Conerns/Advice

College Majors Musical Theater Major
1

<p>Hey everyone!</p>

<p>I am a freshman in high-school interested in majoring in musical theatre. I am really passionate about it, but I am worried about not being talented enough to get into a musical theatre college program, seeing as they are so selective. I began taking dance lessons when I was 4, but quit when I was 8 years old. Last year, I started taking ballet and jazz again. I take acting classes at a local theatre and am involved in their productions, as well as my school's. What I am most concerned about is my voice. I do NOT have a bad voice. I have been complimented by my choral teachers (before I had any training) and made it into my high school's show choir of about 20 people in a school of about 1,000 (although, obviously, not everyone auditioned). However, I feel as if the only people who can make it into musical theatre programs are those with INCREDIBLE voices, with super large ranges and high belts (Natalie Weiss, Courtney Wolfson, etc.) My voice is not extremely powerful, but has been described as "very pretty" and "rich and warm". Although I am still young, I would probably be considered a mezzo. Currently, I can belt up to a the C above middle C and the top of my legit range is around the second E/F above middle C . In the past year, I have had two different voice teachers. One of them tried to get me to push my belt without teaching me technique and the other wouldn't let me explore belting at all, saying I should use only my head voice when singing above the B above middle C. I am currently between teachers because I felt like I wasn't learning how to sing properly and would damage my voice. I am planning to arrange a lesson with a teacher who has taught three of my friends, who all have very beautiful voices. I guess what I want to know is what you guys think of my situation. Do you think there is a chance I will be able to a) improve my voice, specifically my belt, with the proper teacher or b) be able to get into a school without a "blow-your-mind" amazing voice? Also, is there any other general advice, based on what I have told you, that you could give me?</p>

<p>Thank you in advance!
theamishcavemon</p>

2

<p>If you think you are good enough to make a career out of it,
If you think you can live with competing for jobs with the top talent from every MT college and people who have worked in the field for years before you,
But most of all,
If you can’t see yourself LIVING without a CAREER in the theater.
THEN you should pursue it.</p>

<p>If not, it will be a waste of your time, money, and energy. Pursue it recreationally, but major in something else.</p>

<p><em>**I just looked back and realized you were a freshman. You’ve got a couple years, so think about it very seriously and hone your talents now. And don’t compare yourself to people like Natalie Weiss. Actually Natalie herself posted a very cute video of when she was younger singing and her voice sounds NOTHING like it does now. You should check it out. </em></p>

<p>Since you’re a freshman, I would say don’t give up hope about your voice. This is a pinnacle time to get a private voice teacher. Don’t worry. I didn’t know how to belt and was trying incorrectly when I first got mine 4 years ago. Now I can belt/mix up to an E. Find one that will teach you with a musical theater basis, not opera (although singing opera as well is fine, but I find that most opera teachers teach you classical voice training, which means no belting). </p>

<p>And dance, dance, dance!! Take as much as you can. It will help you so much in a couple of years when it comes time to audition. If you can only take one style, do ballet, because it’s the basis for all dance. Tap is important as well, and also very fun.</p>

<p>And don’t forget how important acting is to MT. If you can, take a musical theater summer intensive at a reputable local professional theater. There you will gauge where your acting skills are and what you need to work on. Study, observe, read all you can, take an acting class. The more you know, the better you will be.</p>

<p>Good luck. This career takes a monumental amount of desire, a ton of work, and a lot of luck.</p>

3

<p>First off, you’re a freshman! Your voice is going to change dramatically by the time you get to college and once again will change by the time you get out of college! I wouldn’t necessarily worry yet. :slight_smile: </p>

<p>I am a mezzo soprano, and I sing predominately in a strong, healthy “mix”. I don’t have a super high belt and I can’t sing ridiculous high legit soprano, but I think I’m doing okay for myself. It all depends on what the college is looking for. All you can do is develop your voice to the best of your ability (which includes learning to sing in a HEALTHY manner) and find a vocal teacher who fits for you. It sounds like the one your with wont even let you explore your belt, which means she/he might not be the best fit. </p>

<p>Just my two cents.</p>

4

<p>Thanks you guys! Your advice really helped! I think I’m just going to try to get the right voice teacher for me. And ModJuliet03, thank you in particular for pointing out summer intensive programs. I’ll definitely research some that I might be able to go to this summer :)</p>

5

<p>Absolutely you can improve with the right teacher! As Natalie herself tells it, she had almost no mix (one of the hallmarks of her voice now) when she entered Penn State - she just didn’t know how to work her voice like that. You are starting plenty early and obviously have a passion and work ethic - 2 things essential to success! :)</p>

6

<p>Thanks CoachC! I didn’t know that about Natalie. It’s pretty comforting to know that even she had to start somewhere. I always feel like the “greats” were just born super-amazing :)</p>