<p>So the trend seems to be that most schools look for who can belt, mix, and riff the best.
I am a coloratura soprano who can belt/mix pretty high, but I would not classify myself as a broadway belter like, say, some of the new grads of MT programs (natalie weiss, anyone?). Now I CAN belt; I've played many roles that have required only belting, but I feel like my strong point is in the fact that I am a legit soprano, not just a girl who can sing high (think Barbara Cook or Liz Callaway style of sound). Do MT programs want/look for this? Will this help me or hurt me in any way? I would love to hear from those who have seen the auditioners and the students who got in as to what type of singers the girls are.</p>
<p>I do not believe that it will hurt you at all! There are many programs that are looking for a more legit soprano. Everyone has different voices. I do not consider myself a “belter” although I am working on my belt. I am more of a legit soprano if you had to stick me with a classification. The school I am at now (as a sophomore transfer) has a mixture of belters and legit sopranos. There are some AMAZING girls in the department who are legit sopranos!
So I say, if you have the talent, go for it. It should not hurt you at all. Since you say that you have a belt and a more legit soprano, show both voices in your songs. Have a more belty uptempo and a legit ballad or vice versa! :)</p>
<p>OCU appreciates legit sopranos. That being said, in the real world, it seems that casting directors are looking for belters. At nearly every audition my D has been on, they have asked her if she belts. She can, but she is a coloratura soprano with a very high range and that is her strong point.</p>