Class of 2020, Looking Ahead to Pre-Screen Season

Thank you for visiting my blog. I wanted to use it as a resource to help you, at least, to continue to organize and plan logistics for college admissions - more specifically, getting your audition portfolio together for the various undergraduate degree programs in Music (BA, BM, BFA, etc.) In order to lessen some stressors, you MUST commit yourself to consistently meet strict deadlines AND commit to respect yourself and the people who are helping you throughout this process.

Please note the following:

DO’s

• Start early.
• Solidify your list of prospective schools and categorize them according to DREAM, TARGET and/or SAFETY.
• Check each school’s website regularly for important dates – Application Deadlines, Interview Dates, Audition Requirements, Audition Deadlines, etc.
• The "NEW" Musical Theatre COMMON Pre-Screen Format is a game-changer for 2019-2020!
• Create a grid/spreadsheet/checklist for each school you are previewing. That way, you can have all the information at your fingertips, all in one location.
• Meet FREQUENTLY with Ms. Goldman, the school counselor for PA, to help determine which institutions that BEST match your academic profile.
• Register and take the SAT, ACT, etc. so you can have your scores reported promptly to the admissions offices of your prospective schools.
• Make sure your academic transcript reflects strong performance and progress in all subjects taken during your high school career.
• Compile a list of songs that you’d like to consider adding to your musical theatre portfolio. Remember - what makes a song right for you is YOUR voice and personality. If you want a good song, YOU WILL NEED TO SEARCH FOR IT.
• Remember that just because it is a 'good song' doesn't magically make it a good audition selection - no matter which characteristic it possesses (vocal range, genre). A 'good song' does not mean it is necessarily a 'good song' for you.
• Be responsible for YOUR OWN portfolio and the material that goes into it. I am happy to help you shape things, BUT WILL NOT DO IT for you. This is YOUR party and future – take pride in it.
• Songs belong only to the original composer/lyricist. So what if another person likes or has sung a particular song? YOU DON'T OWN THEM.
• Get rest and take care of your health.

DON’Ts

• Procrastinate. Once the Fall 2019 semester starts, you should be polishing and tightening your audition material, NOT picking it.
• Disrespect yourself or the people who might help you throughout the process.
• Disrespect the PROCESS by NOT ADHERING to deadlines.
• Disrespect the PROCESS by BEING UNPREPARED.