Felicia Abbass ’26 at Juilliard: One Year Later

One year ago, Felicia Abbass ’26 was preparing a vocal audition for Juilliard Pre-College, a highly competitive preparatory division for music students who exhibit talent and potential to pursue serious music study at the college level. This spring, Felicia will perform in the conservatory’s Pre-College Opera Scenes, singing a duet from Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro and selections from the musical Little Women.

“It’s amazing. Every single Saturday there’s always something new to learn” said Felicia of her first year at Juilliard Pre-College. She travels to Lincoln Center every Saturday to work with world-class faculty on music theory, ear training, voice lessons and more. “It’s magical to be there.”

Felicia’s journey to Juilliard began on a school trip to The Metropolitan Opera in Fall 2022, when Director of Theatre Patricia Flynn H’95 pointed out the conservatory. From a young age, Felicia had set her sights on Juilliard and pressed Ms. Flynn for more information. Music Teacher Joshua Mauldin asked Felicia to sing and recognizing her range and talent, began working with the then-freshman on the intensive audition process for Juilliard Pre-College.

After Felicia was admitted to the program, Mr. Mauldin learned a few things that made the acceptance even more impressive. “Only 14 vocal students were admitted this year and Felicia was the only sophomore in the group,” he noted. It is also unusual for Pre-College students to gain admittance the first time they audition. Many vocalists are denied admission the first year they apply and are admitted the following year when they reaudition. 

A Learning Curve

 The demands of Juilliard are rigorous, yet Felicia continues to sing in the St. Benedict’s Prep Choir and meets with Mr. Mauldin for vocal coaching during the week. Many of her classmates have trained from a very young age, while others attend Fiorella H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art where time is built into their school day to develop their craft. “Felicia needs to work a little bit harder because there is so much repertoire to learn,” said Mr. Mauldin.

Felicia recounted her first Saturday at Juilliard when she realized how advanced the program would be. “I came with my one binder with the three pieces of music I auditioned with. All my classmates had binders filled with music.”

The Gray Bee was not intimidated. Spurred by her love of music, she’s worked hard to “catch up” and is thriving in the program. Having Mr. Mauldin, a graduate of the Manhattan School of Music, in her corner has certainly helped. “He knows so much because he’s been in that world,” she stated. “I feel more prepared for Saturdays and grounded with his help.”

And while Felicia is gaining an incredible education in classical music, her passion for musical theatre is making an impact on the School. It was Juilliard faculty who encouraged Felicia to sing the role of Beth in two pieces from Little Women at the upcoming recital; the duet, “Some Things Are Meant to Be,” and “Five Forever,” a quintet.

Juilliard Pre-College Opera Scenes is Saturday, April 27 at 2:00 p.m. in Paul Hall, The Juilliard School, 155 W. 65^th Street, Manhattan. Admission is free.