<p>I have heard mixed opinions of the kind of voice Carnegie Mellon is partial to or tends to accept, but recently I have heard that they have an exceptional amount of girls who are legit/classically trained. Personally, I am classically trained and have a lot of legit in my book, but have also learned to do a more belty/modern style and have some pieces in my book of that style. For most of my auditions I am planning on doing one of each (legit for pre 1965, modern for post)but if I feel particularly strong with legit should I do two songs that are closest to that style for CMU? I am just wondering what will give me the best chance of acceptance-showing versatility or showing more of one particular style. If anyone has any experience or insight I would love to talk!</p>
<p>It is really hard to even speculate what they are looking for and in addition I am sure it varies year to year. Just show off your range and be confident and comfortable with what you’re doing. In fact the kid who was our tour guide there and is currently starring in newsies told a story of how he got 3 rejections before CMU and decided to just go in have fun and stop doing what he thought they wanted to hear. He nailed it because he showed them himself not a version of what he thought they wanted to see</p>
<p>My D is a CMU MT grad. Your (OP) voice description sounds a lot like her when she was auditioning. Her two numbers were a legit ballad and a legit (with a bit of mix) up tempo. In her audition she sang the ballad first. Then she only got a couple measures into the second number when she was asked to stop. Too similar to the first number; Do you know ‘All That Jazz’? OK, sing it. She sang it; she got in; she loved CMU. </p>
<p>My take: that first number needs to show you off as best as possible. Be the very best “you” in what you do. No one knows exactly what they are looking for – and it probably changes somewhat each year. I agree with broadway95 – be yourself. But be your best self.</p>