<p>Two years of lurking has finally brought me to posting. But now I have something to contribute.</p>
<p>Two questions for CC crowd. First, D applied to MT programs at eight schools. At three of these schools, she also applied to the Vocal Performance programs. She received MT rejections only from the schools to which she also applied to VP programs but, interstingly, was accepted into the VP programs at those schools. Was it a mistake to apply to both? Any other similar/different experiences out there? Does applying to two programs raise flags in admissions circles?</p>
<p>Her list:
Admitted to MT: U Arts, Pace, Indiana, NYU Tisch NSB
Waitlisted: BOCO
Denied MT: Ithaca, Syracuse, CMU
Accepted VP: Ithaca, Syracuse, CMU</p>
<p>Second Question: She is now considering which to accept: MT at NYU, or VP at CMU. She is of course looking to a career in performance (MT or otherwise) and recognizes that both schools can provide pathways. Any general thoughts out there?</p>
<p>As an MT student at Carnegie Mellon, we don’t really interact at all with the school of music. They are in a totally different building from us. What I know is, there program is purely opera based. And they take acting classes with some our faculty but they’re not the same course work and load that we get. They also take 1 mt lit/rep class. I would recommend looking into their curriculum online so you can see it in specifics. But there is no crossover between our program and theres.</p>
<p>Soundfather, One of my twin sons is facing a similar situation. He is deciding between MT programs at FSU and OKCU and Voice Performance at IU Jacobs and Northwestern. For him, it is important to continue to develop his acting and dance training and get stage time. Although those opportunities may exist, they exist to a lesser extent in voice programs. I think that he will opt for the MT training. The schools that he chose are MT/ BM programs instead of BFA/BA, which as a general rule provide more voice training (understand that there are always exceptions). Your D, has some great choices and wish her much success!</p>
<p>Unless the cost for NYU is significantly more, go there for MT. Vocal performance job opportunities after graduation are extremely limited and really require a masters in most cases. The acting style is completely different and dance is usually non-existent. Unless you want to be a professional opera singer, vocal performance programs are not a good choice.</p>
<p>@Nccpdad - while it may be significantly more expensive than your other options (or cheaper, depending on your circumstances), rest assured that - unless D’s freshman class is an exception - BM Vocal Performance students at Northwestern are OFTEN cast in MT shows, participate in a cappella groups, audition for the MT Certificate program, take dance and acting classes and can audition for any Senior MT Showcases (NYC, Chicago, etc.). In D’s freshman class at NU, certainly some of the emerging “core” MT kids are BM Vocal Performance majors. </p>
<p>Base on D’s research, an education at Northwestern is FAR more holistic than at most BFA or even BA Theatre programs. You are an NU student first, and a Music or MT or Straight Acting major second. You can mold your education to fit your passions, and many Vocal Performance majors at NU have a passion for MT and participate to the fullest.</p>
<p>@soundfather- I’d have to go with NYU if your D really wants to head into MT. The schools from which she received admits to the VP depts are not as strong in that field.</p>
<p>@Nccpdad- performance opps for an undergrad VP major at IU are very, very rare, if that is a big consideration. They put on great operas, but it’s the post grad and occasional grad student that end up on stage. Better to save that for later on, if he goes VP.</p>
<p>@Nccpdad - my D just wrote to NW and asked if a VP major could audition for the MT certificate at the end of freshman year, and the answer was yes. Sounds like the perfect solution for your S. If he does not get into the MT program, he still remains in the VP program. </p>
<p>@soundfather - it sounds like your D is similar to mine…mine has a classically trained voice, and she is applying to some VP programs and some MT programs. We are not going to apply to both programs in the same school though. She REALLY wants to do MT, so we are going for the programs that value the classical voice (OCU, FSU, IU, Steinhardt, etc.). Is she set on either NYU or CMU? Becasue I would think that of all those schools, Indiana would be her best bet for MT…</p>
<p>If you are certain it will either be NYU or CMU, I think she should really look hard at CMU’s program. Their VP program seems to have graduates working in both opera and on Broadway. They seem to concentrate on voice, but also have acting and dance. On the other hand, Tisch seems to concentrate on actors who sing and dance. If her focus is voice, and your choice is between NYU and CMU, it looks like CMU might be a better fit. If you are still open to other schools on your list, look again at Indiana’s MT program. They believe classical voice is the ballet of voice, and seem to stress that in the education of their MT students. Good luck…lots of great choices!</p>
<p>@monkey13- Thanks for the comments about NU and is consistent with information we received. My S was told at the VP audition that about 100-120 theatre and VP majors (frosh and sophs)audition for about 20 spots in the MT certificate program. Even if one does not make it in their first two years, they still, for the most part, can take the classes. </p>
<p>@soundfather- The MT program at IU is operated through the theatre department not IU Jacobs School of Music. Much different program and different voice training, which is why my son auditioned only for VP at IU and not the MT program there. You probably already investigated that fully, but it caused some concern. </p>
<p>@Momcares-Thanks for great response. I am an alum of NU (although not music or theatre) and am in full agreement with your assessment. Best wishes for your daughter!</p>
<p>@Nccpdad - can you tell me what caused concern for you at IU’s MT program? You can PM me if you don’t want to put it out for the world to see. I have only heard good things about the program and George Pinney…my D is planning on auditioning there this fall. Thanks!</p>
<p>@Nccpdad - Btw, I am in awe of those of you going through this process with… TWINS!! </p>
<p>The stress of finding the perfect school for our two kids sequentially, when only ONE is an MT, is enough for us. I can’t even imagine trying to juggle audition schedules, school visits AND finances, on top of all of the emotions surrounding acceptances and rejections for two kids who may be applying to the same programs.</p>
<p>@Momcares-Its been an exciting ride. Both (fortunately for the whole family) have great options and may even go to school together (I never thought it could happen)! 22 total auditions between the two of them (no unifieds). Lots of weekends in two different places It was crazy but would not trade it for the world! All the parents on this forum, I’m sure have interesting and wonderful stories!</p>
<p>I just read VoiceTeacher’s thread about MT versus Vocal Performance majors and found it interesting.</p>
<p>I don’t know exactly how everything works at Northwestern for VP majors, but I do know that currently the Music Department at NU employs at least one voice teacher who is focused solely on MT and pop singing, and she gives private lessons to MT students, presumably including those MTs who are Vocal Performance majors. She is NOT focused on opera or classical music styles.</p>
<p>Also, NU is in the process of hiring two dedicated MT Voice teachers who will work directly for the Theatre Department starting next year. Based on the ad for these jobs that’s currently in Playbill, I gather that these teachers will be dedicated exclusively to teaching singing for MT.</p>
<p>Theatre students are also able to study classical singing (by audition), with a different instructor, in the Music school. Our D currently has both an MT and a classical voice teacher.</p>