<p>I posted a really long time ago but it was too far back to retrieve on my previous post list. So, I have to repost but in a slightly different topic.</p>
<p>I am going to be attending Tulane University in new orleans for music performance. But I feel I'd rather do music theater (even though i haven't taken a dance class in maybe 5 years.) No problem right? I can transfer into the major and then be on my way wiht a nice mt curriculum.</p>
<p>WRONG</p>
<p>It's all liberal arts. I'm very confused right now. I think I can wait it out, but in the next coming months I'm going to need to do a LOT OF thinking!!!! </p>
<p>My pick for colleges was between u of miami and tualne, i chose tulane and was happy until a few weeks ago when i realized i won't be taking music classes until junior year. yes, i'm taking one now, but that's rediculous. Plus, I don't know if opera is my passion. Ya know? So, I'm not sure what to do.</p>
<p>Some people have told me to, IF necessary, transfer out at a much later date. I don't even want to thin kof that yet. But what if i have to? (if you couldn't tell by now i worry way too much.)</p>
<p>So, another questino is: Do you think it would be stupid of me to transfer into MT? Even if I haven't taken dance in forever? It is truly my passion not opera. I would much rather do that and be starving than bein an opera and not happy. </p>
<p>I don't think your absence from dance classes over the last 5 years is the real issue. For most MT programs, dance is the least weighted portion of the audition and many MT auditions don't even require dance. Most MT programs have beginners dance classes for those without much dance experience. You can always pick up some dance classes over the remainder of the summer at a local studio if it is a concern.</p>
<p>The real issue is that of you really thinking through what you want to do. Your post really reflects a lot of ambivalence and you can't have a speck of ambivalence if you intend to seriously study any performing art as a career choice. The fact that you chose Tulane without knowing that the curriculum doesn't permit your concentration until your junior year reflects that you didn't do sufficient investigation up front to understand what you were getting into. You don't want to make that mistake again.</p>
<p>So my advice would be to spend the next month or so thoroughly investigating MT programs, both BFA's and BA's so that you have an in depth understanding of what they require, what the curriculum is and the differences between the BFA and BA. Decide which kind of program you want or if, even, after more reflection you want to remain where you are. If you decide you want to transfer, then you are going to have some tough decisions to make about whether to try to prepare now to apply and audition during the 2007 -2008 year. (Not knowing where you are musically, vocally etc, I can't even hazard a guess.) Part of the decision may also involve whether you want to spend the year at Tulane and apply as a transfer or whether you want to withdraw, apply as a freshman for 2008 and spend the next several months working with vocal and acting coaches to prepare for auditions in the early to late winter. Or, on rereading your post, are you thinking about transferring to MT at Tulane? If so, then you should be talking to the MT department head now about what would be required, how the program works and what you would need to do.</p>
<p>These are not easy decisions and the right answer will really depend on many factors and circumstances which are particular to you, so I can't suggest which approach is best. Fortunately you are going through this angst now and not 2 years into a program so while not ideal, it's certainly not catastrophic either. Don't drive yourself too nuts! But what is clear is that now is the time to thoroughly and completely investigate your options so that any decision you make is a fully informed one.</p>
<p>Jeremy -- I thought that you were taking voice lessons, participating in a vocal ensemble, and taking music theory classes this coming fall?? Is this no longer the case? </p>
<p>It sounds as if you are going to Tulane in the fall. Unless you decide that you would rather take a year off than go to Tulane, jump into your classes, and the life at the school. At the same time really think about what you want to pursue, and research, research, research schools (including Tulane) to see where you might be able to pursue the kind of educational experience that you want. </p>
<p>Also, realize that a lot of your confusion and ambivalence is to be completely expected before going off to college. Many people are not certain exactly what they want to study in college before they go... that is why many people enter college undecided or change their major along the way. Going away to college is a big step in life. For most it is the first step out of "the nest", so to speak. </p>
<p>You do not have to have all of the answers before you go to college... honestly, most of life is about not having the answers, but being willing to ask the questions, and open yourself up to the experiences. Since you are not sure right now exactly what you want to study, Opera or MT, a school like Tulane, which has both, is a good place to explore. Take a theatre class or dance class in addition to your music classes and gen eds... audition for theatre productions (or volunteer to work backstage) in addition to your vocal ensemble... take advantage of the diverse environment and opportunities at Tulane. The more experiences you have the more information you will have to make an informed decision. </p>
<p>Good Luck... enjoy your summer, and hae a great time at Tulane in the fall. </p>
<p>PS -- As far as dance in MT goes... yes, being able to dance increases the amount of work you can audition for, but this does not mean that you have to be a dancer when you start college... it does mean that you should take as much dance as possible over the course of your study. From your screen name, I think you are a man? Many men have not danced much before college... I have a few male friends who had not danced a lot before college, took a lot of dance in college, and now work as dancers in National Tours, and (one) on Broadway.</p>
<p>thank you guys for the advice!! Well, here's the thing. Tulane was a very last minute school, I applied like almost as late as one CAN apply. Seriously. I think i applied like feb. 1st and got my acceptance late february. I was happy but i wanted to see if i got into any other music programs. ONLY ONE other school offered me admissions, which was miami. visited, great campus, horrible people, better curriculum yes, but i couldn't stand the jock 'tude. So, I figured tulane, being a last minute decision, would have to suffice for now. I loved it when i visited, it felt right, and maybe having liberal arts courses is good so i get a mix of academic and musical (or theater, what may come who knows.)</p>
<p>"I loved it when i visited, it felt right, and maybe having liberal arts courses is good so i get a mix of academic and musical"</p>
<p>Sounds like you just answered your own question. As has been suggested, throw yourself into what Tulane has to offer. Talk to your professors, department heads, academic adviser about how you can tailor your curriculum to best serve your interests and needs. Take some time to explore options and get exposure so that if later you want to shift directions you have an experiential basis fro your decisions.</p>