<p>I am looking for impressions and comparisons of the UCs and CSUs in Southern California that offer either MT or Vocal Performance. I am aware of UCI, CSUF and UCLA and the specific degree/programs they offer based upon what is here on CC and their respective websites (BA v. BFA). I believe I understand the difference with the CSUF cut series v. UCLA audition v. UCI progressive auditions to each MT level and then hopefully the BFA program. Instead, I am looking for honest (somewhat current) information on how they may differ otherwise as well as any (recent) anecdotal experiences anyone has personally encountered or heard with any of the programs. This could include noteworthy information about faculty, getting the classes you need, campus/program atmosphere, preparing you for the business and networking opportunities, etc. (or anything else you deem worthwhile to consider when a student is thinking about a fit for them). I also know there are other public university programs that are in So Cal (especially the VP major) but are not talked about historically on this forum and I wonder if there are any others worth looking into if we were to make a trip to that region. If you prefer to PM me, that is fine. Thank you for any help!</p>
<p>You should look at SDSU, too. I can’t answer your questions in detail, but if you are considering CSUF, then I would definitely put SDSU on the radar, as well. SDSU offers a BA in Theatre Arts and an MFA in MT. I don’t know the details of the program at all, but I do know people who have had significant professional success in MT with a BA in Theatre from SDSU. </p>
<p>Also, I know kids who are currently majoring in Theatre or MT at SDSU, CSUF, and UCI, and I believe that the talent level of these particular kids is equivalent. This is all completely anecdotal, but FWIW.</p>
<p>Cal State Northridge might be worth a visit. I think their program is a BA theater/ MT minor. Non-audition.</p>
<p>UCSB…</p>
<p>CSUF is the one that makes most of the lists as they offer a BFA in MT – it is still a cut program and kids don’t audition until sophmore year – which is a turn off for many. Irvine has a very reputable program – good people good program. </p>
<p>For vp, consider chapman, university of redlands, Cal State long Beach, and usc. ASU has a very good vp program that concentrates on mt. There are also smaller “less competitive programs” such as cal baptist university, occidental, and such that u may want to consider as well for vp. One note is that even though most are not public schools still take a look because merit scholarships can make them equally affordable. Make sure you check out their requirements because mt songs are usually not accepted. I know of a very talented young lady who did not and was not prepared for the vp auditions. My d switched from mt bfa to vp bm in her junior year and had to learn 5 opera/art songs in a variety of french german english and italian. She only had 1 in her book previously. For her… she was only interested in east coast schools and even though we live in corona, socal was never an option. She audition for cal baptist on a school trip and was offered a very good merit scholarship, but that was the very last place on her list (location the only reason). If she chooses vp, the next decision may be whether or not to pursue a ba, bfa or bm in vp. My d only wanted the bm. She wants to be a performer and does not enjoy traditional academic classes at all, so a bm fit her needs. If you’re looking for more vp info, check out their forum. Several of us flow back and forth but there will be more specifics for vp in the music forum. Either way good luck!</p>
<p>Thanks for all the feedback. For campus visits, has anyone found any of these schools to be particularly more accommodating (or not) to customized program tours, such as class sit-ins, meet with a MT major student, etc, if you contact the department? </p>
<p>All of the schools we visited were very accommodating. Even hartt who scheduled a special audition. Out flight was canceled due to snow and they scheduled a one on one audition. That’s where my d currently is enrolled as a freshman. Keep it in mind because even as a private school it’s cheaper than most of the public socal schools </p>
<p>Yes we plan to explore private as well. Just starting our journey here locally first. Plus, I am asking on behalf of two students, one who is eligible for veterans tuition benefits, but only for public universities. </p>
<p>We toured CSUF’s program last year and were not impressed. Office Manager and the director both said that the program was impacted (as well as the university) and that if your student graduated in 5 years you would be lucky. </p>
<p>Cal State Northridge does offer MT Minor. The program is led in part by Prof. Diane Ketchie-Saar who has worked professionally in both opera and MT. Among her accomplishments, she was in the SF Company of Phantom and still tours regularly. The university has a beautiful performing arts center – the VPAC – that is open to student use starting this season (previously was only used by touring companies). </p>
<p>Being from California, I thought for sure our D would attend a CA school, however she is now a MT major at the University of Utah, lol. I would suggest narrowing down what your child “really” wants…there’s a big difference between VP and MT. Start looking at school size, program benefits, positive/negatives, etc. California tuition is very steep, and, believe it or not, some private and/or out-of-state tuition charges are less expensive. We toured Fullerton and she was accepted, however, after looking at her 5 options, she chose U of Utah. She has a friend who was admitted to the MT program at Fullerton after her sophomore year and she is doing quite well. It just wasn’t the best fit for our daughter.</p>
<p>@rbgirl Yes, visiting these schools is part of the process of figuring out what the students really wants. As I mentioned in a prior post, I’m looking on behalf of two students and is why I have questions about both majors. We have been looking at OOS schools and private schools thoroughly, but at this moment we are interested in determining if we want to include or rule out any in-state schools as part of that mix. I’m interested in what aspects others experienced that may have drove a student away from those schools or towards those schools’ programs (other than those differences that I mentioned I already understood) that we may wish to consider. All input is appreciated! Thank you!</p>
<p>I should add that in her mind (and as well as mine), right now they are not her top choice schools: we’ve read virtually everything on CC about these particular schools, but we want to make sure we have a current and fair snapshot and we keep a realistic mix. The posts about these schools is somewhat spotty. Thanks again.</p>
<p>@loribelle - We know people at all of them so maybe if you have a specific question I could get an answer for you. It’s entirely possible I might even know. Kids talk a lot. And, I listen. 
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