Navigating Fine and Performing Arts Admissions A Guide for Counselors

► Katherine Shields  Director of Admission, Westminster College of the Arts of Rider University ► James Short  Director of Admission, Boyer College of Music and Dance at Temple University

Overview ► Preparedness for studying music, theater, music theater or dance ► Careers in the Performing Arts ► Different types of degrees in the performing arts ► Different types of schools in the performing arts ► The Finer Points  Auditions ► Resources ► Contact information

Careers in Music and Performing Arts ► Dance – performer, instructor, dance studio owner, dance administrator, dance therapist ► Music – performer, music educator, music administrator, music therapist, recording engineer, music producer, conductor ► Theater – performer, theater educator, theater administrator, technician, director, producer, manager

Degrees in Music and Performing Arts ► Bachelor of Arts (BA): liberal arts degree with an emphasis or concentration in an arts discipline (Music, Theater, Dance, etc.), auditions may be required ► Bachelor of Music (BM): most of the course work is dedicated to music, auditions required ► Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA): dance, music theater, theater, auditions required

Types of Schools ► University  Vary greatly in size (Westminster College of the Arts of Rider University, Temple University, Boyer College of Music and Dance)  Offer many different majors and all degree types: BA, BM, BFA, BS (Bachelor of Science); may or may not require an audition or portfolio review  A more traditional college experience  Double majors are offered, dual degrees are also offered  For admission, auditions and academics more equally balanced

Types of Schools ► Conservatory  Smaller in size  May be part of a larger college or university (Eastman School of Music, Peabody Institute)  Bachelor of Music degree, although some may offer other degrees or majors such as dance, theater, or music education (Boston Conservatory)  For admission the majority of the decision is based on the audition

The Finer Points ► Music  The student should be certain that what they are preparing meets the college’s audition requirement. They can ask a college representative for feedback on the selections if they are unsure.  Get a couple of lessons from a private teacher in their area before they audition if they don’t already have a private teacher.  Record (video) themselves so they can see how they look to others and perform in front of their friends and family to get a idea of how it feels to perform in front of a group.  Wear appropriate clothing and practice in it – even the shoes – to make sure they are comfortable

The Music Audition ► Usually about 10 minutes long ► Performance Hall, classroom, faculty studio  Locations will vary depending on the school ► 1 - ? Faculty members hear the auditions  Auditions are usually closed, meaning that only the faculty hear the auditions. Parents, teachers, friends, etc. are strongly discouraged to listening in on the auditions. ► Accompanists may or may not be provided  Students should check in advance  There may be a fee for the audition and/or the accompanist

The Music Audition ► What will happen in the room:  Audition repertoire varies from school to school so students should check the requirements carefully and should have their repertoire list prepared in advance or clearly and correctly written on the audition form.  The student will usually get to choose the first piece.  The faculty will probably choose at least one other piece, maybe more than one, from the list of prepared repertoire.  The student should be prepared to be interrupted, but not to read anything into being interrupted.  The faulty will probably ask the student some questions.  There may be additional requirements: music theory assessment, sight reading, piano skills

The Finer Points ► Music Theater and Theater  Music Theater auditions usually consist of three components: singing, acting and dance  The monologue selection should be close to their theatrical age range and a character type they can play convincingly.  They should avoid pieces written in dialect. The faculty want to hear them expressing themselves in their own voice.  They can use a chair as needed, but should not use props or costumes.  If students choose a monologue from a monologue book (which is discouraged) they should also read and be familiar with the entire play. They may be asked questions about character, plot, etc.

The Finer Points ► Music Theater and Theater cont.  For the dance audition, they should bring a change of clothes that is comfortable and allows them to move, but is not too bulky. Bring character shoes or jazz shoes or something with a soft sole.  Avoid overly familiar songs, or something from the current Broadway hit, or pieces that are associated with particular artists  Bring the music organized in the correct key with cuts or repeats marked. A binder is especially helpful to the accompanist.

The Finer Points ► Dance  Professors look for coordination, technique, rhythm, degree of movement, and body structure. The dance faculty members also assess the student’s ability to learn and their potential to complete the curriculum.  Dance programs vary, so check with the college for specific information.  The dance audition may be a whole day event. Students should plan to be there for the day.  They should get plenty of rest, eat breakfast, and stay hydrated.

A few more tips to share ► Audition and Interview Basics  Students should be on time – or better yet, be a few minutes early.  They should look their best. Remember that they only get one chance at a first impression.  They should be ready to answer questions about themselves and their aspirations.  They should also be ready to ask questions. Impress the faculty by showing that they have done research on the school or program.

Resources ► Music, Drama, or Dance Teachers in your school ► College or University guides  College Board –  Peterson’s Guide – ► Peterson’s has a guide specifically for Fine and Performing Arts ► NACAC Performing & Visual Arts College Fairs – ► College or University web sites  

Contact us… ► Katherine Shields  ► James Short 