<p>I'm currently a Drama major at Hofstra University. I like it a lot. We have a great drama program with very accomplished professors, but I miss musical theatre. I've been considering transferring to other schools in the area. Specifically American Musical and Dramatic Academy or Pace. Do you think this is a good decision? I don't want to leave the program I'm in now for a lesser one, but I am very interested in AMDA's MT program. I toured it a few months back and loved it, but I want other people's opinions on which is a better school.</p>
<p>AMDA is more of a 2 year conservatory program, although there is the option of transferring to LA to obtain a BFA I think. So, you would be trading a four year college degree for a certificate, and an optional BFA. I know a lot of people who complete a four year college program who went to amda, or circle in the square after. So that, combined with taking voice and dance in the city could be an option. Pace is a four year college program, like Hofstra, but you may find that many of your Hofstra credits will not transfer in major classes, so you may end up needing four years at Pace to graduate. There is a lot of info on the musical theatre forum about transferring to BFA musical theatre programs. Good luck!</p>
<p>Thanks.</p>
<p>P.S. I’m currently BFA</p>
<p>Even so, most BFA programs will transfer little to no major credits from another BFA into the new BFA program. So, it would be virtually like starting over in terms of number of years in school. Some schools will accept some theatre history or drama lit credits… maybe other courses… but most will not accept performance courses in transfer. </p>
<p>Not necessarily a bad thing, just something to check out at each of the schools so you know what you are committing to.</p>
<p>I already understand all of this. I am familiar with both Pace and AMDA’s programs and how the transfer process works. What I really want is people’s opinions on which is a better school and where I would get the best training.</p>
<p>I think comparing Pace and AMDA is like comparing apples and oranges… one is a college BFA program the other is a single focused conservatory training program.</p>
<p>I have worked with AMDA grads who are very good… I have seen some audition who are not very good – but you will get this range at many larger programs. I have known people who went to AMDA and loved it, and others who hated it… I think it depends on what kind of educational experience you are looking for. I do not think that AMDA does full productions of shows, so if this is something you are looking for you probably will not get it at AMDA.</p>
<p>I have seen a lot of Pace students audition at StrawHats in NY… there is a range here as well – but the training and the performance opportunities seem to be very good.</p>
<p>You need to decide which kind of educational environment will suit you better, and if obtaining a college degree is important to you and you and your family.</p>
<p>You are currently at a great school close to a great city for pursuing MT training outside of a college environment… whether you decide to stay at Hofstra and take voice and dance separately in the city, or transfer to another school you really have a win win situation.</p>
<p>Good luck! :)</p>