<p>For classical/operatic voice programs, some schools have a BA program, some have a BM program and some have both. In broad terms, BA programs tend to have from 25% to 50% music courses and the rest non-music. BM programs tend to have from 67% to 90% music courses. Classical voice majors usually have more language requirements (Italian, French and possibly German for two semesters each) than instrumental majors, so they shift more toward the lower end of those ranges in many schools. When both degrees are offered, academics always play a bigger role in the BA program and the admissions requirements usually take that into account. That would be true whether we are talking about classical vocal performance, popular music performance or anything else.</p>
<p>Almost all of USC Thornton’s undergrad degree programs are the BM variety. See [USC</a> Catalogue: Undergraduate Education: Undergraduate Degree Programs : Degree Programs](<a href=“http://www.usc.edu/dept/publications/cat2008/undergraduate/degree_programs_list.html]USC”>http://www.usc.edu/dept/publications/cat2008/undergraduate/degree_programs_list.html) toward the bottom for a list. For a BM program, I would certainly believe what that USC counselor said about the audition being the most important consideration. For a BA program, that may still be true, but you may also find that they give academics more consideration than they do in their BM programs. The best way to find out for sure is to call them and ask very specific questions.</p>
<p>There is nothing wrong with using this as motivation, aiming high or having dreams. My own daughter did all of the above with a school that she ultimately did not get into, yet was very happy with where she wound up. I have obviously never heard you sing and the USC program is very new so I have no way of knowing whether your chances are excellent, terrible or somewhere in between. I am not trying to discourage you, but think you should get some facts about the program before you become so excited that you cannot type straight. Calling it your dream program based on one web page about a curriculum that has not been fully defined may be premature, but then again I am the cautious type when it comes to such things.</p>