<p>DD is HS sophomore, and we're trying to figure out her path. She wants to make music somehow part of her professional life; and certainly her college experience. Right now she prefers MT, but could just as easily go to classical vocal performance or jazz vocal performance. We would like her to also be doing work toward a Music Ed degree -- even if she doesn't complete and get the music ed degree, we would like her to get as much coursework under her belt as possinble, even if that extends her college by a year or two.</p>
<p>While DD loves the MT idea now, I have a feeling that once she is exposed to a rigorous program, she may realize that it's not right for her. Am I correct in the assumption that we might be wiser to look at colleges that offer MT, music ed, and vocal performance ALL under the music department umbrella? That way, if she alters course once she's enrolled, it will be a smoother transition ... and/or, profs at the college might steer her toward a path that would be a better fit for what they see in her. ?</p>
<p>DD is mostly coming from the singing and acting aspect. Dancing is definitely a weak link right now, but we are investing in lessons for her starting this Sept.</p>
<p>I think she can do this at OCU, I know that MT is in the Music dept. not sure about Music Ed I also know that many students double major in some of these areas. I don't know if this is something she might want to do, but many schools have summer programs and its a good way to get a taste of a college MT program, ect. The way I understand it the summer program at OCU is similar to the college program, I'm sure it is that way at some of the other pre-college programs, there are some threads on this subject.</p>
<p>If you want to broaden possibilities within the music realm (possibility of double majoring, or going back later and adding on vocal performance or mus. ed. with a minimum of extra course work, you want to look not only at schools that are housed in the school of music, but ones where the degree is a Bachelor of Music. In addition to OCU, I believe Baldwin-Wallace, NYU Steinhart, FSU (either/or BFA.B.Mus) all fit that category. I think there are others where it is a B. Mus., and also others where incoming students have the option. You can search other threads for that.</p>
<p>And, I agree with srw that if she (or you) are not sure that she is up to the rigors of a college program, one of the collegiate precollege summer programs might give her a good idea of whether she wants to do this -- better to find out now, than after she is already in a program.</p>
<p>At James Madison University the BM degee in Music Theatre is through the School of Music. There are students who enter in one consnetration and switch to another... Music Industry to Music Education... Vocal Performance to Music Theatre... etc. I teach the majority of the Musical Theatre courses in the School of Theatre and Dance. These are required of both the BA Musical Theatre Concentrators in the School of Theatre and Dance, and the BM Music Theatre Concentrators in the School of Music, and are taken by many of the Music Ed., Music Industry, Vocal Performance, and "straight" theatre students. I am sure that there are other schools that have a similar set-up.</p>
<p>Montclair State University is another school that offers at MT degree through the music department. They have three options: BFA with an emphasis on acting, BFA with an emphasis on dance, BM with an emphasis on vocal MT performance.</p>
<p>If you were a Music Theatre major at BW, I'm sure you would be allowed to take some of the music ed courses. Unfortunatly you would not be able to double major because both degrees are quite intense, and many times most of the music ed kids get out in 5 years.</p>
<p>At Westminster Choir College (In Princeton, NJ) you get a B.M. in MT, which means there is a lot of music training in the program. It basically prepares you to be a classical singer and a musical theater one. Also, you can double major in MT and Music Education or MT and Vocal Performance. A very good program, I would highly suggest it :) I'm actually a current MT major here.</p>