Operatic Aspirations

"I received a merit scholarship for music and an opera scholarship, and I became one of two freshman selected to be part of the Bucknell Opera Company."

Anissa Corser '14, music performance

"When I began my college search, I had two main criteria in mind: a good music and opera program and strong academics. I discovered opera several years ago when I participated in a summer vocal institute at the Oklahoma City University and the following summer as a soloist at the Washington National Opera Institute for Young Singers in Washington, D.C.

"My experiences pushed me to pursue vocal performance, and I began searching for a college that combined the liberal arts with a distinguished opera program. Such a fusion is rare and hard to find, yet Bucknell has managed to incorporate both. I came to audition at Bucknell and felt really good about both the experience and the music department.

"As an opera student, you have to take lessons and you need to find a vocal teacher who accommodates your style and who you connect with on an artistic level. Professor Kay Payn and I really hit it off. I'm from Colorado and traveling to auditions was difficult. Professor Payn changed her schedule for me and made me feel welcome on campus, further encouraging my interest in Bucknell.

"I visited twice and the contact I had with students helped convince me to attend Bucknell. I received a merit scholarship for music and an opera scholarship, and I became one of two freshman selected to be part of the Bucknell Opera Company." 

Anissa is from Steamboat Springs, Colo.