Finding the Right Summer Musical Theater Training Program - How Much Free Time is Too Much?

Students wanting more free time is feedback we hear A LOT. Many of our participants feel that our program does not offer them enough “free” time.

But my question is “how much free time is too much?” How are you using your free time and how is it helping you meet your goals?

The Argument for Free Time

Some programs build lots of free time into their schedule. You might have free time for sight-seeing, exploring a community or city, time for other “camp” activities like swimming, horseback riding, or just for “relaxing”. 

More serious programs might offer a couple of hours each day that will include a private voice lesson or a coaching and that is it. The program is expecting YOU to utilize your free time practicing and studying on your own.

Look for a Program that Fits Your Needs

You should check the program’s schedule carefully and honestly ask yourself “how much free time do I want and need?” 

When thinking about this issue you need to consider a couple of things:

• How will I be using my free time?

• How much is the free time “costing” me?

• What am I sacrificing for free time?

Benefits of “Scheduled” Time vs. Free Time

In our program we don’t really believe in free time for a few reasons… First, this is a training program not a “camp”. We don’t have traditional camp activities - we have a pre-college training course. We are offering you face-to-face, one-on-one time with the college faculty that our University students majoring in Music Theater study with! That is an invaluable resource and we want you to take advantage of it!

Second, you (well really your parents) are paying a lot of money for this program. We try to pack it with as much value as possible and we want you to learn as much as you possibly can while you are with us! Spending hours in your dorm room or hanging out with new friends is great - but it’s not going to get you closer to achieving your goals!

Third, we are in an urban neighborhood that doesn’t lend itself to “sightseeing”. We could bus you around town to various sights but that would just be more costs that we would have to pass on to you.  We do live in a beautiful vibrant city and we encourage parents to come for the final performance and stay a couple of days to look around. But it’s just not something we have time for in our program.

I understand - programs like ours are INTENSE and you do need time to unwind and absorb all that you are learning and experiencing. But a pre-college training program like ours can be the first step in managing your own schedule and knowing how it feels to be a responsible (young) adult. If you stay up all night talking with your roommates… you’re going to pay for it the next day! Better to learn that now than when your GPA can suffer for it. 

This is your chance to be independent and to absorb everything that a serious training program has to offer. Don’t waste it by complaining that you’re not being given enough time to “sleep in” or “chill out!”

For the past 20 years I have been running summer music training programs designed to help students acquire the skills they need to successfully move to the next step. Now is the time to start looking for the perfect summer program for you. If you would like more information about the OCU Summer Music Programs you can call 405-208-5410 or email me at jmoad@okcu.edu.

Let your inner light shine! And good luck on the journey...