<p>An odd question as the search reels onward --</p>
<p>I read an interesting comment on some chatroom about Indiana University's music program. An instrumentalist was bemoaning that they had been looking forward to being part of IU's marching band ... but was told that "that kind of thing" was for the MusicEd students, not for "serious performance majors". </p>
<p>In the context of undergrad voice performance ... if classical/opera doesn't "speak" to my daughter ... but IU offers a lot of interesting ensemble performance opportunities for jazz, showtunes, "lighter" fare ... might a smart strategy be for her to apply as a MusicEd/vocal major, as opposed to a VP major? It seems that much of the vocal training courses are similar for both paths, so I'm wondering what the potential pitfalls of such an approach might be.</p>
<p>Can't speak to the vocal end of things, but during our visits to IU, it was made absolutely clear that marching band was the "duty" of the Music Ed majors and no performance major would even consider being in the band. The tour guide (graduate voice performance) made it seem that marching band was a "lesser being."</p>
<p>The only advice I can give is for you and your D to visit, but do so as a "performance" major, asking a lot of questions about all different performance opportunities. You'll get the info you need and with the proper cultural "spin," enabling you to make the proper admission decisions.</p>
<p>Good advice from Zep. Each school, and to some extent, instructors have a mindset as to what constitutes "serious" activity for performance majors. Some may be called strict or liberal, depending on your point of view.</p>
<p>It's pretty important to know going in whether your own philosohy differs and to what extent. It's an important part of determining fit.</p>
<p>Another factor along these lines is to how the school views outside performances by a student, and at what level. There are potential areas of conflict as well.</p>
<p>We found the schools varied a lot but as someone mentioned in a previous post, if the vocal program is focussed on opera that will be you biggest clue. We found those programs to be consistently non-supportive of other types of performance, except perhaps church assignments. </p>
<p>It was one of the things DD had to consider hard when she made her decision. She understood the philosophy and reasons her studio professor gave and decided that what she wanted in the long run was more important. She is engaging in other types of extra activities, not involving singing. That BTW was 180 from where she started and did not change until the final sample lessons and decision in April.</p>
<p>Thanks -- all this advice pretty much confirms what I had been assuming. We are still planning to visit IU on our "college preview roadtrip" this April, mostly because it is a convenient stop on our way to other, more likely, colleges.</p>
<p>VicAria
Just make it one of the questions she asks the people she talks to- admissions, department faculty or students.. Everyone was very forthcoming when DD asked. But also keep options open. She may change her mind :) It really is a year with a lot of growth and change.</p>