<p>I am applying to musical theatre programs this summer. Carnegie Mellon’s pre-college program was one of the ones that interested me. When talking to my voice teacher about summer programs, she was unsure whether or not this would be the best program to look into, because of the high level of competitiveness at the University’s theatre program - she wondered if this would translate into its summer program. I was wondering if anyone could shed a little light on this issue? Obviously the people accepted to the program are very talented, and the curriculum is intensive and challenging. But does anyone know how this program compares to others (like Interlochen or Walnut Hill) in terms of competitiveness? Is it healthy, or do attendees have mental breakdowns on a regular basis? Any insight is welcome! :]</p>
<p>Also, if anyone who has experience with the program could tell me what they thought of the vocal training they received, it would be greatly appreciated.</p>
<p>I attended last year as an upcoming junior. About competitiveness…there is NONE. I was definitely NOT on the talent level of many of the singers and actress there. I was scared that i would not be payed attention to or helped much because im not by any means a great vocalist or actress. I work very hard and strive to do my best but i have NEVER felt like i was amazing s. The absolute best part about the program was that EVERY SINGLE TEACHER is so invested in YOU! I never once felt like i wasnt being helped by a teacher as can happen when a teacher doesnt feel they can do much with you. Each teacher brought the best out of everyone in every discipline. I have never felt that way in my life! I actually saw myself and my classmates growing and getting better. It was quite amazing! Yes, the BFA is very competitive but the pre-college program, while they dont hide the fact that its competitive, they make you confident in your work.I was also surprised by the comments we recieved after the program. While the teachers were brutally honest they all had positive things to say about me.
The program is very big, i think their were about…100 kids or so, But the classes were small, besides drama lit, there were no more than 20 in a class, with my voice and acting MUCH less, about 10. The acting training was brilliant. Where i live, i never have had the chance to really learn the craft of acting. My acting class taught me so much about the technique of acting and the process of creating a scene. My teacher was so invested in our work and helped everyone no matter their talent level. The voice training was very much acting based. Although we did LOTS of breathing work and some technique.
Its important to know that a majority of the program is geared to auditioning-how to audition, how to prepare your mono., and prepare your song both acting wise and technically for college. What i loved most about the program was the fact that EVERYHTHING we did was process based. As an upcoming junior as opposed to senior, I really got a taste of preparing for my first college auditions, and actually getting to do a college audition without the pressure. It also helped me learn how to approach material and find material i will end up using for auditions.
If your looking more to improve vocal technique, the vocal performance program seemd to be AMAZING! Two girls who lived on my floor were in that program. It is MUCH smaller, about 15 students. They had piano, theory classes, vocal technique classes, AS WELL as a required Musical theatre dance workshop and i think they had to do music theatre music as well as classical. But, i would do more research into the program as i only know this from talking to other kids. Wow, this is quite long i hope this helps a bit. Just PM me if you have any quesitons about ANYTHING!</p>
<p>Thanks so much, Megan! All of that is really helpful - it makes me feel a lot better about the program. I’m sure I’ll have some questions to PM you with. :]</p>
<p>If anyone else has something else they’d like to say on this topic, please do!</p>
<p>mtsoprano,
Megan did a very good job of describing the program. My D attended last summer and loved the program. She had a wonderful, nurturing experience with all her professors. There were cliques of people who hung together. Some more competitive than others, but my D easily found a group she fit well with outside of the courses. The actual classes appeared to be a mixture of all levels of talent, though. As Megan indicated, they learned a lot and they prepared for future college auditions (that included a mock audition at the end). My D also described the acting and voice training as “brilliant”. You will work hard… it is a pre-college program… not a camp. But if you are really focused and driven, you will learn a lot and come out very prepared for college auditions. You will also have fun!</p>
<p>If I submit my application in the next two weeks do you think that it would be ok? I know techincally the application isnt due, but they process on it on a rolling basis and all of that. I plan on sending in really soon, but with all of the snow and school cancellations I’m missing one reccomendation.</p>
<p>Also, how would I submit my PSAT scores?? Im taking the march SAT so i wont be able to submit those…</p>
<p>They admit on a rolling basis. I think you should be OK if you get it in within the next two weeks. However, if you are only waiting on one recommendation, you may want to send in everything else in the meantime with a note that the other rec is forthcoming.</p>
<p>My D attended the CMU pre-college MTprogram last summer after her sophomore year. When she applied in January, she didn’t have any PSAT or SAT scores so she just noted that in a cover letter with her application and it obviously didn’t present a problem because she was accepted!</p>
<p>I called earlier today to make sure CMU of Admissions had gotten everything for my Pre College Application after hearing such horror stories in the past and the lady in the office told me they had everything and a decision had been made that I was accepted!! So excited!! anyone else heard yet?</p>
<p>My daughter attended the program last summer and I think she would tell you it was the best 6 weeks of her summer. The instructors were amazing and when she went in for college auditions this past Feb they all remembered her and made her feel special. It maybe expensive but I know we think it was worth every penny. Have a great time.</p>
<p>Congrats on your acceptance! My D also had a wonderful experience last summer and loved CMU, the teachers, the training, and her fellow students. It only reinforced that she wants to pursue MT in college. She is doing another MT program this summer (she attended CMU after her sophomore year) so hopefully, it will be just as rewarding!</p>
<p>I agree with everything that’s been said. In terms of “breakdowns,” while it is not a competitive atmosphere at all, the caliber of many students is incredible, so if you head into the program more in the average range, you just have to be ready to be in singing classes with superstars. There was a range of abilities to be sure, and it absolutely is the case that the teachers meet every student at their ability level and support, challenge and encourage them. No doubt. Any student who attends will make progress in every discipline. Dance classes are grouped by experience / ability level, but the voice classes are not.</p>
i hope this helps a bit. Just PM me if you have any quesitons about ANYTHING!</p>