BA/BFA in MT vs. BM in Vocal Performance

<p>My dd was rejected from the BFA in MT at the only school at which she applied, but was accepted into the BA program in Theater Studies and also auditioned for and was accepted, with scholarship, into the BM in Vocal Performance. She is now deciding which is the best way to go. Her goal is musical theater and she'd like to re-audition for the BFA next year, but the truth is she is a very strong legit singer and would most probably do very well in the music department. Theater department show auditions are open to the entire student body, so it's not like she couldn't audition for the plays. She could also take a minor in dance.</p>

<p>Anybody have any words of advice for us? She's e-mailed both departments explaining the situation but has yet to hear back from them. She needs to make a decision by May 1. I am trying to push the BM and a minor in dance. Unfortunately, though, that keeps her out of many theater courses, but maybe she could find an MFA Acting student who would be willing to coach her on monologues.</p>

<p>Right now, she really doesn't know which way to turn.</p>

<p>God bless.</p>

<p>Midgetmom--I don't know if you want to hear anything from me, but my vote would be for a double major if it's at all possible to do it. As an undergrad I had a double major from two different "degrees" (BA and BBA). The way they did it was to grant me a BBA because it's an intensive program that requires a specialized curriculum, but to allow me to add on a major from the BA realm. That way it only added on exactly the courses for the BA major. By working hard I was able to graduate in four years, plus a final summer. By getting a BM and just adding the theatre courses required for that major, maybe it could be done (and she could keep up her dance at a local studio instead of trying to add a minor into that--my daughter is also a very strong dancer and if she were to do this we'd check out the local studios to see if this is do-able). This would all be up to her school, of course, but that's what i would try for if it were my daughter. </p>

<p>My second vote would be for a BM major and a double minor in theatre and dance, if they would allow that. That way she would be a part of all the departments, which would be a good thing.</p>

<p>I'd hate to see her miss out on the acting courses because they are so important. I keep hearing from so many people that there are so many good singers in this world, but it's the acting that makes all the difference. But I agree that with her strong legit voice, she would succeed very well in the music department.</p>

<p>You wrote:</p>

<p>"Midgetmom--I don't know if you want to hear anything from me, but my vote would be for a double major if it's at all possible to do it. "</p>

<p>Margaret--</p>

<p>Everybody has bad days in this business where we say and do things we later wished we hadn't. Of course I want to hear from you. I want to hear from everybody. This forum was created for all of us to learn from each other.</p>

<p>We're still waiting to hear from the music and theater departments to see if a double major is possible. The good thing about these BFA programs, of course, is that it's all packaged for the student. My dd will be fine, but it's going to take some work to get the classes she needs.</p>

<p>Thanks, again for your input.
God bless and don't worry about the past. It's just that.....the past.</p>

<p>Midgetmom, just a suggestion--get sample curriculums from CMU and Syracuse, MIchigan with what MT kids take over 4 years. Some of those programs are quite full and specific. Then see which major or program at your D's college will allow you to take the closest match to such a program. I have suggested this to a couple of kids going to non MT schools that still want as close to a MT program as possible. I think the voice training is the most important in MT, but acting is esssential for anyone in this field because reality is that most roles are non MT and in order to have a shot at them, you better have great acting skills.</p>

<p>jamimom,
i am so impressed with the thoughtfulness and wisdom of your posts!
i wanted to send you a private message but couldn't. would you mind private messaging me a way that i can reach you to ask a few private questions pls about your experiences in connection with your son's MT quest? thank you.
p.s. i am really impressed with all of the caring and sharing by all of you who post here. thank you all.</p>