<p>My D is a junior in high school hoping to pursue vocal performance/music ed in college. She is trying to decide between two summer programs at which she has been admitted: Eastman Music Horizons and UMich/Ann Arbor IMPULSE (Vocal Arts Institute). Does anyone have experience with these programs that could offer "pros and cons" to help with her decision? Thanks!</p>
<p>One consideration would be if your daughter is looking at either of these schools for future study. Summer programs are a great time to evaluate a campus, facilities, teachers and talk to current students. If she likes it, then it’s also a good way to showcase your talents and your work ethic prior to auditions.</p>
<p>^I’d second that. Great opportunity to connect with the locale, some of the faculty, etc. I don’t have direct experience with the vocal or summer programs, but my son attends UMich SOM for performing arts technology (PAT – kind of like music technology) and loves it. (I’m sure parents at Eastman would say the same, FWIW 
) I believe some of the students in his program attended the summer equivalent as juniors (and in some ways, it may have helped them prepare their portfolios, as it is a limited program with about 9 admits over 3 disciplines plus 3 more in engineering.)</p>
<p>In general, it would make sense to lean toward the school she’s most interested in attending. Has she already visited both?</p>
<p>Thanks for the input! Unfortunately, neither Eastman nor UMich are on her college list as she is planning to apply to music schools at smaller liberal arts colleges. So at this point, she’s really just interested in learning more about the actual summer programs. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!</p>
<p>From that standpoint, I’d look at what she can accomplish at either summer program. Who does she get to study with, what performance opportunities does she have, does she get to work on particular areas of weakness or learn something that she does not otherwise have access to? I would evaluate the programs based on using them to get her ready for college auditions and improving her resume. You will hear some people say that a resume is not that important at this age but I will tell you that my D just got a scholarship last week based only on her resume and a letter of recommendation, no recording or audition, so don’t dismiss the power of a well thought out resume.</p>
<p>The one time so far that D applied to summer programs, we previously checked with teachers at the schools she did want to attend to see if they had any opinions on the programs. Also, I think there is a pretty “tight” network of teachers out there, and while the teacher she wants may not be at a certain summer program, one of his or her good friends could very well be, and that could result in a very good indirect recommendation. (I think this logic helped my D get into a very good school).</p>
<p>Hi, I attended the Vocal Arts Institute during the summers of 2009 and 2010. Even though I was not considering UMich for college, it was an AMAZING experience both years! Jerry Blackstone is one of the best conductors in the country and it is truly an honor to be able to have the opportunity to sing with him. Both years I attended, we performed a major work (the Boccherini Gloria in 2009 and the Vivaldi Gloria in 2010), and many other fantastic pieces (O Nata Lux by Laurdisen, Water Night by Whitacre, etc). In addition to approx 4 hours of choir rehearsal every day, students take voice lessons (in groups of 3-5) with UMich faculty and theory classes every day. Each participant also has the opportunity to perform in a recital, singing one song for their peers. Words cannot describe how much I felt “at home” at MPulse, with all of the other amazing musicians who all have the same passion and drive as I do.</p>