The Freshman Experience

College Majors Musical Theater Major
101

<p>Primarily posting so that I can bump this thread, because I think it is an amazing resource for people deciding where to apply/where to accept because it is an honest student perspective. But I might as well post my fall and spring sophomore schedules (ignore the title of the thread ;)) while I’m here. Not detailed, but I have a few other posts in the thread with specific information about a day in the life of a Coastal Carolina freshman.</p>

<p>Sophomore Fall:</p>

<p>Monday/Wednesday:
9:00-10:50 - Acting 2/Intro to Realism (3 Credits)
12:00-1:00 - American History (Core requirement, 3 credits)
1:00-1:50 - Recital Hour/Master Class (Music class with performance opportunities)
2:00-3:50 - Jazz 1 (2 Credits)
4:00-5:00 - Private Voice Lesson (2 Credits, Wednesday Only)</p>

<p>Tuesday/Thursday:
9:25-10:40 - Music Skills for the Actor (3 Credits. Extended theory, sight singing)
11:30-1:25 - Movement for the Actor (3 Credits)
3:05-4:20 - Stage Auditions (2 Credits, Thursday Only)</p>

<p>Friday:
12:00-1:00 - American History
1:00-1:50 - Common Hour</p>

<p>Sophomore Spring:</p>

<p>Monday/Wednesday:
11:00-12:50 - Voice and Diction (3 Credits)
1:00-1:50 - Recital Hour/Master Class (Music class with performance opportunities)
3:00-4:50 - Hip Hop (2 Credits)</p>

<p>Tuesday/Thursday:
9:25-10:40 - European Civilization (Core requirement, 3 Credits)
11:35-1:30: Musical Theatre Scene Study (3 Credits)
1:40-3:35: Tap 1 (2 Credits)
4:00-5:00 - Private Voice Lesson (2 Credits, Thursday Only)</p>

<p>Friday:
8:00-10:30 - Complete Stage Makeup
1:00-1:50 - Common Hour</p>

<p>Productions run through the University rehearse Sunday-Thursday, typically from 6:00-10:00 or 7:00-11:00. Productions that are run through Atlantic Stage (the professional equity theatre in partnership with CCU) typically rehearse on an equity schedule of Tuesday-Sunday with Mondays off. They typically have fewer weeks to open a show as well, although Bigfoot began rehearsals in late November to do table work on the book even though the show opens in January.</p>

<p>Hope this was helpful! If anyone has any questions, feel free to PM. I think the titles of the classes are fairly self explanatory, but I could be wrong.</p>

102

<p>On reading this thread, I’ve noticed that the Tisch BFA differs from all the others in this regard: students are required to take theater studies for seven semesters. There is a wide variety of courses to choose from, but this requirement means that students will learn about theater not only from a technical perspective, but place it within an historical, literary and / or social context. It’s a matter of personal preference whether or not this is important to you. At Tisch, the schedule is always divided three days a week studio and two days a week academics (when theater studies is taught). All freshmen are in studio T, Th and F and academics M and W; upperclass are in studio MWF and academics T, Th. </p>

<p>I would also like to point out that at Tisch, there are many students whose first choice was MT, but they did accept other studios for their primary training. There are opportunities to do MT in advance training (eg, Playwrights Horizons has an MT practicum track, IDK if NSB is going to have a transfer track or not, ETW has some music and dance performance stuff I believe) for junior and senior year. Within at least some of the studios, there are opportunities for vocal and dance training in primary and advanced years, although not as intense or concentrated as NSB. </p>

<p>All Drama students can audition and be cast in the departmental musical, and others put on by the studios that are open to students across the department. At several of the studios (Playwrights and Experimental Theater Wing at least), there is a big emphasis on creating original work, some of which can have a musical component and / or emphasis.</p>

<p>I realize this doesn’t give a “day in the life” picture, but given that Alexa broadened it to her sophomore year experience (great idea Alexa), I thought this bigger picture of Tisch might be helpful for prospective MT students.</p>

<p>My D is a Tisch Drama student, but did not audition for MT, but I still thought my knowledge might be helpful.</p>

