In a lecture at the Voice Foundation, the diva pulled no punches. Here’s a sample:
Given the climate right now for opera and classical music performance—which is what I know—I think there are far too many universities and colleges taking money from young people who shouldn’t be. I’m sorry, but it’s true. And what’s criminal about it is that . . . I mean, somebody recently said to me there should be an antitrust suit. These kids will all have debt—terrible debt—when they get out of school.
I used to give master classes at small schools—I don’t anymore—but I’ve done it. And sure, there’s the occasional miraculous talent. But even those students, if they don’t get on the right track quickly, by their late 20s, the possibilities start to decline significantly.
And then I hear people who really have no business majoring in voice—but the schools take them anyway. I once asked someone at a major conservatory, “How do you sleep at night?” I know that was a bit harsh. But he said, “Well, you know, a lot of people use that degree to go on and then major in something else.” And I thought, Wow. Given what secondary education costs, that’s a bit rich.
Watch on video:
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