difference between MT B.A. and Theater with MT focus B.A.?

[vxronicaexe]

SUNY New Paltz is one of my top schools, and I was kinda disappointed when I found out that they don’t have an MT major; they do have Theater with an MT focus, I believe. What’s the difference between the two? I’m looking to double major MT and something else, and I’m also looking for other schools where I can do that (or double major Theater with MT focus and something else, if I decide that’s right for me.) Does anyone have any suggestions or any helpful advice they can give??? thanks!!

[EmsDad]

SUNY New Paltz seems to have a pretty solid BA MT curriculum:

Music Theatre

Students interested in Music Theatre performance may select a sequence of courses that emphasize acting through singing and movement. Instruction and reinforcement in principles for the singing actor is offered through Voice for Theatre I and Voice for Theatre II. Dance Theatre includes classes in Jazz Dance, Tap Dance, and Ballet. Music Theatre Workshop synthesizes techniques learned in advanced voice and movement classes, with Acting II, for a studio environment to learn how to transition from “scene to song” in traditional and contemporary music theatre literature. An historical foundation class, American Musical Theatre, traces the development of the musical from a socio-cultural perspective, and a Music Theatre Singing Ensemble offers the opportunity for students to concertize the music theatre repertoire in a large, show-choir setting.

Provided that you have the time in your schedule to take at least 10-12 hours of dance, the differences between a program like this and a typical BA in Musical Theatre are really only a lack of Music Theory/Musicianship and Private Voice. But you could make up that gap by taking the following 4 hours of classes in Music:

MUS 103 Basic Sight Singing and Ear Training
MUS 106 Basic Music Theory
MUS 201 Basic Piano
Private Voice

However, in order to take all the Musical Theatre and Dance courses offered, you will probably need to have room in your schedule for some extra courses.