103

<p>…Ball State (BFA MT) – Post #32
…Boston Conservatory (BFA MT) – Post #45
…Carnegie Mellon (BFA MT) – Posts #35, #36
…Coastal Carolina (BFA MT) – Posts #3, #24, #69, #101
…James Madison University (BA MT) – Post #87
…Marymount Manhattan (BA/BFA with MT) – Post #74
…Northwestern University (BA with MT certificate) – Posts #92 , #93
…NYU/Tisch New Studio (BFA MT) – Posts #16, #71
…NYU/Tisch – Post #102
…NYU/Steinhardt (BM VP/MT concentration) – Post #99
…Otterbein (BFA MT) – Post #13
…Point Park University (BA MT) – Post #40
…Roosevelt/CCPA (BFA MT) – Post #58, #76
…SUNY Cortland (BFA MT) – Post #95
…SUNY Fredonia (BA Theatre Arts) – Post #90
…Temple (BA MT w/Dance Minor)-- Post #47
…University of the Arts (BFA MT) – Post #52
…University of Northern Colorado (BA MT) – Post #100
…USC (BA w/ MT Minor) – Posts #2, #22, #85
…Viterbo (BFA MT) – Post #98
…Webster (BFA MT) – Post #56</p>

104

<p>Here’s some info that I also posted in the Viterbo thread that may be helpful, as well as my 1st and 2nd semester schedules following:
I am currently a BFA Musical Theater major and dance minor at Viterbo and I COULD NOT BE HAPPIER about my decision. Going into the process of choosing a school, I admit I was drawn to programs with big names and prestigious programs. Viterbo was not on my radar until a little later in the process. Now that I am here I am positive that I am much better off as an artist, performer and individual at this smaller school with a killer program than at a large school with a cut throat competitive atmosphere. It’s what I needed personally. We all receive very individualized personal attention from the start of our time here. Viterbo is where I am supposed to be, hands down. And it might be the right pick for you too
Dana McConnell, who runs our MT program, is possibly the most remarkable individual I have ever encountered. Her understanding of our art form, of the body, of life, and of what we need to be effective, nurtured artists is truly astounding. The program is evolving, for the better, and she is the driving force behind it. As MT majors, we get to have a class called Musical Theater (or MUTH) Lab 3 times a week for all 8 semester we are here. This class includes all 4 classes of MTs. The course includes individual performances, cabarets, mock dance calls, and some very rich, diverse artistic explorations in other forms that inform our work. Another great aspect of this class is that it breaks down the barriers between grade levels. In our collaboration together, freshman are valued as much others in the process, which helps our learning curve immensely.
The dance program here, headed up by the wonderful Nikki Balsamo, is very strong. Most of what we do here, especially our dance program, finds its basis in the Alexander technique and the need for release and efficiency in the body. I have encountered an entirely new way of looking at dance that feels much better in my body and is producing greater results for me. I am also developing an understanding of how to embody rhythms in my body through jump rhythm jazz dance technique. There are opportunities to have a free dance tutor for every class you are taking. There are also opportunities to take classes at Nikki’s studio in town for an extremely discounted rate if you want more dance than you can fit in your schedule.
For voice lessons, we have 2 half hour lessons each week with our voice teacher for the entirety of our time here. We have three MT voice faculty members, all of whom are specifically trained in teaching musical theater voice. My teacher, Karla Hughes, is the head of musical theater voice, and is an exceptional vocalist who is still performing professionally in the Opera world. She also has a very strong background in teaching belt in particular. We have seniors who came in with no belt and would blow you away now. This year, all of the MT girls are in Karla’s studio, though that is not always the case. You are encouraged to stay with your same voice teacher all 4 years unless for some reason it is a bad fit. We have a midterm voice recital and juries at the end of the semester. We also have a combined studio class with all 3 MT voice teachers’ students in which we can perform music we’re working on in our lessons. You are also required to hire an accompanist for each semester who plays in one of your lessons each week and practices for 1 half hour additionally with you.
These are just a few areas in particular that I wanted to touch on. Viterbo is one of those programs that isn’t talked about a lot yet but it’s a sort of diamond in the rough and I think people will be hearing about it more and more. I am so thankful that I ended up here. Hopefully this lets some of you know a little more about what this program offers. If you have any questions at all, please let me know. I would be happy to address any inquiries
Best of luck to all of you in your process!</p>

