If anyone has any input/advice on how to distinguish differences between these two majors after graduation; I would be happy to hear it. I know the VP curriculm is more music based but still focused on acting, with opera workshops and acting elective classes. And I know MT is acting focused first. (Dance aside) I haven’t met any college VP’s to talk to this about so any input is helpful. I don’t know how common it is to want to pursue both in the business after graduation and wonder how that transition would be to one or the other…
I think it depends on the specific schools as some MT degrees are also BM degrees with a music focus. But I would say at most schools the area you would get the least training as a VP instead of MT is dance. So you may want to ask yourself what kind of dance training you want and can you get that in the programs you are considering.
Also, be careful. Not all MT programs are acting first. Make sure you really examine the degree requirements and make sure those are classes you want to take.
You also may want to determine how VPs and MTs work on the same campus, for example, at OCU, VPS and MTs share voice studios and all audition for and are cast in both operas and musicals. I believe at Baldwin Wallace, the VP program is totally independent of the MT program and it is more rare to find them in the same classes or shows. (But please confirm this with someone from Baldwin Wallace. We have friends there in both programs who both love it. But they are not in the same classes or shows so that is our only personal experience at BW).
Lastly, see if you can find out how VPs and MTs spend their summers? And where are they working after graduation? D had a friend from OCU who graduated as a VP and her first job just weeks after graduating was the lead in the national tour of Jekyll and Hyde. but I believe her next role is with an opera company. So it is possible to do both if you are right for the roles. But the contact you need are different for each.
Lastly, examine your heart. Which will make you happy? Which school fits you best in addition to the program? Trust your gut. Best wishes to you in picking the perfect program for you!
Thank you so much!
My S saw your D’s friend when the tour came through our area @vvnstar and said she was phenomenal. He remarked that being a VP major was perfect for that role. He was very complimentary of her.
Here are some thoughts…
VP is fundamentally a degree in music that typically includes in-depth coursework in classical voice, diction in multiple languages, several semesters of theory, aural skills, passing a keyboard barrier, vocal ensemble requirements (most commonly in classical groups), music history, recitals and juries, upper-division music electives such as choral conducting, etc. While popular-style vocal performance can be pursued in many programs, “classical” voice training is generally at the core of most VP programs (this can be the subject of a broad and far-reaching debate about vocal pedagogy). Acting and dance coursework is generally fairly limited in degree plan outlines, although, like any major, electives and minors can be used to pursue interests in theatre and dance (although some music programs might be fairly restrictive about Minors and electives). Post-graduation, VP’s in Music generally enter a somewhat broad spectrum of career paths including performance (musical theatre, popular music, etc. depending on skills and talent), teaching at the primary or secondary level (with additional coursework for teaching credentials), graduate study aimed at opera performance or a career in academia, etc. Opera/recital careers usually require a fairly extensive, highly-structured post-grad program of study and internships with a BM in VP as the initial gate.
A BM in Musical Theatre is an interdisciplinary program that could generally be characterized as a degree in music combined with minors in Theatre and Dance. Somewhat less coursework in Music is typically required allowing for additional coursework in theatre and dance. Vocal studies are more likely to focus on what could loosely be termed a “popular music style” vs. a multi-language, “classical” vocal study style (although, as noted above, this could be subject to a broad debate in vocal pedagogy). BM’s in MT are likely to receive some training and performance opportunities in Opera. Post-graduation, BM MT majors are most likely to attempt to pursue a career in theatre or popular music, although, of course, they can also pursue teaching (with additional coursework for certification that may be very difficult to fit into a four year plan in MT), perhaps pursue the long road into Opera, etc.
A BFA in Musical Theatre is an interdisciplinary program that could generally be characterized as a degree in Theatre with minors in Music and Dance. Curricula can vary considerably between programs, with some having much less depth in courses such as Music Theory or Dance than others, for example, and some having Music Ensemble requirements while others do not. Post-graduation, BFA’s in MT are most likely to attempt to pursue a career in theatre, popular music, or teaching theatre (with additional coursework for teacher certification).
VP’s and BM MT’s are probably somewhat better-positioned to teach private voice, keyboard, etc. or school music than BFA’s in MT, and vice-versa for acting, dance, and theatre, although this would vary considerably on an individual basis (and for public schools on a state-by-state basis). With regard to the stage, there are so many paths to professional careers in theatre (including no college at all) that it would be very difficult to claim any particular path offers significant advantage over any other.
I would not claim any of this to be cut-and-dried, just some thoughts.
Here are some past threads that might be of interest:
http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/musical-theater-major/1314963-mt-vocal-performance-choices.html
I have one kid who is in VP and another headed toward MT. I’ve read from several teachers that if MT is the goal, that’s what the student should major in, mainly because the singing technique is different and also for the dance/acting components. My VP daughter was conflicted and confused about this during high school, but finally decided to go with what she thought was unique about her–her voice–and develop it to its full potential. She supplements her classical training with a lot of MT dance classes, vocal coaching with an excellent MT teacher (who understands classical technique), and acting classes–all outside school. Her summers are devoted to MT too. She auditions all the time and likes to have a show in rehearsal and another on the horizon (either MT or straight acting). Busy, yes, but she is very focused and feels she will graduate with something a little different to offer than most BFAs–highly trained vocals; the ability to switch between classical and MT singing without hurting her voice; fluency in sight-reading and music theory; and advanced piano skills. My son plans to take a different route and go with a music-heavy BFA in MT, but he, too, is basing the decision on his strengths–rock/pop vocals and acting ability. Who know which path may lead where, but they are both doing what they feel is right for them and plays to their strengths. So I agree with vvmstar–find out as much as you can about each program, then go with your gut. Good luck!
You are all very kind to share your information and advice, thank you! @claire74 @EmsDad @vvnstar @IfYouOnlyKnew
D is doing the exact same as claire74. She is currently a vp at hartt, but has booked both american idiot and marriage of Figaro this summer, one in california and one in Austria. Talk about total opposites. If you are interested in talking with her, pm me and I will forward your her info…she loves sharing her experience.
If anyone on-thread is looking for contemporary (pop/rock) vocals (not vocal performance, which tends classical), here’s a list of colleges offering rock vocal degree programs: http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/1372071-rock-vocals.html
I chose VP!