We did not look atMontclair but did look at both Rider and Coastal. Both are nice programs. D loved the faculty at Coastal.- I think it is an acting first program and is probably stronger in acting. Rider, because of Robin Lewis, may be stronger in dance although I think Coastal has some new dance faculty since we looked at it. I believe Coastal takes fewer students into their program. This may make a difference in auditioning for shows and other performance opportunities. D definitely preferred Coastal over Rider but that was just her personal preference. Being near NYC was not a priority for her. She has friends in both programs who are happy. But the Rider class size was 40+ while Coastal was around 15 her year. I think the advice of visiting each and really examining the curricular is good.
Oops - just realized this is an old thread. Sorry I can’t help with Montclair vs Rider …
I’ll say the same thing I said to the other person asking today: my daughter is a sophomore at Montclair and chose it over 5 other schools. She applied to Rider, but cancelled her audition when she got into a few other places (she did not apply to Coastal). However, some love Rider. It is a matter of fit. Feel free to PM me if you’d like more info!!
I really like the faculty at Rider; they are great people. The voice teachers are knowledgeable about voice science and vocal function, and I have been impressed by the teaching I have seen from their faculty at workshops/master classes. That being said, I think all three are great options and you are in a lucky position to have such a tough choice.
~VT
My daughter’s voice teacher at Montclair is also an MTCA vocal coach, hired by CoachC, who as far as I’m concerned is the world’s expert on vocal health, so there are no better creds in my book. But some obvious differences in the schools are location and campus. Both are in nice areas but Montclair (the school) is bigger with a more urban/suburban feel (you can see Manhattan from the campus). But the MT program at Rider is about twice as big as Montclair’s. If you have a chance, spend a day at both schools and see which feels right. And I know nothing about the program at Coastal but Coastal has – the beach. And it’s warmer there. NJ was REALLY cold this past winter.
MODERATOR’S NOTE: Please use old threads for reference only. I am closing this one.