Oklahoma City University

Date: Mar 27 2014
Major: Music - Performance (This Major's Salary over time)
OCU is one of the finest music schools in the nation. The quality of education, the quality of educators and the quality of school facility have prepared my two children for successful careers in the performing arts. On top of that, the tuition is much less than some other fellow top schools.

Before my children went to OCU, we look at all the schools…and I mean all! OCU was the only place where we felt our children mattered - both personally and professionally.

My first child graduated in 2009 with a BM (not a BFA like other schools, but a much harder to attain BM. She came in with few years of vocal and dance studies and left four years later with such a compete, well rounded education that she landed her first professional Broadway tour on her sixth NYC audition.

My second child was a later bloomer and started performing in high school when it took over sports as his passion. He was accepted at OCU but wasn't sure he was ready because of the high talent level at the school. Dr Herendeen, the head of the musical theatre and opera department, encouraged him to stay on because he had raw talent that needed to be refined. By his second year, he made leaps and bounds in his skills set. He loved that he took dance classes from teachers at OCUs acclaimed school of dance…no some part time faculty who just come in to teach classes. 6 months after graduating, he was picked up by the Les Miz national tour. He is currently a cast member of another Broadway show.

The bottom line is that OCU is a place where students who are serious go to train. They have all the faculty and facilities to make it happen. While OCU does not have a cut program, it is not uncommon to hear of a few students leaving after freshmen year because they can't meet the demands. If you just want a school where you can get by on academics and maybe do a show or, then do not apply to OCU. They don't play games and, as a parent, I love that.

Each year, OCU produces four main stage productions (two musicals, two operas)on their 800 seat theatre, with full sets, costumes and orchestra. They also have smaller Spotlight productions each year (one musical and one opera). There is also a student run group that produces a showcase of new musicals from all over the nation and the world.

OCU brings out the best in each individual. They don't train you to be a "c"ookie "c"utter "m"ember of the cast…they train you to let your individuality out.

I can't recommend this university high enough.