<p>Happy Days, your advice makes sense. I would not have expected you to have read previous discussions on this topic because it was last winter on the Parent Forum on CC. I was just mentioning that lots of this was discussed in detail back then and so I am cognizant of some of that information or ideas that were brought up and realize you or someone reading this for the first time is not. </p>
<p>I do agree with you on your point. Thought I would just let ya know. In previous discusssions on this topic, I along with others, discussed that college is about the training (and performance opportunities in that setting) and it is unrealistic to be auditioning or trying to get work during the school year in NYC or LA. A performing arts student need not be in LA or NYC while training but would likely need to go there upon graduation to pursue work. So, Angst's D could either go straight for pursuing auditions, etc. in those markets now, or college, but it is hard to do both at the same time. I understand a kid wanting to be in NYC or LA for lots of reasons but just saying a student does not NEED to be in those cities while training. What someone like her D can do now in high school and while going to college, is to pursue performance opportunities locally and regionally, such as starting a band or getting gigs, writing music, and so forth. One need not go straight to the top. Starting in a local market (for her pop music interests) is one thing she can do now and pursue while in college too. </p>
<p>But to go to college with the hopes that she'd get into the field if the college was in the major market area, is not that realistic. You sorta have to pursue one or the other full force....either college or professional work. Another thing is to do college during the year, perform in some capacity while in college, and then do professional work in summers. Like you said, NYC and LA will be there for when her training/degree is done. Being in NYC or LA has some nice perks while you are going to school but I can't see picking a school with that parameter so much. Now, my own kid is going to college in NYC and I see some positive benefits about that AFTER the FACT of choosing her particular college but it was not the reason to go. She did not NEED to be in NYC now (will need to be in four years). But now that she is gonna be there, there are some aspects about it that are good but again, would not be the reason to choose it. There sometimes can be networking when you are there and working with people. By the same token, there is not really time to do auditions while in school and the school would frown upon it. So, while it is cool if some opportunity arises in the city while a student, there is the dilemma of what to do then. Believe me, I have thought about that in my own kid's case. It brings up difficult decisions. </p>
<p>Anyway, while I agree with your opinion about thinking of schools like Berklee and not limitting it to NYC or LA for college, I just know from many threads last winter with Angstridden that her D is not willing to do that. For me, I think the decision needs to be what kind of program she wants....BM in vocal performance? (classical usually) BFA in acting ? (really does not dovetail with pop music interest that much) or is she just wanting to break into the field (in which case she could pursue work without college). The other idea is to go to college for something of interest like music, and pursue pop music work on the side...getting gigs, forming a band, doing recordings (need NOT be in NYC or LA and in fact, it is better to start small...I mean even MT kids usually do not START on Broadway.....you gotta start somewhere....). If she truly wants training in contemporary music, a place like Berklee meets those learning needs. </p>
<p>Susan</p>