<p>dramadad - Your schools may be different from the ones my son applied to, but it's important to read the specific application requirements. I remember many of the schools wanting an academic teacher's recommendation, sometimes 2 academic teachers (in case of Syracuse, I remember). Some of them specified that it had to be in either English or Math, etc. I think some may have even specified an English teacher. We definitely had more academic rec's than rec's related to the MT field.</p>
<p>dramadad,</p>
<p>Every college/university academic application my daughter has filled out (now up to 11) that requests teacher recommendations wants them from a teacher of a core academic subject, i.e. math, science, social studies, or english. I'm assuming this is standard for all colleges. Three of these schools also have additional requirements from their musical theatre/drama department that does ask for recommendations from their choir or drama teacher. It's not to say that you can't ask these other teachers to write a recommendation, but I'd provide that only as a supplement to recs from a core subject teacher. I hope this clarifies it.</p>
<p>I think there was only one school that did not require teacher recs.</p>
<p>P.S. Ericsmom; our posts crossed paths. Sounds like we've had the same experience.</p>
<p>danimal88.....you're Mom is obviously a genius. Don't wait until December to thank her. :)</p>
<p>Hi All,</p>
<pre><code>I just returned from "family weekend" at U Maryland where my oldest D is a freshman this year. We went to a wonderful performance of "The Piano Lesson" at the beautiful new forming arts center. I was very impressed with performers, the direction and the facility. They do not have MT, but have excellent music and theatre programs. My oldest D turned down an opportunity to go to CMU (she's studying computer science) to attend U Maryland and after this visit I am more convinced than ever that she made the right decision.
MT daughter and Engineering daughter could not be any more different. Their programs of study are very different, but ironically several of the same schools that were strong in Engineering are also strong in MT. What I've learned is that each program is very unique and that the important thing to remember is that just because a school is considered marvelous for their program in MT does not necessarily mean that it is right for my D. Even though NYU has a famous program, we knew right away that it was not a good fit for our MT D. She needs a real "campus" with a tight community & without the distractions of the big city calling her name. I'm really glad that I was able to listen to my older daughter when she said that she had a really good feeling about U Maryland even though my ego was saying something else!
I'm going to be approaching the week with MT D with a more positive attitude and renewed spirit this week. I hope that all of you are BREATHING and will have a great week!
</code></pre>
<p>Sarahsmom</p>
<p>Hi, </p>
<pre><code>I spoke to the program director at U Hartford today and she said that attaching an existing rec. letter to their cover letter was sufficient. This was good news as my daughter did this for a couple of her schools.
</code></pre>
<p>Sarahsmom</p>
<p>Another new parent here. I have been searching college info and reading the threads for a couple hours. My dear s has just discovered the MT world and is a senior, he has done some school theater in lead parts, sings, and plays several instruments. He does not have a high GPA but very good SAT scores. He does not have a model's body. He has been selected to AllState jazz vocal and band so he does have talent. He has passion and true ability. Is there hope for him to apply to selective schools? He was going to do theater and music as a hobbies and has had a change of heart. He will be able to write excellant essays and preform well, is it enough? His intentions are too go for it, I'm the nervous one. To add, he is not organized at all.</p>
<p>Jordanrine,
Let your son follow his dreams!!! It looks as though he has a lot going for him. First of all, he knows music since he plays several instruments. My d is a freshman MT major this year, and playing several instruments seems to have helped her out tremendously...just being able to understand music. Second, he has talent...auditions are the most important factor for acceptance into many of the programs. Most of the schools my d auditioned for, she first had to "pass" the audition, then the application went to the school for acceptance. As long as you meet the schools acceptance GPA and SAT, you should be fine. What you may miss out on is money given for scholastic merit. (but there is also talent awards given!) Third, well,he is a HE! I am not saying it is easier for a male to get into these programs...do not think that!!! What I personally witnessed last year is that there were many MORE young ladies auditioning than young men....so, well, you do the math!<br>
You are asking your questions at the right place. This forum helped me out so much last year....I wish you the best!</p>
<p>jordanrine --</p>
<p>i say absolutely have him go for it. it's important that he knows this is a VERY difficult major to get into, and that the odds are tough, but if he wants to do it, do it!!! he should start looking into audition material right away, and get excited about auditioning!!! having instrumental music behind him is a BIG plus. support him in his decision and help out with the organization, since you say that isn't a strong point of his.</p>
