Frequently Asked Questions

May I study both opera and musical theater at MTB?

Is there a deadline for applications?

Are there age limits for the program?

How do you make admissions decisions?

What are the opportunities for performance during the program?

I’m an opera student – why should I choose MTB over a “role performance” program?

Will MTB voice faculty try to change my vocal technique?

If something happens and I need to withdraw from the MTB program, why can’t I get a full refund of amounts paid? 

May I request my roommate?

May I request a single room at my own additional expense?

Will I be given information about what to pack?

What music should I bring?

Do I need to prepare anything in advance for the other classes?

Do you have a policy about alcohol and drugs?

What happens if I have a medical problem while in Germany?

May I talk with someone to ask more questions about the MTB program?

May I study both opera and musical theater at MTB? (back to top)

Yes!  MTB is an excellent program for a crossover student.  When workshops for both studios are occasionally scheduled at the same time, you would simply choose to attend whichever interests you more. 

Is there a deadline for applications? (back to top)

We are still accepting applications for summer 2012 (until it is posted here that all positions are filled).  But don't delay... repertoire is being assigned!

Are there age limits for the program? (back to top)

Students must be 18 by the start of the program. (On rare occasions, an exception may be made at our discretion, provided the student's parents sign additional waiver forms.)

How do you make admissions decisions? (back to top)

MTB seeks talented students with a good work ethic and positive attitude, who will be likely to benefit from, and be able to handle the demands of our program. We review applications as soon as possible after a live audition or receipt of a video, and if there is interest based on talent we then check references. We will inform you promptly of our decision. We seek to fill the program with approximately half musical theater students and half opera students (although that ratio is not guaranteed, as applicants vary each year), and your chances of admission are increased with early application.

What are the opportunities for performance during the program? (back to top)

MTB offers performance opportunities for all students of both studios.  The calendar likely will include aria and song recitals, a Broadway performance and combined classical and musical theater song and dance performances that include the entire MTB ensemble. These presentations will be performed in the beautiful Baroque performance salon of Neubeuern Castle, in the charming Alte Post in Flintsbach am Inn, on the outdoor stage in the park at the center of Oberaudorf, sometimes at the Blaue Quelle performance hall in Erl and sometimes also in less formal locations at the Wilder Kaiser Hotel or other nearby locations. 

I’m an opera student – why should I choose MTB over a “role performance” program? (back to top)

MTB emphasizes advanced professional training for young artists, and you will benefit accordingly.  The performances are showcases for the results of your study and provide opportunities for our expert faculty to give you valuable feedback.  For persons wishing to pay to perform a role onstage with orchestra, there are a number of other programs available.  However, unless you are guaranteed a leading role, a role performance program may not be a wise investment of your time and resources.

Will MTB voice faculty try to change my vocal technique? (back to top)

Our goal is to help you improve your technique, beginning with where you are when you come to us.  We do teach technique, but we try to guide students to solve vocal and technical problems without challenging previous teaching methods.

If something happens and I need to withdraw from the MTB program, why can’t I get a full refund of amounts paid?  (back to top)

MTB contracts with its faculty and makes hotel and meal service deposits many months before the start of the program.  We limit the number of students to a maximum of 24 in order to allow for the individual attention which will insure each student’s progress, so the per student cost of our faculty and other fixed program expenses are a far greater percentage amount of tuition than is the amount of per student expense that we are able to cancel when someone withdraws.

May I request my roommate? (back to top)

Yes, as long as the request is mutual.  If you want to room with a friend, please let us know by June 1st.

May I request a single room at my own additional expense? (back to top)

Yes, but it will be at significant additional expense, and we cannot guarantee it until we check availability with our hotel.  Contact us for details.

Will I be given information about what to pack? (back to top)

Yes.  After you are accepted into the program and pay your deposit, we will send you the MTB Handbook with lots of practical information about what clothes and other things to pack, best ways to access cash in Europe, cell phone advice, etc.

What music should I bring? (back to top)

Please bring with you 3 copies (for you, your teacher and your coach) of:  any repertoire which we assign to you after your acceptance to MTB; and also 2 to 4 pieces of your choice (in any language) which you might like to work on with your coach and/or in song presentation/stage artistry workshops or voice master classes.  All pieces must be memorized before coming to MTB.  You may also bring a copy of anything you might enjoy singing for the MTB group if we decide to take over a local restaurant for an evening of impromptu performing!

Do I need to prepare anything in advance for the other classes? (back to top)

All students need to bring 2 copies of a monologue for the general acting class, and it should be memorized before coming to MTB.  Musical Theater Studio students should bring at least one additional memorized monologue.  Opera Studio students will be given instructions for bringing word-for-word translations of some of their arias, for use in acting class.

Do you have a policy about alcohol and drugs? (back to top)

There is zero tolerance for use or possession of illegal drugs.  Breaking this rule will result in immediate dismissal from the program without refund, and MTB assumes no responsibility for the expense of changing your travel plans.  As for alcohol, anyone over 18 may legally drink in Germany, and we do not “chaperone” our students during our off hours.  However, it would be foolish to spend the money on this type of program and waste it by partying.  Alcohol is drying to the vocal cords, and this may be the only time in your life as a singer that you are going to have the luxury of 4 private lessons per week (2 voice lessons, 2 coaching sessions), plus be rehearsing and performing.  Please think about that, and if weeknight drinking greatly appeals to you, your money would be better spent on a vacation.

What happens if I have a medical problem while in Germany? (back to top)

Doctors and pharmacists are available to provide services to you in Oberaudorf.  In the event of an emergency situation, we would call an ambulance or take you to the hospital or clinic, just as we would if in the United States.  There is an excellent clinic staffed by doctors who speak English, and a well-known hospital that specializes in oncology but also offers general medicine.  All MTB students are required to have their own health insurance coverage, and should check with their insurance carriers to understand coverage and payment procedures.  (Usually, you would be required to pay the bill to the German health care provider, and then submit it for reimbursement to your health insurance company.)

May I talk with someone to ask more questions about the MTB program? (back to top)

Of course!  You may email questions to us and we will respond promptly, or we will be happy to call you to talk personally, at your request.  Just send an email to let us know your phone number.