<p>Hello all-
How early should we start coaching for college auditions? I have heard the answer "as early as possible"-- does that mean we should start now, in sophomore year?
Also, I'm not so sure what a coach would do with my DD for 2 years. Does the coach help pick repertoire and monologues, or just help with the songs/monologues DD chooses with her voice teacher or acting coach?
Do most people go with national coaching programs, or could we do as well using our contacts here in our city? Luckily, DD knows and/or has worked with many professional MT directors and vocal directors who do coaching.
We have the luxury of time, and want to make sure she is well prepared.
Thanks!</p>
<p>See private message.</p>
<p>Thought of another question. Did anyone have special dance audition coaching? Thanks!</p>
<p>There is a thread on this topic that you may find of interest:</p>
<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/musical-theater-major/1101937-college-audition-coaches.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/musical-theater-major/1101937-college-audition-coaches.html</a></p>
<p>I believe that some of the information that you are seeking may be found in the posts on this thread.</p>
<p>My son used an audition coaching service and it was INVALUABLE. They knew so much about the different programs, which schools like certain monologues and songs, etc, not to mention the actual coaching. I have some background in theater and thought I knew the ropes, but this college audition thing is an entirely different animal!</p>
<p>There has been a lot of discussion on this forum about the benefits of using one of the national coaching organizations. Of course, it is all anecdotal. Many kids get into “top” MT programs using local coaching, many get in using national coaches. IMO, it is all what you, your child and your budget like best. </p>
<p>My D used local theatre instructors and directors to help polish her monologues and songs. Her local voice coach helped her pick material. And, D did fine for college auditions, as did most of her friends. The one friend who did not get into any auditioned program was the only one who used a national coach - so go figure. </p>
<p>As far as starting early, my kids’ school (a performing arts magnet) has them pick 2 monologues at the end of their soph year to polish and “put in their pocket.” My D had her songs picked by end of junior yr. She worked with her “coaches” during summer before sr. year.</p>
<p>My advice (FWIW), focus on all the elements - voice lessons, dance lessons, acting classes - during junior year and then think about specific coaching towards the end of jr year. But, I’m sure there will be a million different opinions…</p>
<p>My daughter started with coaching the summer before senior year - but most of the real work started in the fall. We were also only coached via Skype given our distance from - well everywhere (Hawaii). It worked well for us and I think this was enough time for my daughter to get comfortable with her material. She was also ready with enough time to do pre-screening DVD’s. For the record - throughout high-school she was in 1 show after another, constantly auditioning, taking singing and dance lessons. The coaching was really to help select suitable material (especially monologues) and prepare specifically for auditions - and they were wonderful. We do not have a “real” performing arts high school here - which would have been nice - nor are there any theater people knowledgeable about the whole college auditioning requirements.</p>
<p>One special audition piece that came with our using MTCA was their ability to record all the music tracks for us and email them to us so that my daughter could just put them on her ipod and cd’s. This was invaluable as she needed so many different size tracks. Their presence and support at Chicago Unifieds was also invaluable during what is an extremely hectic process. If you want specific information about MTCA, please feel free to message or email me.</p>
<p>We used MTCA as well and my D started with them in Dec of her Jr year. I can’t say enough and I have probably gushed enough on these forums about them. They are definitely worth using if you can afford it. My D did not go to a performing arts high school so did not have the local support she needed to get through this process. She had tremendous success in her acceptances which allowed her to choose her favorite school. That’s all we could ask for!</p>
<p>Another total MTCA fan here…they were with us all the way and were right about everything…anyone who has questions can contact me.</p>