<p>best of luck to your son!</p>
<p>Notfromme: Actually, it IS easier for a male to get into these programs. For the exact reason you stated :) I'm just clarifying for Jordanrine. Of course it's still a hard field, but it's proven that your son has a better chance right off the bat simply because he's a boy :P</p>
<p>Stinks for us girls. But what can you do? :)</p>
<p>Thank you for the support. I am parrallel shopping for information with him. I am trying to follow his lead while knowing the information seems important as a parent. I have found what I think is two safety schools (USM and UMO) in our state. I learned a great deal of the language about MT and college this morning reading the threads. I am now making a check list of what we need to do. Is there a place where this list is already written? Thanks again, I will continue to be here to ask questions and report any great finds. I still wonder about the body image thing. And I totally agree that he has an advantage just by being a HE, at school any male that can remotely sing will have a great chance at a lead while the girls have a huge pecking order. I also have a freshman D who is experiencing this reality. At the concerts, the girls chorus will sing phenomially and every one will politely clap, the boys coak out a song and getting a standing O, just for existing. Okay again thanks and good luck to every one.</p>
<p>How important is dance lessons? My s will be able to follow and learn anything quickly but should he take some lessons? Should he also do local play soon too?</p>
<p>Dance is becoming more important. A couple of the schools my d auditioned to added a dance portion to their audition last year. ALL of the schools she auditioned to had a dance portion. She is not a dancer, but took "crash" dance classes to prepare for auditions. I would recommend finding a studio/dance instructor that will help your son with preparing for MT auditions. Please, do not worry about his "body image". While there are schools out there that are very picky about appearance, most look for talent. If you look, the men on the stage are not models....but, boy do they entertain!!! My d auditioned to one school that actually did a "critique" on your appearance before the audition. This completely turned her off to this school even though her appearance is fine, and they did not say anything to her, except they liked her hair. She chose not to be part of that....which I was glad. So, like everything else, you will find a match for your son!!<br>
A checklist is good...we actually had a spreadsheet of each school and audition requirements, application requirements, important dates, ect. That made life a little easier. And by the way, my d was extremely unorganized last year, and now she has everything labeled and placed in files, her schedule is on her laptop, and sticky notes are posted as reminders. I was amazed! So, there is hope, but I did help her out a lot last year. They have a lot on their plate and sometimes it can be overwhelming...for ALL of us!! When you decide on schools, the individual sites for the schools on this thread are a great way to get info also! Good luck again!</p>
<p>thank you I will look into the dance, we went to a dance shop today to buy character shoes and met someone who had a s at UNH in a MT program about to graduate and very happy, so that was cool. thanks again</p>
<p>To Jordanrine... I noticed that you mentioned UNH in your posting. I think you mentioned that USM was in state for you, so you must be in Maine... anyway... I strongly suggest you also look at Plymouth State University in NH. I have directed students from Plymouth professionally and seen many at auditions. They are very solidly trained. </p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>Hello everyone! I haven't posted much here but have lurked a plenty, ha. I'm a senior this year and am applying to schools for MT, so you'll be seeing more posts from me! Just wanted to introduce myself. My name is Jamie!</p>
<p>Welcome, Jamie. My daughter is also applying so I'm well aware that the process can be both exciting and scary. Good luck this year!</p>
<p>Welcome Jamie! There are lots of students and parents in this year's cycle and lots who have already been through it here on this forum. So, join in, share your experiences, ask questions, get support...</p>
<p>I'm glad you came out of lurking and joined our MT junkies!</p>
<p>Hi Everyone-Mom of a senior-D wants to study MT.
I am trying to figure out when we book the auditions. Am I correct that most want her to wait until her application is in place? I feel so lost as some of the schools don't audition until end of 1st year-ie:Northwestern.I wrote the adm.office to inquire...they told me she would audition later...I felt like I had egg on my face! Is there a book or site where I can take her list and then figure out their requirements. The schools' websites can be ambiguous-NW being a perfect example...suggestions?</p>
<p>some schools want all materials in first and others don't - this will be clear on each school's web site. If you have questions about individual schools, I am sure someone here can answer more specifically.</p>
<p>If you email or call the schools, they can tell you. The contact information is definitely on the webpages. Any specific schools that you are wondering about?</p>