<p>SEMESTER 1 </p>

<p>Monday
9:00-9:50 - Text Analysis - A class where we read about 10 different plays and look at basic structure and analysis. I learned SO MUCH from this class. In the second half of the semester our analysis included detailed presentations of how we would produce the show including lighting, costumes, dramaturgical analysis, staging, scenery, sound, etc.
10:10:50 - Class Piano - For those with piano skills ranging from none to fairly advanced. It is a basic piano class that gives students a lot of freedom and catches beginners up to be ready to take Piano Proficiency 1. Class Piano is not required but Proficiency 1 and 2 must be passed. We have the option to take proficiency 3, 4 and private lessons following if we would like with the Music department.
11:00-12:20 - Dance Fundamentals - Talked about in DGCollege’s post. Great class. I, along with quite a few other freshman, tested out of this class at dance testing the first week of school, but chose to take it in order to solidify the basics and have more hours of dance each week in my schedule. I am thankful that I made that choice and would suggest it to others.
2:10-3:00 - Music Theory 1- This class is a music theory class tailored to Music Theater majors.
3:10-4:00 - MUTH Lab - Talked about in above description. My favorite class. Taught by Dana McConnell and Nikki Balsamo.
4:10-5:00 - Voice Studio with Karla Hughes, Gary Moss, and Holly Saunders. </p>

<p>Tuesday:
9:00-10:20 - Jazz 1 - Dance Fundamentals or testing out is required for this class. Taught by Nikki. Emphasis on rhythm making in the body, technique, quick learn combos and more.
10:30-11:20 - Franciscan Values: Music and More - Because Viterbo is a Catholic University, we are required to take 4 Catholic seminars, one each year, in our time here. Thankfully there are classes that double dip and I got to take a class that was sort of music history/appreciation class as well as a catholic values class. This diverse class included some great activities including visiting a catholic worker house ( a local homeless ministry house), hiking the bluffs (a beautiful part of Viterbo’s scenery), and having and internationally renowned violinist perform a private concert for our class. Some think Franciscan Values classes are an annoying gen-ed, but this one was far from it.
1:00-2:50 - Fundamentals of Acting 1 - Diverse class that included an introduction to Alexander, Meisner, and Fitzmorris. Culminated in 5 min life story performances for our final created by each student, somewhat akin to a performance art format. </p>

<p>Wed:
Text Analysis, Class Piano, Dance Fundamentals, Music Theory, MUTH Lab</p>

<p>Thursday: Jazz, Music and More, Acting 1 </p>

<p>Friday: Text Analysis, Theater Forum (suggested all department meeting from 12:15-1), Music Theory, MUTH Lab</p>

<p>SEMESTER 2</p>

<p>Monday:
8-9:20 - Jazz 2
9:30-10:50 - Tap 1
11:00-11:50 - Stage Craft - Essentially a scenic building class, I believe there is another choice of class that also fulfills this requirement. I want to say it’s stage make-up. I’m choosing to take both.
1:10-3:00 - Acting Fundamentals 2 - Beginning scene study and monologue work:)
3:10-4:00 - MUTH Lab </p>

<p>Tues:
8:00-9:20 - Ballet 1
10:00-10:50 - Piano Proficiency 1 - Scale mastery, ensemble playing, playing by ear, developing repertoire etc.
11:00-12:20 - Sociology - Gen-ed. My teacher, Marlene Fischer, is amazing. I love this class. It’s actually kind of refreshing to have an academic class. Extremely manageable work load.
1:30 - Practice with my accompanist
2:00-2:30 - Voice Lesson</p>

<p>Wed: Jazz 2, Tap 1, Stagecraft, Acting 2, MUTH Lab</p>

<p>Thurs: Ballet 1, Piano Proficiency 1, Sociology, Voice Lesson</p>

<h2>Friday: Stagecraft, Forum!, MUTH Lab</h2>

<p>**Generally speaking, Freshman are not eligible for casting first semester. Second semester we are. I am currently understudying a senior in the main stage musical and in the chorus of our black box play, which begins rehearsal the day after the musical closes. Rehearsals are M-F 6:30-10 tentatively. Changes depending on the show. </p>

<p>**We are required to do 40 practicum hours each semester in an assigned area. I have been props run crew, and now scenic run crew. I think practicum enhances our well-roundedness and gives us additional marketable skills (set painting, building, costuming, props build, light hang, etc.) </p>

<p>Wow, that post was long. Sorry for being so long winded! Hope that info is helpful. Let me know if you have any questions.</p>

