<p>I just got accepted to Penn State University Park, and am pretty sure that I am going to go there. Now, I know that I probably should audition this year, and go in as a music major, but it just doesn't seem possible right now (I've got so many factors and things going on right now that I'm not going to very many lessons, and it's too stressful to get up to there to audition/get audition stuff ready. As much as I want it to happen, it's not going to). Would it be impossible to transfer into the voice program there? I know they don't have very many voice students, so should I go to another school that it is easier to transfer into? (I also might go to Maryland. Would it be easier there?) Thanks so much!</p>
<p>Your earlier post asking effectively the same question is here: <a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/591860-i-m-waiting-year-declare-audition-major.html%5B/url%5D">http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/591860-i-m-waiting-year-declare-audition-major.html</a>. I'm not sure you might have seen all the responses. </p>
<p>You've gotten some good and varied advice there. I admit I misunderstood your question when I initially posted, and incorrectly assumed you were deferring applying. My answer there was formulated on the gap year/high level private instruction scenario.</p>
<p>I had posted the following:
[quote]
You can consider a strong program that offers both music ed and performance, and apply as either one or the other. Once in, it is fairly easy to add or switch. It's easier to drop from performance to mus ed, and sometimes harder to move from ed to performance, but this can be done, but varies as to individual institution as to just how difficult it might be.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>KatMT had an alternative, yet similar suggestion.</p>
<p>I'm not that familiar with the specific admissions policies at Penn State for music majors, but if it follows the norm of non conservatory undergrad programs, there is a mixed emphasis of both academics and talent (ie, audition based) depending on the music concentration.</p>
<p>You need to review the specific university policies regarding transferring into a music major. The definitive answers should be in the undergrad handbook which details degree requirements by major and concentration, and music department/college policies regarding changing programs. I'm pretty confident that they will similar to the criteria for initial music admission, including the audition requirement.</p>
<p>You need to speak with a knowledgeable faculty member, department head or music admissions admissions counselor, and not a clerk answering a phone as to how "easy" or feasible the process is. You also need to know if you can take entry level music courses as an undeclared major (theory, music history, piano) that are transferable to a music degree curriculum. This is not always possible, as many music classes may be closed to non-majors. </p>
<p>Both performance and music ed curriculums are highly sequenced in terms of course structure, and can be very credit intensive degrees. You need to know the effect of not beginning with your class, and be aware that you may be adding an additional semester, year, or more by waiting to declare a major.</p>
<p>Another factor is private instruction. You need to know what the policy is for lessons for non-majors. They may or may not be available, may be at additional cost, or may be with grad students rather than listed faculty. In any event, you will need to maintain and improve your skills to be competitive in an audition based program.</p>
<p>All of what I addressed is school specific, and there is no blanket answer as to what the policy will be across different undergrad programs.</p>
<p>The path you propose is not what I would suggest for the typical music student. That's not saying that it isn't possible, but I don't think that there is anyone on this forum that can address the specifics of Penn State's program in a way that will provide you definitive answers.</p>
<p>As for transfering into another music program after a year or two at Penn State, again anything is possible. But realize that not all of your credits may transfer, and you may have limited, if any, transfer of music credits, particularly those in theory. Again, you are adding length and cost to your program.</p>
<p>I urge you to discuss this with a knowledgeable source(s) within Penn State's music school.</p>
<p>Good luck.</p>