I wanted to double major in vocal performance and computer science. I’m academically qualified for computer science (1520 sat and 800 m2) and I’ve done all-states and all-counties in voice and my voice teacher even thought I would become a music major but I never applied to any of my schools as a voice major because I figured I’d just get in as a computer science major and then add on a double major through audition or something for spring semester or sophomore year. I applied to schools like Carnegie Mellon, Northwestern, USC, UCLA, UMD etc that are sort of competitive for both majors… But am I at a disadvantage if I don’t audition? And what if I only make it into the CS college and not the vocal college…? Is the audition ‘easier’ for people already admitted into the college? Would I have to audition for spring semester or can I audition before I begin as a freshman? Are there any schools with later deadlines? I’m so sad and regret my decision. I’ve been feeling nothing but dissapointment these last few days! PLEASE help.
Also, PLEASE do not tell me to just do music related extra-curriculars as I am more than willing to put in the work required to make this possible (summer classes, 5 year programs). Thank you!
I also should mention that I am interested in pursuing a graduate degree in vocal performance which is why I am extremely adamant about getting my bachelor’s in vocal performance!
Classical Vocal Performance (especially for women) is a highly competitive admit in general, and especially at several of the programs you mention above. Many singers audition to multiple high level programs hoping to be admitted at a few. Is it possible to transfer in after being admitted into another program in the college?? Yes! But I don’t think you’ll get a leg up, particularly, by already being a student in another School within the College or University. Your best bet is to try to audition into the private vocal studio of one of the main VP Professors (a top tier VP teacher to VP Majors within the School of Music) AND audition for the Choir that Undergraduate Freshman VP Majors sing in (whatever that may be at each school). These things may, or may not, be possible; in many high level programs these opportunities are reserved for singers admitted to a degree program in Vocal Performance (but an extremely talented singer from outside, especially if they have a needed voice type -think a delicious Mezzo- (;- may have a better chance). In addition, depending upon the program, VP majors must carry a lot of credits from day one of Freshman year to complete a degree on time (ie ~22 hours per term at Oberlin, where my D studies); there will be two years of Music Theory sequence (Written Theory, Aural Skills, and Piano), 3 languages, and Diction classes in each language, etc… I do not say these things to discourage you; absolutely go for it, if this is your dream! Also, it MAY be possible to add a BA in music (for instance), instead of the more difficult BM (possibly outside the more competitive School of Music at many of your listed schools) even if you cannot access the BM double degree. As long as you are receiving the needed training, this may be enough to get you to your goal of a Graduate Degree in VP. I hope this is helpful, and that others will chime in.
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Some schools with double degree programs allow audition into the BM or MM part of the double degree at the sophomore level or later. And some of these have Jan. 1 deadlines. Check out Tufts, Harvard, Yale for examples and I wish I could provide others. Oberlin? Lawrence? Ithaca?
Also, I believe Bard has VP outside the conservatory so look at that- not sure what the audition situation is.
Finally, wherever you end up, you can take lessons and do extracurricular performance, as well as take music classes in theory etc., and might either apply to the conservatory where you are, or transfer. All is not lost!
That said, it is very difficult to combine computer science and a BM in VP. Definitely 5 years. A double degree might be a better route and even that will be very burdensome since both majors have sequential requirements and are so rigorous in required curricula. I am sure it is possible but something to think a lot about.