105

<p>…Ball State (BFA MT) – Post #32
…Boston Conservatory (BFA MT) – Post #45
…Carnegie Mellon (BFA MT) – Posts #35, #36
…Coastal Carolina (BFA MT) – Posts #3, #24, #69, #101
…James Madison University (BA MT) – Post #87
…Marymount Manhattan (BA/BFA with MT) – Post #74
…Northwestern University (BA with MT certificate) – Posts #92 , #93
…NYU/Tisch New Studio (BFA MT) – Posts #16, #71
…NYU/Tisch – Post #102
…NYU/Steinhardt (BM VP/MT concentration) – Post #99
…Otterbein (BFA MT) – Post #13
…Point Park University (BA MT) – Post #40
…Roosevelt/CCPA (BFA MT) – Post #58, #76
…SUNY Cortland (BFA MT) – Post #95
…SUNY Fredonia (BA Theatre Arts) – Post #90
…Temple (BA MT w/Dance Minor)-- Post #47
…University of the Arts (BFA MT) – Post #52
…University of Northern Colorado (BA MT) – Post #100
…USC (BA w/ MT Minor) – Posts #2, #22, #85
…Viterbo (BFA MT) – Posts #98, #104
…Webster (BFA MT) – Post #56</p>

106

<p>@Central MT - it’s great timing for you to resurrect this thread, since many people will be making decisions soon. Exciting times!</p>

<p>I can add a bit more info about D’s experience at Northwestern, since now she’s been there more than 2 weeks. ;-D</p>

<p>Both quarters so far D has had MT Workshop, Voice group and private voice lessons, plus a dance class (Jazz her first quarter and MT Dance this quarter). She’s also had one Theatre class, and 2 distribution courses (Math, Classics in Film, Shakespeare, Gender Studies) each quarter. </p>

<p>The Acting track at NU starts Sophomore year, as Freshmen observe every Acting teacher and select the one that seems like the best fit. As I understand it, they will remain with their small acting cohort for 3 years.</p>

<p>She has already completed two shows (a Children’s Theatre piece for young adults and a Sondheim musical), and she’s in the Freshman musical which will perform this spring. She has also been in something called Waa2, which premiers original music being written for the Waa Mu original musical.</p>

<p>Her A Cappella group did a tour over Winter Break, and had another scheduled over spring break which was cancelled due to changes in Qatar’s government. In addition, they’ve had several concerts on campus and participated in the ICCA competition.</p>

<p>She’s gotten to sing the Star Spangled Banner for a packed stadium for an ESP-televised basketball game.</p>

<p>D rushed for a sorority and got a bid, which is completely alien to me but it’s part of the bigger college experience she wanted to… experience. They do offer the nicest on-campus housing and have a private chef. ;-D </p>

<p>D is constantly busy (and I mean CONSTANTLY), and she says the course work is definitely demanding, but she’s loving every minute of it and I can’t imagine that she could be happier with her choice of schools. </p>

<p>Good luck to everyone as you ponder your upcoming list of options!</p>

107

<p>Just wanted to add that D completed registration for the final quarter of her freshman year this week, and I can now officially report that she has had Voice and Dance for her entire freshman year at NU.</p>

<p>This quarter she has added private Classical Voice lessons with a grad student, on top of MT Voice with a prof (small group of 4 + private coaching), MT Workshop and a cappella so she is getting PLENTY of vocal work.</p>

<p>This morning marked the end of NU’s 30 hour Dance Marathon (one of the largest student fundraisers in the country - this year they raised over $1M), so in the past 2 days D has done even MORE dancing than she wants to. ;-D</p>

<p>In addition to structured voice and dance training, D has been in two musicals, a play and an MT development group called WAA2 this year, so even before auditioning for the MT program she has had a very full MT experience her freshman year and couldn’t be happier!</p>

108

<p>Thought it might be worth bumping this, as over the coming weeks more people will have acceptances to weigh. CONGRATULATIONS to everyone starting to consider your final choices!</p>

<p>…Ball State (BFA MT) – Post #32
…Boston Conservatory (BFA MT) – Post #45
…Carnegie Mellon (BFA MT) – Posts #35, #36
…Coastal Carolina (BFA MT) – Posts #3, #24, #69, #101
…James Madison University (BA MT) – Post #87
…Marymount Manhattan (BA/BFA with MT) – Post #74
…Northwestern University (BA+MT cert) – Posts #92,#93,#106,#107
…NYU/Tisch New Studio (BFA MT) – Posts #16, #71
…NYU/Tisch – Post #102
…NYU/Steinhardt (BM VP/MT concentration) – Post #99
…Otterbein (BFA MT) – Post #13
…Point Park University (BA MT) – Post #40
…Roosevelt/CCPA (BFA MT) – Post #58, #76
…SUNY Cortland (BFA MT) – Post #95
…SUNY Fredonia (BA Theatre Arts) – Post #90
…Temple (BA MT w/Dance Minor)-- Post #47
…University of the Arts (BFA MT) – Post #52
…University of Northern Colorado (BA MT) – Post #100
…USC (BA w/ MT Minor) – Posts #2, #22, #85
…Viterbo (BFA MT) – Posts #98, #104
…Webster (BFA MT) – Post #56</p>

