<p>Cincinnati Conservatory of Music is my top choice, and as of right now, I feel extremly insecure about my chances of getting in. I was just wondering if anyone could elablorate on what they are specifcally looking for? Are they big on individuality as a performer, versatility, uniformity, strong voices, strong actors, strong dancers, strong all-around performers? </p>
<p>And let’s address the age-old rumor I’ve always heard about the program. Are they subjective right out the gate on looks when you audition, or do they wait until they let you in based on before they ask you to cut your hair or get braces. </p>
<p>I can give you an answer that is extremely subjective if that helps. This is based on what my voice teacher told me based on her experience with the school. Apparantly, CCM wants complete triple threats. If one is not a TT, they must make up for it in another field. For example, if you are a decent dancer, you sould be that much better of a singer. Based on what are they looking for person wise, my teacher said that when she visited a friend at CCM, she noticed that most all of the men in the MT program were much more brawny, developed men. She said it looked as though they were looking for guys that fit more the look of the phantom from the phantom of the opera and "chris" from miss siagon rather than people that would fit shows more along the lines of rent, avenue Q, spelling B etc. Infact look at two of the most famous male alumni from CCM, matt bogart and john barrowman and the parts they played on broadway!.. I know this is just one persons opinion and of course im sure tons of people will jump at my comment but I hope this helps.</p>
<p>yeah thats kind of what I've been seeing, but then there's alumni like Jaosn Graae, who's definatley a character actor, and it just confuses me. Has there been a big shift since like the early 80's as to who they accept?</p>
<p>We auditioned there this weekend, and Paul Hilner, the person who spoke to the group said they are looking for very good dancers, very good singers and good acting, but that is the third most important thing, as they realize that they many hs school kids haven't had that experience and they can focus on that collegiately.</p>
<p>brown101, that's an interesting perspective but I personally can think of five CCM students who have been in Rent, including Matt Bogart's brother, Dominic. ;)</p>
<p>I viewed a few dance classes last month and there were DEFINITELY guys who could be in RENT, one guy specifically I remember thinking, okay he could be the next Roger on bway. Many of the girls were very petite and fit, but there were a few girls who weren't. The dance classes were excellent, by the way, but I saw one advanced jazz and one intermediate jazz. The intermediate class was a lower level of intermediate dance (there are apparently at least two intermediate levels) and it was very mixed as far as grades go ( for instance, i met a freshman girl in it and a junior girl, there were no seniors though), and there were even a few drama majors. I felt like the dancing at that level wasn't extremely difficult, but the advanced jazz was UNBELIEVABLE. They truly were amazing. I'm pretty sure that class was mostly juniors and seniors, but I could be wrong.</p>
<p>I don't know anything about the drama department at CCM. From my small part of the universe, my knowledge of CCM is the MT program and they seem to accept very talented students that are very mature for their age. HOWEVER I would encourage everyone that might be interested to audition as you just never know. I have heard mixed comments about the dance and acting components. BUT these are the same things I have heard about other top schools. I want to express to all high school students intending to major in MT, Drama or Dance in college to investigate in depth all of the programs you are interested in. I know that it is difficult to visit all campuses but I would recommend that you try to connect with current students if at all possible. I have known students that have attended all of the so called "top" programs that are mentioned on this website, and they all have positive and negative comments. What is right for one student may not be right for the next.</p>
<p>I don't know that this will really help. But I know a student who was just accepted into CCM's MT program ED. She is definitely not petite - probably at least 5'8", and she is very well rounded, not physically but in MT. I have not heard her sing since she was in 8th grade, but I am sure she has a lovely voice. She is a good all around dancer, but would not bowl you over. My 13 year D is currently in her tap class and has been in her jazz class since last year (D is primarily a dancer). I do know she is an exceptional actor. I have seen her recently in a play and in several scenes during showcases. So she is a strong triple threat, with outstanding ability in at least crama, as I mentioned I haven't heard her sing I many years.</p>
<p>As for the drama program. The daughter of a colleague of mine graduated in June with a BFA, has a NYC agent, in living in NYC, has done two indi films there and a few other smaller things (I can't remember exactly.) She feels she is really finding a place for her in NYC and she is competitive. She loved the CCM drama program and feels well prepared.</p>
<p>keepingcalm - I saw her play Peggy Sawyer while I was in Cincinnati (a friend of mine was in the chorus who I THINK you know, can't quite remember), she is really fabulous, strong triple threat for sure. And her dancing in that show was reeeeally impressive. </p>
<p>julieann - I don't know the exact percentage rate of CCM drama, but their students are all very, very talented. If you read my post in like "Impressions from Students" or something on this section of the board I talk about my visit there and if you have any other questions feel free to PM me.</p>
<p>EDIT - just checked my PMs and it's not you who knows my friend, (although you might, she does CCM prep). sorry i was confused!</p>
<p>Oh, I hope I didn't make her sound like she wasn't a strong triple threat, because that was not my intent. More I think I meant I was most familiar with her acting- as this is what I have seen the most of most recently. And probably dancing in just observation classes/end of year show isn't a great way to assess her dancing fully. We did not get to it as D was teching Beauty and the Beast at her school.</p>
<p>I do believe I know who you know from CCM- were you at Interlochen last summer right? It pretty quickly narrows the field. Were you in Cinci for a college visit when you saw 42nd Street?</p>
<p>My undestanding is they will offer acceptances to 24 without a waiting list. The size of the class will be determined by the number who actually accept. Last years entering class was apx 20/21.</p>