Opinions on CCM MT vs. NYU MT

<p>In your opinion, which program (tisch new studio MT or ccm MT) provides better overall singing, dancing, and acting training and why? Also, which provides better networking opportunities?
Thanks</p>

<p>In my opinion, neither is better than the other. It is ALL about what YOU are seeking in a college and how each of these schools/programs matches your selection criterion. One may match what factors you want more than the other. They both offer very good singing, dancing, and acting training and both provide networking opportunities. It isn’t about which school is better or best but which is best for YOU. What is best for one person is not for the other. If you outline YOUR selection criterion very specifically, as well as your own thoughts of comparing the two schools, and share that here, perhaps some people here can guide you in figuring out your decision.</p>

<p>I want a program that is as intense and focused as possible. I want to be able to be a really good dancer by the end of the four years in ballet, jazz, and tap, and be able to be cast in dance shows (I’m currently a beginner/intermediate dancer).</p>

<p>I’m also looking for a school that will push me hard to be a better singer. I want to be able to hit higher notes, have a greater singing quality, and be able to perform songs in all situations - broadway show, cabaret, etc.</p>

<p>Finally, I want a school with strong acting training. I want to know learn more about dissecting a script and work on all kinds of acting - dramatic, comedic, classical.</p>

<p>Overall, I just want to be ready to audition for Broadway shows (and other types of shows - Plays, Dance Shows, Films) at the end of the 4 years and feel confident walking into the casting room. </p>

<p>What I’ve heard is that NYU puts a stronger emphasis on acting and CCM puts more of an emphasis on dance - is that true? Also, how are the cultures different at these places?</p>

<p>Thanks</p>

<p>Try to also articulate what you like about CCM and what you like about NYU. Write down pros/cons for each school and that might bring a clearer picture to you. Put the curriculums side by side. These things are what should help you. </p>

<p>While you didn’t discuss any of that above…I will comment on what you did bring up. I really think both these schools will do the things you wrote about! That is not what really sets them apart or how they differ. </p>

<p>I think both programs will train you in voice, dance, and acting and you’ll be ready to audition in NYC after four years of training. </p>

<p>I haven’t heard that CCM puts a stronger emphasis on dance. I really think it is a well balanced program in all three disciplines. I happen to think NYU/Tisch is also well balanced in those three areas, at least that was my D’s experience (she was in CAP21). When she went to Tisch, every semester she had ballet, jazz, and tap (all three), unlike some BFA programs. Tisch does have an emphasis on training actors who sing and dance. And I have to tell you that unless you are shooting for chorus/ensemble, it is very important to be able to sing and act out of everything (not to diminish that being able to dance is important in MT). Many roles in MT don’t even involve dance and same with many musicals. Also, unless you go to a dance call (open call for “dancers who sing”), many MT auditions start with singing and may also have sides (acting scenes) and that either may be it or then if you pass that screening, you may then dance. (this is particularly true for ROLES/EPAs and for agent submitted auditions) So, being able to sing and act is crucial. Being able to dance is important but not crucial in every single audition. </p>

<p>There are differences between NYU and CCM. For example…their locations and sizes. Do you want any academics? You barely get any at CCM and you get a significant amount at NYU. Do you care about the general selectivity of the overall student body or just those in the MT program? These differ at these two schools. CCM, which altered their cut policy, still has a version of such a policy and from some who have attended, they have said it can affect the atmosphere some in a competitive sort of way, but I think it is best to talk to students there directly. There are no cut policies or versions of such policies at Tisch. Only you can determine which suits you best as it depends if you care about that aspect. Also, ask students what they think of the faculty and directors of their programs. Some of the questions you posed feel sort of generic in the sense that both programs train you in those areas. I can think of lots of probing questions you could ask of each program and don’t want to take the time to list them all (and I have listed them elsewhere on CC before). Did you look into production opportunities at both schools? Also, you mention studying all kinds of acting, and be aware that at Tisch, there is the flexibility of training in an acting studio for a year (or more) and varying up your training over the four years if you wish. Do you want to hang out with a small group of kids for four years or mix with a wider group? Do you want to work with a handful of faculty or be exposed to several? These are the kinds of things that differ between these two choices and are a matter of personal preference. Where they differ is not so much in that they both offer very good training in voice, dance, and acting. It’s the other finer details that are different.</p>