Double Major in Theater Performance and Music: General at SUNY New Paltz?

Colleges and Universities A-Z SUNY - General
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I’m a freshman at SUNY New Paltz, and I like it so far; the town is a bit small to my liking, but that’s probably just because I’m from Queens. I’ve made friends, enjoy most things about the school, and probably wouldn’t want to leave.

However, I didn’t realize how acting-inclined the Theater major is- I grew up on Musical Theater, and I’m doing almost NOTHING having to do with musicals right now! I’ve been promised good electives for musical theater in the years to come, but I don’t think it’s enough for me! My main concern is dance; I’m not that great of a dancer, and I really need to improve!

I want to double major in Theater Performance and Music (just the general major, not the performance major), which would also help my so-called “backup plan” to acting of teaching; the way I see it is if I double major, I would, probably after grad school, be qualified to teach both, either in schools, in a performing arts center, being a private instructor, or otherwise. Additionally, by making my instrument Voice, I’d get the voice training that just being a theater major couldn’t provide me. (I’ve been a singer all my life, and out of the “triple threat” qualities, it’s what I consider myself the best at.). Again, I’m still not sure what that would do for me as a dancer; another reason I’m worried.

I wouldn’t mind taking a lot of summer classes this summer, or eventually having some credit-heavy semester if it’s just courses for my two majors- I already plan on taking about 18 credits next semester, but mostly because i’m ambitious about getting my Gen Eds done.

I’ve asked some current students and staff, and I’ve gotten mixed responses; I’ve heard that this is very difficult to do, but that it is doable if you’re willing to feel as if you’re in a BFA program. I’m just wondering if it’s all worth the work to do at New Paltz, a state school that’s often overlooked and hasn’t made a HUGE name for itself. Just a few days ago, I considered transferring for the first time, which I really don’t think that I want to do, but might do if I must. I’ve started to consider BFA programs, specifically Molloy/CAP21 because I have friends there that can vouch for the program. I’ve had a friend tell me “I can get a degree in Education online to accompany my major”- can someone please tell me how true that is? That sounds too good to be true.

I love New Paltz, but between the tiny town and not having exactly what I want in a college, I’m on the fence. If my double major is possible, that may make me want to stay. I think this is something I’ll also be talking to my advisor about, but I wanted to throw this question out to anyone that might know anything about New Paltz.

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The only thing I know about New Paltz is that when my D visited it, she hated the town, said she might as well live at home in our LI town… I didn’t think it was that bad, but I wasn’t the one who had to attend.

However, my D is somewhat similar to you. She is a singer who plays the guitar. She’s done musical theater but her dancing and acting are not top notch, the dancing especially, despite 7 years of training. She opted to attend SUNY Plattsburgh, which has a 5 year masters in ed program because she wanted to teach. She did a concentration in music, with voice as her instrument. She got excellent vocal training and was in several vocal ensembles and groups. She didn’t do any MT at school, but did perform in some productions, such as “The Vagina Monologues.” I am NOT sure how much MT is done there but I do believe that it’s an open audition school. Some schools only allow majors to audition.

By the way, I have not heard of getting a teaching degree online as an undergraduate in NYS. My D took some online classes, but not in education.

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I know a bit about New Paltz because my brother goes there. I have to say, it really has a good reputation for itself in NY. If you were to move to California, not sure if they’ll be especially impressed, but NP has definitely risen to one of the more competitive SUNYs. It’s funny because I actually have never considered Molloy to be a particularly sought after school at all, but I’m from Long Island so it might just be tainted for me as a local school.

It sounds like you have your answer that it’ll be tough but doable. If you’re willing to commit, definitely sit down with an adviser and flesh it out. I’m a teacher and haven’t heard of anyone getting their degree online - you’ll need a masters eventually if you want to stay in NY.