109

<p>Pace University BFA Musical Theatre</p>

<p>"What classes (both academic and performance-related) you currently are taking:</p>

<p>I take CIS (Computer Information Systems) on Monday morning and then I have my Theatre Dance class in the afternoon, I also “visit” 2 other dance classes; Tuesdays I actually have off from academics, so I “visit” dance in the morning, have my vocal coaching and then I work as a tour guide from 2-5; Wednesdays same as Monday minus CIS, plus one more dance class; Thursday I have my 3-hour theory/piano in the morning, voice lesson after lunch and then have the rest of the day off (usually visit another dance class); and Friday I have 4 hours of acting in the morning, then sound and acoustics after lunch. On the weekends I go out at night, work as a tour guide in the mornings, and perform in an Off-Broadway show during the daytime.</p>

<p>What rehearsal experiences (and times)are like:</p>

<p>When I was in “Kiss Me, Kate” I would usually have rehearsal 6/7 days a week. At night on the weekdays we would finish around 10 which still left enough time for homework, I was never too stressed. Before I started my Off- Broadway show, we would have “Kiss Me, Kate” rehearsal on the weekends from 10-3 or 11-4.</p>

<p>What the tech requirements are and how they are assigned:
Tech requirements go hand in hand with whatever tech class we are in for that semester. We take 2 semesters of a tech class (can choose from 8 classes, which range from costuming to light design or props), and freshman are required to fulfill 10 hours of tech per semester (unless they are cast in a main stage).</p>

<p>How much dance do you take (and have you been able to audit extra dance classes if you want):</p>

<p>I mentioned this before, but I take 3 or 4 dance classes on Mondays and Wednesdays and one on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Whenever I have time off or a cancelled class I try toe squeeze in an extra class or two. </p>

<p>What is the living situation like (Dorms):</p>

<p>Most of the Freshman live in Maria’s Tower. Pace has a “vertical campus”, so these dorms are above our school. Living in Maria’s tower is great, I love being able to walk downstairs to go to class, its so easy and everything we need is so accessible here (ex. food, practice spaces, laundry etc) </p>

<p>How’s the food? It’s great, lots of variety and it’s not too hard to eat healthy! Being able to pick between Chinese, Mexican, Italian, a salad bar, sandwiches and subs, pastas, soups and more everyday is great. Of course, every once in a while I get bored with the food, but that’s going to happen anywhere!</p>

<p>Do you have time for other on-campus clubs and organizations?</p>

<p>I have time I guess but I spend my extra time working because I need money! :)</p>

<p>For those who are from far away and/or small towns, how has it been adjusting to NYC?</p>

<p>Adjusting to NYC has been so easy, I miss my family sometimes but I haven’t felt like I’ve NEEDED to go home more often than on the scheduled breaks. The subway system is so easy and everything else you might need is right at your fingertips, its fantastic. And of course you have opportunity to see live theatre ALL around you! We get free tix to Bway shows ALL the time.</p>

<p>Anything else you want those of us whose kids are in the process of deciding between programs to know? </p>

<p>I’ve learned this semester that you really can do shows outside of school, its so realistic and helpful. Being in my Off-Broadway show has been a really cool experience, a great resume booster, and I’ve gotten a lot of needed money out of it. Where else would I get that opportunity!?</p>

<p>What are the non-arts academic requirements?</p>

<p>Since we are within a University, the credit breakdown is 80ish Major credits and 50ish “Academic/ Elective” Credits.</p>

<p>What is the focus of the the acting training - classical, contemporary, etc.?</p>

<p>The required acting classes are contemporary, but you can fill your open elective credits with classical, TV/Film, Improv, Sketch Comedy, etc., classes. The musical theatre acting classes focus on period pieces as well as contemporary material. We have a semester dedicated to “acting” rock/ pop music.</p>

