Our daughter has auditioned and has been accepted as a Music Major (Vocal Performance) at four schools; Belmont University, Shenandoah University Conservatory, Oklahoma City University and Susquehanna University. All of the schools have offered both academic and talent scholarships so now we are really trying to get some honest feedback on any of these schools. She has her favorite (Belmont) and we as parents want to make sure she is considering all of the pros and cons of each. All of the schools have offered scholarships but Belmont’s offer is much lower than the others. As parents, we have a difficult time, as they say, leaving money on the table so we are just trying to determine if it is the best fit for her. She will be attending Belmont Day and has requested a lesson with a vocal professor to see if she clicks. Didn’t really get the chance to interact with the faculties at the other schools except in the auditions. Shenandoah has scheduled an admitted students day for the day before Belmont Day but due to the distance between these schools, it’s not possible for her to attend both. She would like to have numerous opportunities to perform throughout her four years and I have read that some of the schools only have a couple of performances a year and there are not many opportunities to audition for performances off campus. Any feedback is welcome. Thank You!
Hi @singersdad00 . Congratulations to your D on some really great admission offers! I have some insight on a couple of the programs above, but first can you tell us:
- what kind of singing your D does.
- what are her career goals? (I.e. Musical Theater, Opera, teaching, etc…)
- what degree programs (specifically) has she been admitted to at each school?
My kid was a music major in college…and the single most important thing he considered was the private teacher. I can’t imagine any performance major making a decision without some contact with the private teacher.
In addition, my kid also listened to the ensembles for his instrument. He first did this online, but he also did so in person. His accepted student visit included observing an orchestra and wind ensemble rehearsal. In your case, your daughter should try to see a choral ensemble rehearsal.
Music performance majors spend a LOT of time with their private instructors, and a LOT of time in ensemble rehearsals. These are important components of the decision making process…in my opinion.
@thumper1, Thanks!
^ “In your case, your daughter should try to see a choral ensemble rehearsal.”
Or Opera or Musical Theater… which is why it’s important to know your D’s college/career goals!
@dramasopranomom, some answers to your questions… thanks!
- Classical/Opera, Musical Theatre, Some Contemporary
- Opera, and Musical Theatre, Private Studio teacher (Vocal Pedagogy)
- Music Perfomance Major (Belmont)
Music Perfomance Major (Shenandoah University Conservatory)
Bachelor of Music Performance (Susquehanna University)
Bachelor of Arts in Music (Oklahoma City University)
generally, a BA in music has many more gen ed requirements and far fewer music classes. My D really struggled with the decision, but ultimately decided to pursue a Bachelor of Music. Your daughter should look at the degree path for the BA at OCU and see if she would be happy with those classes, as opposed to a music degree
We are still waiting on scholarship info to make a final decision. I am slowly going crazy…
@cgmndt, Thank you! We received some very candid feedback on OCU and the BA degree track which has ended up being a deal breaker for our D.