<p>I am applying to this school early action for voice. I do have some concerns about how conservative the students in the music department are. I would assume they differ a little from the normal CUA population. Does anyone have any info on this?
Also, I'm wondering how competitive it is to be admitted as a soprano. I'm hoping to study with Sharon Christman. I know it's not as competitive as Juilliard, Mannes and Curtis, but is it still rather difficult to get into? I was hoping this could be an established back-up for me early on, although I have heard of people going to CUA to study with Christman and refusing offers from some pretty prestigious conservatories.
Thank you for any help you can provide!</p>
<p>Specifically, I'm really not astute enough to answer your directed vocal questions, but will say that sopranos tend to be the numerically larger pool, and thus like violin and flute, tend to be the most competitive in audition based programs. </p>
<p>I've got nothing to add about CUA, as I know next to nothing about their program.</p>
<p>What did catch my eye, was your intended EA aapplication. Are you versed in how EA works? I'm not that familiar with the specific differences betweed ED and EA, but ED locks you into a school, prohibits additional applications, and is a "must attend" scenario if you are admitted, unless the costs and financial aspects are prohibitive.
Please be sure you completely understand EA and all its ramifications before so applying.</p>
<p>You do not want to limit yourself from an application/audition standpoint. Audition based admits are a whole different ballgame than "standard" college search, application norms. With only one post, I don't know your level of general knowledge about music specific application parameters, and just want to make sure you're aware of the nuances. </p>
<p>There are other areas of CC that have specific discussions, past threads on ED, EA so please look there for info. Others here might have more knowledge of the differences, and I hope they may expand on my warning.</p>
<p>For general background, BassDad's great post here is a marvelous overview <a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/258796-so-you-want-music-major-one-family-s-experience.html%5B/url%5D">http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/258796-so-you-want-music-major-one-family-s-experience.html</a></p>
<p>Good luck to you.</p>
<p>Here's the good news...EA does not lock you into having to attend. It is a non-binding early acceptance (Violadad...sort of like that early audition date at Hartt). ED (early decision) would lock you into attending. I believe CUA has early action which is a non-binding early action application. You can continue to apply to other schools.</p>
<p>I don't know about the voice program at CUA, but I do know a bit about the school. DS visited there (for music) and a cousin recently graduated from there (not music). The music facilities are "a bit worn out" but to be honest, that is the case in most universities (sadly). DS was drawn to the school because of the applied faculty on his instrument, someone who also taught at Peabody. In the end, DS felt that the CUA campus was a bit too conservative for him and applied only to Peabody to study with this particular teacher. </p>
<p>I do know that the concerts done at CUA are done at the National Shrine which is a beautiful venue for programs. The college is adjacent to the National Shrine grounds.</p>
<p>If you like the school and like the teacher, then go for it. DC has much to offer culturally (starting with the Kennedy Center) and is also a great place for young people.</p>
<p>thumper, thanks. I'm not versed in the ED/EA differences, but did want to broach the point to the OP.</p>
<p>Thanks for the quick replies guys! I've done a lot of research on music schools...I've been a lurker on this message board for quite some time. I realize that any audition-based program is not a safety...but I'm wondering how difficult it is to be admitted to CUA. Again, thanks guys!</p>
<p>I grew up in DC and locally CUA has a very good reputation for music and theatre, though does not have a reputation for tough admission standards. It's funny, but the DC colleges generally don't offer great music: Georgetown, GW, American--not strong in things creative. The University of Maryland, however, has a vibrant arts community. Of the places located in the city, CUA always had the most to offer performers.</p>
<p>CUA seems to be stronger in MT. Their students are all over the local theater productions. But does have the VP too. DD had 2 friends who went there. One started VP and switched to MT, one started MT and switched to straight theater. Of the 3 people we knew who auditioned there, they were the 2 that made it. That was about 3-4 years ago so not sure how it is now and how representative that was.</p>