Help in choosing music or theatre

College Majors Musical Theater Major
21

<p>Oh okay…the thing is, about voice development, I’m already 23. I’m doing a second bachelor’s degree, so I need to choose more carefully. And I can dance, I’ve just not taken any lessons. I’ve learnt Latin ballroom, not jazz, so I’m pretty good with the Argentine tango, rumba, flamenco and paso doble.
But, I’m from India, which I know means that a lot of the other students already have been learning these things from a much younger age. So I need to learn that much faster. :)</p>

<p>BTW, I auditioned with ‘****-eyed Optimist’!! Although I did sing it more of the Kelli O’Hara style…a lot of chest voice at the bottom, but very smooth, definitely not like Te Kanawa :slight_smile:
I agree that I ought to learn different styles as well, and that’s much more in the Theatre major, but I’ve also been exposed to acting professionally, in that I’ve been acting for 3 years now (in public, not HS or college).</p>

<p>That’s why I’m finding it hard to decide. I would love to go the opera way, and learn to sing classically as well. My teacher here in India is from the US as well (Voice Bachelors at UCI, Classical Voice Masters at BoCo), and she says I can shine quite well in a MT or classical setting, as I’m a lyric soprano, and have a bright top range. (She also sings both MT and classical, and like they’re each meant to be sung, not MT like Te Kanawa :slight_smile: )
Her exact words when I asked her what to take as a major - ‘Music, because I know you act really well, and you definitely need to learn to use your voice’.(I’m still discovering my soprano voice, that’s why :slight_smile: )</p>

<p>Also, I’m a very slender person, and my physical description is suited for Cosette and Christine and Belle (and classically-oriented MT), and I love opera (one of my faves ever is La Boheme’s Musetta’s Waltz).</p>

<p>In a nutshell, I’d love to be able to do both opera and MT, and since the dance part’s only in the minor, not in either major, I needn’t think about that being a deciding factor.</p>

<p>The only thing is, if I take music, I’ll be much more sure of my music and theory and diction and such, and if I take theatre, I’ll be much more sure of my acting roots.</p>

<p>If you need a sample of my singing, here’s my video of ****-eyed Optimist - [2</a>. ‘A ■■■■-eyed Optimist’ (South Pacific) - Song - 32 bars.wmv - YouTube](<a href=“- YouTube”>- YouTube)
and Hello, Young Lovers - [3</a>. ‘Hello Young Lovers’ (The King And I) - Song - 32 bars.wmv - YouTube](<a href=“- YouTube”>- YouTube)</p>

<p>You are all also welcome to check the other videos and critique me on them :)</p>

22

<p>Although I adore the singers involved, if you want to get a good laugh and a lesson in “what not to do”, listen to the 1985 studio recording of “West Side Story”. For some mysterious reason, Bernstein himself personally selected the singers and he got it wrong on so many levels. Kiri TeKanawa, although my absolute favorite person, is all wrong for Maria and as if listening to her attempts to sing with an accent weren’t funny enough, Jose Carrreras was chosen for Tony, and his carefully spoken, “Ma-ri-a-s”, sans his natural Spanish accent reduce me to near hysterics each time. Poor Tatiana Troyanos is frying her lower register and growling away… while other actors(including Bernstein’s daughter) are dubbed in for the speaking sections! There were a series of these misguided attempts- all studio recordings- with WSS, South Pacific and My Fair Lady; but they are clear illustrations of what “not” to sound like, even in the “classical” musical theatre rep.
Careful comparisons of programs will show what each contains and can help a student make an informed decision. Some conservatories or uni/LAC based VP programs do include acting and dance classes in their curriculum, others do not. If singing is your desire, you do get more time to do so in voice programs because you’ll have not only your lesson, but opportunities in opera workshop, studio, repertoire and art song classes.Some VP teachers allow or encourage students to sing operatta rep and MT from the pre-1965 rep while others don’t (and often because they are not that familiar with it). Talking to current students can be a real help too,if at all possible.</p>

23

<p>Talking to current students, hmmm, didn’t think of that, thanks :slight_smile:
I’m applying to 9 colleges, though, so it’s gonna be tough.

  1. University of California, Irvine
  2. Pace University
  3. Muhlenberg College
  4. Rider University
  5. Rollins College
  6. Loyola University Chicago
  7. Columbia College Chicago
  8. City University of New York
  9. University of New Hampshire</p>

<p>If someone could help rate these on how good their MT Programmes are… :D</p>

<p>I’m also applying to the UK -

  1. Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
  2. Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama
  3. University of Leeds - ACCEPTED
  4. The Manchester College
  5. Buckinghamshire New University
  6. University of Wolverhampton
  7. University of Chichester - DECLINED (they only offer live auditions in the UK)</p>

<p>I wanted to apply to sooo many more amazing places in the UK and US. Had to cancel just because they don’t offer recorded/online auditions. Totally unfair!!!</p>

24

<p>Are you applying for a BA or MA? I believe that RWCMD has an MA in MT, but their BA is for acting only.</p>

25

<p>You’re right, I’m applying for a BA everywhere, and the MA in RWCMD. :)</p>

26

<p>Lasoprano–We have friends who live in England, professional musicians, and two of their children went to Leeds and studied music. So, just a vote in favor of Leeds.</p>

27

<p>Thanks :slight_smile: I am accepted, so I’m halfway thinking of it :)</p>

<p>But someone just PM’ed me that since I have a Bachelor’s already, I should rather be looking at a Master’s even if it’s just in Acting, as I can take voice and dance lessons outside of the course. I asked my teacher that long ago, but I had asked her about MT or Music, not straight Acting. She told me I was not at grad level for music or dance, but I was for Acting. Does that make sense then, an MA in Acting with other lessons on the side??</p>

<p>Also, the PM’er told me the most valued degree by casting directors is an MA/MFA Acting (Victoria Clark :slight_smile: :slight_smile: ). If that’s true, I could try that, right?? It would be much less expensive than a Bachelor’s for me (international fees are through the roof!!!)</p>