<p>Can you find off-campus housing within walking distance that is affordable?
Affordable and New York City DO NOT go hand in hand. The financial district has all types of housing, and it depends on what you find. Most of the upperclassmen live in Brooklyn or the East Village, and start the practice of commuting while they’re in school, so that once they graduate it’s already ingrained into their lives. Most people that live within walking distance pay anywhere from $700-$1400/ month. The lower prices are generally when people share a studio and the higher prices are for individual bedrooms. </p>

<p>Hope this helped!"</p>

110

<p>Would live to hear a freshman experience from Ithaca and CCM!</p>

111

<p>^^You might want to post a little nudge in those specific forums. Maybe someone will bite!</p>

112

<p>BrBway - Thanks so much. This is great information - very helpful!</p>

113

<p>The more the merrier - if you’re a freshman please add any relevant info!</p>

<p>…Ball State (BFA MT) – Post #32
…Boston Conservatory (BFA MT) – Post #45
…Carnegie Mellon (BFA MT) – Posts #35, #36
…Coastal Carolina (BFA MT) – Posts #3, #24, #69, #101
…James Madison University (BA MT) – Post #87
…Marymount Manhattan (BA/BFA with MT) – Post #74
…Northwestern University (BA+MT cert) – Posts #92,#93,#106,#107
…NYU/Tisch New Studio (BFA MT) – Posts #16, #71
…NYU/Tisch – Post #102
…NYU/Steinhardt (BM VP/MT concentration) – Post #99
…Otterbein (BFA MT) – Post #13
…Pace University (BFA MT) – Post #109
…Point Park University (BA MT) – Post #40
…Roosevelt/CCPA (BFA MT) – Post #58, #76
…SUNY Cortland (BFA MT) – Post #95
…SUNY Fredonia (BA Theatre Arts) – Post #90
…Temple (BA MT w/Dance Minor)-- Post #47
…University of the Arts (BFA MT) – Post #52
…University of Northern Colorado (BA MT) – Post #100
…USC (BA w/ MT Minor) – Posts #2, #22, #85
…Viterbo (BFA MT) – Posts #98, #104
…Webster (BFA MT) – Post #56</p>

114

<p>Second Semester Update from NYU Steinhardt MT!!</p>

<p>Hey everyone!! I wanted to make an addendum to my previous post with my second semester experience (so far) and some other things that I failed to mention in first semester…</p>

<p>NYU Steinhardt Freshman VP/MT Concentration Spring Semester</p>

<p>Monday</p>

<p>9:30-10:45 Music Theory II
Second semester of music theory-just adding on to what we already know, except focusing a lot more on analysis instead of just basic composition. I love my professor this term, as he LOVES going off on tangents on just about anything, and I always learn something from them (or I just have a really good laugh at his funny stories)!</p>

<p>11:30-12:45 English Diction for Singers
The second singing diction course we have to take- a bit more complicated than Italian Diction, especially because we already speak the language! I can’t tell you how many times we have all been red in the face with frustration because something diction-wise goes against everything that seems natural (for instance, I have a REALLY hard time believing that flower is a one syllable word and uses a tripthong…). Later we’ll work on Recieved Pronunciation (Standard British) and get to bring in things like Gilbert and Sullivan and MT songs that are sung in RP!</p>

<p>1:00-2:15 Speech and Diction II
This semester we have started dialects, beginning with Standard American English, and learning how to correctly and efficiently pronounce all of the vowels and consonants in order to create a clean slate. We have also been working with Henry V in order to explore word specificity in text. Just yesterday, we got an assignment to pair up, learn a dialect we have never done before, and then teach the rest of the class how to speak it correctly (My partner and I are doing Scottish!).</p>

<p>3:00-4:40 Music History I
This class covers the history and development of music from Ancient times through the Renaissance. I think that the material we are covering is really interesting, but this class is very frustrating to everyone because our professor, although an EXPERT on Gregorian Chant (his group recorded a piece that is on the anthology that we and a lot of other universities use), has no idea how to structure or teach the class. I basically have had to teach myself the entire syllabus. This is just one of those classes that you have to get through, and hope that you get a better professor next term!</p>

<p>Tuesday</p>

<p>8:00-9:15 Aural Comprehension II
Again, a continuation of the first semester. Basically the same format- hearing and dictating intervals, chords, rhythms, melodies and chord progressions, along with sight-singing, just more difficult.</p>

