@ParachuteBoy, since you have a Mid-West school like Roosevelt, there are more you could consider, Viterbo being one. You could audition on campus or at Unifieds, even as a walk-in pretty easily. I think. Also, there is Illinois Wesleyan and Millikin, both of which are in Illinois. My D was class of 2019. We seriously looked at OCU, Viterbo, Webster, Rockford, and Millikin and made extensive visits to each. Happy to offer any info on any of those places in a pm if interested. Can give extensive info on Viterbo as D is currently thriving there as a freshman. Don’t underestimate the importance of needing to “hedge your bets” by adding more schools in this crazy race, even as a coveted boy. Because, you may not get into the school you are dying to attend, and if you do, you may not know if you can afford it until much later in the process.
Yes! @TNMTDAD Thanks for the suggestions. I am only 90 minutes from Viterbo and sent in my application there already. Illinois Wesleyan is a little outa my academic range. Definitely trying to hedge my bets but also trying to find places where I could see myself living and being a student for four years, I don’t want to mindlessly apply to places that I wouldn’t care to attend even if I was accepted. This process is daunting to say the least for a teenager.
@ParachuteBoy - if you are considering CCM, you might also consider Wright State. It’s a little cheaper OOS, a little less academically selective and a teensy bit less competitive to get into the MT BFA. Terrific program. Students and faculty are very friendly and supportive.
I hear that Western Illinois’ BFA is pretty good and very cheap if you’re in-state.
@Jkellynh17 … I’ve heard that as well! As a bonus, both Western Illinois & Southern Illinois have BFA MT programs and their in-state tuition rates extend to residents of Iowa, Wisconsin, Indiana & Missouri.
We visited Western Illinois. I don’t really want to detail our visit here, but if someone wants to know about it, send me a PM.
We have our first audition this weekend at OCU. It’s finally starting up. So much work to get through the applications and the prescreens. My D is glad that for the “paperwork” part is done. Waiting on prescreen results, but happy to travel and start the actual auditions. Not sure what the future will bring, but I know that thanks to all of you on CC, we aren’t going into this blind. We fully know that it will be a roller coaster ride with ups and downs, but hopefully at the end we’ll say that was fun no matter what! BAL to everyone riding this same coaster!!!
We will be at OCU this weekend as well:)
We have finally finished applications and most prescreens are submitted. I am hoping that if any pre-screens are a “no”, we won’t hear from them until after the OCU audition:)
My D is so excited to audition this weekend, to get a chance to do what she loves! I on the other hand, am a basket-case, though I hope I am hiding it from her. I was not prepared for this adventure… the information overload, the search for repertoire, the pre-screen process, the nerves (mine, not my D’s), the expense, the second-guessing… has D had enough training, has she had the “right” training, is this a realistic pursuit, on and on? If I hadn’t been reading CC posts for the past year, I would not have know where to start. Thank you all so much!!!
@momma2four… safe travels and BAL to your D and any others who are auditioning this weekend!
BAL to your Ds @MTMusing and @momma2four. Hope you enjoy your day at OCU!
Do we consider Bob Merril’s songs to be golden age or on the other half. He’s not a contemporary composer nor did he write in the 40s. Would I be able to get away using one of his songs in contrast with a golden age song. And is it more about contrasting the styles than when it was written.
@parachuteBoy generally speaking Golden Age is considered to go through around 1965 or 1966, so his songs from esrlier shows should fit in the Golden Age catagory at most schools. Some of his later songs may also fit in terms of style, and in professional auditions could work when auditioning for classic musicals. However, many schools ask for songs written between a specific span of dates. If you want to use a song in that style, but that is outside of that span I suggest contacting the school directly.
Alright that makes sense. I always prefer singing golden age material because that’s just the sort of singer I am and it suits my voice. I was trying to combine a Rodgers/Hammeestein uptempo with a Bob Merril ballad. I’m sure some schools might not care but other I guess it might be a risk.
can someone resurrect that thread from last year that listed how many students some of the schools take each year?
I cannot seem to locate it…
@crc500 … Here you go! Is this what you were looking for?
http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/discussion/comment/18222179/#Comment_18222179
Excited to say we got our first college acceptance letter today (but have not auditioned for their BFA MT program yet) and have 5 auditions are lined up already. Exciting times! My son is in rehearsal right now and doesn’t know about the acceptance letter yet…
Congrats to your S @Dankadon! An exciting first step!
Your post reminds me of an interesting dilemma. Schools now notify kids in so many different ways. Make sure you and your family have an understanding about what to do when news arrives. For example, if you get a letter snail mail while your child is at school, is it ok with your child for you to open it? And once opened, does your child want you to text them the news? Some kids are ok with parents opening mail and delivering the news. Others prefer to wait and open it themselves at home. Some schools call – remarkably even during school hours. They will not give away your spot if your child doesn’t answer. Be assured they will either leave a message or call back later so don’t worry if you miss their call 
Other schools will notify by email - I remember one case where a child had gotten their results via email but neglected to tell their parents (it was a no). The parent was fretting they still hadn’t heard from this school and contemplating contacting the school. Make sure whoever checks the college application email at your house keeps everyone up to speed. My point is, just make sure all family members are on the same page about what to do when you get news of any sort. Seems like a simple thing, but during a stressful process, it is best to have a clear understanding of how your child prefers to get results.
In a similar vein to @vvnstar’s comment, what do you do about college acceptances when you are still waiting on audition/audition results? Just let them sit? Reply with a “Thank you, but I have to wait to see if I’m accepted as a MT major?” Start researching cost, housing and scholarship? Some schools ask that you start signing up for housing already… One school asks for yet another essay, for scholarship consideration.Another asks about the honors program, for which the deadline is before we are likely to hear about audition results. So far, we’ve just set them aside, as though they are not really offers at all (since son will not attend unless for BFA).
I’ve told my parents that if they hear anything from phone or the mail to open it up and let me know right away, anything to reduce the waiting is a plus to me
I would recommend doing things that can lead to scholarship $$. Doing MORE essays can be annoying- but could pay off later
@TNMTDAD I’m seriously looking at OCU and I was wondering what your experience was looking at that college? Also what is Viterbo like? I was thinking of adding that to my list(maybe it’s too late at this point but eh)