggest schools with the most opportunities had to be the best option. It may be the best option for some people but for myself, looking back, a smaller school was the best option for me. I’ve found teachers I trust and I am allowed lots of time to continue working on my vocal technique without the pressure to apply for major opportunities before I’m ready. I know that there will be time for that later when I feel more confident in my own ability. 😊

[@VivsGreen]

Yes!!! 100% big schools are really not for everyone and it 100% doesn't mean you don't get so much out of going to a small school! thank you for sharing! and I think you touched on something I didn't get to and that's the importance of a good teacher and a team you trust and allows you to learn!

[@neanord]

Avi Green, have you experienced any ageism within the industry? I’m from Sweden and thankfully they are pretty liberal about age here but I’ve definitely gotten comments from people abroad (Usa, Germany, Austria etc) that I am considered “old” as a 25 year old still working towards a bachelor degree in vocal performance. I’d be interested in hearing your thoughts since you mentioned that you also have taken more time to finish your undergrad.

[@VivsGreen]

Yes and no. I think it's more self inflected (a bit) but also with my voice type I'm still extremely young and it's very much being told how young I am which does aggravate me. But I do think the ageism hits a bit more if you're in your 30's. 25 is still fine. (but it really depends on your voice type.) But 25 is still YOUNG!!!!

[@neanord]

Avi Green Yes, thank you! I agree. And when you mention it I might be partially self inflicting as well. I’m a light lyric soprano and I guess my experience of ageism has to do with that there are so many wonderfully talented sopranos out there and its hard to shake the feeling that I’m so easily replaced by someone who is even younger and prettier. I try not to think that way though. Everyone has a unique voice and a unique path in life. We just have to trust the process!

[@VivsGreen]

Yes!!! Everyone is different and (I’m not good at this either) don’t compare yourself! In every career there is always someone younger / prettier who could come for your job but you just have to be extremely confident in your path and keep doing what works for you and it will happen!

[@inessa9948]

Hi Avi! Thanks for the video! It's very informative and helpful. This may be a bit of a dumb question but I've noticed that a lot of conservatoires in their repertoire requirements use the words "song" or "piece". Are they umbrella words or are they specific to art song, lieder etc. For example, if they ask for 3 songs including 1 aria, does it mean I should have 1 aria and 2 art songs or can I potentially do 3 arias? Hope you have a nice day!

[@VivsGreen]

Hi! so glad this video helped! and great question. pieces is a blanket term and I really wouldn't recommend doing three arias. you want to give them 3 very different pieces. I would recommend an aria, and old art song (like the Italian ones) and a different lieder, English song or French art song of your choice. Think 3 different languages, styles, and time periods. it will show everything that you are capable of.

[@inessa9948]

@@VivsGreen Great! Thank you so much!

[@VivsGreen]

@@inessa9948 My pleasure!

[@Mizuma10000]

I got expelled in my 4th Senior Year... Seven years of college down the drain!

[@VivsGreen]

I am so sorry to hear! I can't even imagine what that must be like.

[@Mizuma10000]

@@VivsGreen well it was kind of bone headed. My Classics and Oenology Society was, unbeknownst to us, on Double Secret Probation. So our celebratory Roman Bacchanalian Festival was a violation thereof, leading to the disbanding of our organization and all of our expulsions from Farber College! Long story short, we still managed to get a measure of vengeance on Dean Wormer...

[@VivsGreen]

Oh boy! That’s sounds like quite a story! I hope it was all worth it