<p>9:30-10:45 The Advanced College Essay
Pretty much the same class as Writing the Essay (see previous post), but more in depth and specifically tailored to Steinhardt and Nursing School Students. I am surprised that I am actually enjoying this class, even though the workload is still enormous. I have an amazing professor, and we actually get to write about interesting essays and other texts- right now I’m writing an essay about a Werner Herzog documentary and looking at it from different contexts, artistically and societally.</p>

<p>1:00-2:40 Theater Dance II
This semester, we are focusing a lot more on technique. We’re currently learning the opening combination from A Chorus Line, which is one of my favorite shows! As I write this, I am icing my ankle that I came down on hard during a difficult ballet saute sequence across the floor. This class is hard, and really takes a toll on your body, but we are all in amazing shape and everyone’s dancing has improved light-years since the first day of class!</p>

<p>3:30-4:45 Vocal Performance Chorale
Same as last semester, but we’re preparing for the big concert that we are presenting at the end of the year. An hour and a half of music ranging from Brahm’s Zigeunerlieder to Shakespeare set to music to Gershwin!</p>

<p>Wednesday</p>

<p>9:30-10:45 Music Theory II
11:30-12:45 English Diction for Singers
1:00-2:15 Speech and Diction II
3:30-4:45 Collegium
This semester, instead of being required to go to the all-program meeting every single week, there are certain weeks that are optional and are focused on specific issues. I really like this because I’ve gotten to go to several meetings, like one about summerstock auditions, that I’m really interested in, and get to ask a lot of questions because there aren’t 150 other people in the room. Also, if it’s on something that doesn’t apply to me, I have extra time to do my homework.</p>

<p>Thursday</p>

<p>8:00-9:15 Aural Comprehension II
9:30-10:45 The Advanced College Essay
1:00-2:40 Theater Dance II
3:30-4:45 Vocal Performance Chorale
6:30-7:30 Private Voice Lesson
STILL AMAZING!!!</p>

<p>Friday</p>

<p>10:00-11:40 Business Structures of the Music Industry
All music majors are required to take a section of this, but my section is specifically made for VP Majors, and it focuses on Producing for Broadway. The class is taught by the amazing, incredible, and extremely successful producer Barbara Darwall, who is currently producing Rocky: The Musical, premiering in Hamburg, Germany in November and coming to Broadway in 2013 (It may sound crazy, but from what Barbara has been telling us, the show sounds UNBELIEVABLE). Barbara knows everyone and everything about this business, and in addition to giving us her incredible wealth of knowledge about the theater business, she has also been bringing in her friends that are active in all parts of the business, including members of the Rocky creative team, like the book writer Tom Meehan (Annie, Spaceballs, The Producers, Hairspray, Young Frankenstein the Musical- our jaws were on the floor). She also wants us to be able to produce ourselves so that we don’t always have to be waiting by the phone for a job. We have an end of the year project where we are the producers of a short “live event” that we go through the agreements, budgeting, and marketing of and actually create and perform as our final! I am so grateful that we get to take this class because it is making us independent artists!!</p>

<p>2:00-2:50 Keyboard, Harmony, and Improvisation
Same as last semester, just more difficult (and more frustrating)</p>

<p>This year is just about getting a lot of the basics out of the way so that we can get to the really good stuff! Next year, we start Acting, and Song Analysis (Acting the Song), as well as classes on specific genres of dance. I will hopefully be able to start taking classes for my minor, Business of Entertainment, Media, and Technology, a very popular choice for VP’s, as you can take classes like Entertainment Law, Entertainment Finance, and Music Business Internship (I think NYU has a big relationship with Sony), and other things like that that will make us more than just actors.</p>

<p>We all auditioned for the Spring shows the last week of December, and we were very proud that about 15 of the freshman (more than half the class) got cast, including EVERY SINGLE ONE of the freshman MT boys!! Never do this many freshman get cast, and I am so proud to be part of such a talented group! I wasn’t cast in any of the shows (see the Steinhardt thread for details on the shows), but I ended up co-designing and operating the lights for the Players’ Club’s (VP student theater group) production of Children of Eden, which is something that I had never done before and ended up being an unbelievable experience! I’m auditioning for the Players’ Club One Act Festival after spring break, and I signed up to be considered for NYU First Stages, a collaboration between the VP and Composition programs. Even if you don’t get cast in the main program shows, you can still be a part, as MT majors are required to ASM for 1 show or tech 2 shows, and I love that there are still so many opportunities outside to perform!</p>

