<p>I was encouraging my son to apply for the Young Arts program. I told him he had to choose between "musical" and "spoken" theater. He said he won't apply for musical theater because he can't read music. When it comes to college programs, should be able to read music if he plans to do musical theater?</p>
<p>I just checked and if you look at the FAQ’s, a student CAN apply in more than one category for the Young Arts competition. Singers need to learn to read music, of course, but it seems that universities assume everyone knows little to nothing when they walk in the door: classes seem to “start at the very beginning.” If he doesn’t know how to read music, they will teach him. If he is unsure, for colleges he can always apply in both categories - many do and they see how things shake out at the end.</p>
<p>He does not need to be able to read music to apply for a musical theatre program. My D just began first year MT music theory and they are indeed “starting at the very beginning” which is “a very good place to start”! (cue music for “Do Re Mi”) ;-)</p>
<p>LOL @austinmt.</p>
<p>He does not need to read music when he walks in - he will be reading music when he walks out. BTW, its not a bad thing to read music walking in - but not necessary at most programs.</p>
<p>Several of the MT programs have a piano test at auditions (UMich and BW are the two that come to mind…I’m sure there are more). But they are for placement, not for admission. The kids are generally taught keyboarding, sight singing, and music theory once they are in a program, although some schools emphasize it more than others.</p>
<p>The ability to read music is not a requirement, certainly, but I think you will find that most kids who are entering MT programs do, indeed, know how to read music. Many, if not most, will have the ability to play one or more instruments, too.</p>