<p>The rest of my time is filled with homework, voice practice, sleeping, and just having fun around the city!! This spring is going to be so much fun because so many amazing shows are just opening- a bunch of us are going to see ONCE together after break! Living in the heart of New York is so special, because we have so many opportunities for seeing theater and auditioning and taking other classes outside of NYU in order to get exactly what we want and need!!</p>

115

<p>kswag, glad you’re having such a wonderful experience. I am curious how Steinhardt students work in the academic requirements beginning in sophomore year. At Tisch, studio is three days a week, and academics on the other two days. Also, does Steinhardt work like Tisch in that there is a required number of credits for theater / music related academic coursework? Wondering if that’s what your Music History class is? </p>

<p>Just trying to give people a feel for the balance of academics and training at Steinhardt, both in Freshman year and going forward.</p>

116

<p>Anyone have Penn State or know someone who could tell em about the schedule?</p>

117

<p>SDonCC,
When you start taking your academic requirements (called MAPs at NYU) in Steinhardt really depends on whether you start with Theory I or Basic Musicianship, which is decided when you take the Theory Placement Test at orientation. Most Steinhardt classes are 1 or 2 credits, and most MAPs, which are run through the College of Arts and Sciences, are 4 credits. If you start with Basic, which is a year long 2 credit class, you start taking MAPs your freshman year and start Theory I your sophomore year. If you start with Theory I, like me, you also have to take Aural Comprehension I and Keyboard I as part of the sequence, and this takes up more credits in our schedule, so we wait until sophomore year to start MAPs. The reason Steinhardt does this is so that we can get our basic music training done first thing since it’s the foundation for everything else. Waiting to take MAPs until later is better than waiting to take Theory later. Also, if you are like me and took a million AP tests in high school, you may only have to take 3 or 4 MAPs instead of the 8 or 9 that are required, so I will probably have all of my MAPs done halfway through junior year. MAPs are just hard to fit into our schedules since we have so many small credit classes that make weird credit combinations.</p>

<p>Our class requirements at Steinhardt are broken up into three sections. For MAP requirements we take 44 credits, which includes Writing, Foreign Language, FCC (Lit, History, and Social Science), FSI (Math and Science), and and other electives. The great thing about MAPs is that instead of being forced to take specific classes, we get to pick classes that we are interested in out of required categories. Since you get a BM through Steinhardt we have to fulfill 25 credits of Music Core requirements, which includes Theory, Aural, Keyboard, Music History, and our Senior Recital. Our MT Specialization requirements are 55 credits, and this is made up of Private Voice and Coaching, Acting, Diction, Voice and Speech, Song Analysis and Rep, Audition and Business Skills, Dance, Choir, MT History, and a couple other specific classes. Since the MT classes happen in a very strict year-by-year progression, we have to fit everything else around that, which can be difficult when it comes to scheduling, but the advisers and upperclassmen are all really helpful when it comes to offering advice on how to do it best!</p>

<p>If you have any other questions feel free to PM me!
KSwag10</p>

118

<p>I forgot to mention that the priority is to get all of your Music Core out of the way as soon as possible (It takes 2 years to get through Levels I-VI, 3 if you are put in basic). You start taking Music History I when you start Theory I, but they messed up the scheduling this year (MH I was during the only section of our Vocal Production class 1st semester), so we had to wait until 2nd semester to start history, and I don’t know how they are going to work the history classes for us going forward…</p>

119

<p>thanks KSwag. My D is at Tisch (acting, not MT, but NSB has the same academic requirements and studio days); i was just curious and thought it would be helpful for others who are looking at the school.</p>

120

<p>KSwag, the Business Structures of the Music Industry class sounds really interesting and worthwhile. You wrote about not waiting around to be cast (once out of college), but rather producing your own work. This resonated with me because my kid, who is now out of college (Tisch) is of that mindset. Her life doesn’t revolve around auditions, but rather she has made a life in performing arts (theater and music) whereby every single job she does is in this field, and she in fact, also creates a lot of her own opportunities and produces and pursues her own work. She performs 2-3 times per week in NYC in various capacities. I highly recommend this if you want to be a performer. Doing a misc. job unrelated to theater or music while hoping to be cast can be a long wait. She doesn’t want to do that. She wants to perform and so while she is cast in some things, she performs regularly by creating her own opportunities and producing them or initiating getting produced by others and venues, etc. in NYC. She negotiates bookings and so forth of this nature. It does take initiative. It’s a concept of not waiting for jobs to come to you but creating your own jobs and performance work. I am glad they have a course for you guys in this!</p>