MPulse Summer Performing Arts Institutes on the Ann Arbor campus, inspire students to exciting new levels of excellence in music performance, music technology, musical theatre, theatre, and dance. Sessions are designed for students who are considering studying these areas in college. Participants work with distinguished University of Michigan faculty and alumni while experiencing campus life in Ann Arbor.
MPulse provides an opportunity for approximately 250 young musicians and performing artists to gain exposure to the rigorous training provided by the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance (SMTD). Participants hail from Michigan, across the US, and around the globe.
During the MPulse sessions, students have the opportunity to meet with SMTD admissions counselors in an information meeting devoted to the application and audition process and to tour the campus.
Institutes for Summer 2018
Bassoon
Center Stage Strings
Clarinet
Dance
Flute
Harp
Horn
Jazz
Musical Theatre
Saxophone
Theatre & Drama
Vocal Arts
GENERAL INFORMATION
In order to attend MPulse, admitted students must agree to abide by University of Michigan and MPulse regulations and to cooperate with program authorities in furthering the ideals upon which the program was founded. Students may not possess or use tobacco, alcohol, or unauthorized drugs and must abide by all MPulse Standards, Policies & Expectations.
The 2018 MPulse Student Parent Handbook is available for your reference. Included is information that guides preparation for a successful and safe MPulse experience in Ann Arbor.
MPulse Summer Performing Arts Institutes are open to high school students completing grades 9-12 during the 2017-2018 school year.
Exceptions:
The Theatre & Drama Academy is open to students completing grades 10-11. The Musical Theatre Workshop is open to high school juniors, although applications from current tenth graders of exceptional ability and experience will be considered.
Center Stage Strings accepts applications from students ages 13-24. Students under 13 may be considered on a case by case basis depending on level and maturity.
Merit Awards
MPulse awards a few scholarships to extremely talented and deserving students. Consideration for these scholarships is automatic, provided the completed application, application fee, and audition meet the published deadlines. No additional application is required for consideration.
Need-Based Awards
A limited number of need-based scholarships are available. To be considered for a need-based scholarship you must complete the online need-based financial aid application. Please select “merit and need award consideration” in the program application. After you submit your program application you will receive a link to the online need-based financial aid application. This link will appear on your program application confirmation page. If you do not receive the link, you may email smtd-youthandadult@umich.edu to receive another copy of the financial aid application link.
You must also submit a copy of your family’s signed, most recent tax return (social security numbers redacted). Tax returns may be uploaded as PDFs in the financial aid application, or sent by U.S. Mail to:
YAP Need-based Scholarship
2005 Baits Drive, Rm# 103
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Along with your family’s signed tax return, please feel free to provide any additional documentation that describes your extenuating circumstances such as proof of unemployment, an AFDC medical card, or a statement of need from a high school counselor.
Glen Thomas Rideout Vocal Scholarship
This award will be granted to Vocal Arts student(s) with preference given to candidates from the Saginaw, Bay and Midland counties as recommended by the Saginaw Choral Society. To be considered for this scholarship, applicants should send an email to smtd-youthandadult@umich.edu requesting to be considered for scholarship consideration.
Interested students must submit the MPulse Online Application. Application deadlines are specific to each Institute. Plan to complete the entire online application, including payment of the $75 non-refundable application fee, in one sitting.
When the online application is complete, the on-screen payment confirmation page will provide a link to upload audition materials. The digital audition may be completed in multiple sittings. Audition requirements are specific to each Institute.
For applicants applying to more than one session, only one application and fee are required. However, separate copies of all other audition/portfolio materials must be uploaded for each Institute. Applicants may apply to up to 3 Institutes, however this is not a requirement. If applying to more than one institute, plan to submit a complete audition for each institute by the posted deadline. Applicants will receive separate notification for each Institute applied for.
For priority consideration and notification, all application and audition materials must be received by the appropriate deadline. Applications may be accepted after the priority deadline for programs and/or instruments in which openings remain. Review, admission and notification for late applications will be on a rolling basis. Closed programs will be posted on the Institute page.
We understand the desire for timely notification so that families can finalize summer plans and students can respond to other summer opportunities. Application materials will be reviewed as soon as possible after the published deadlines. Notifications will be emailed. No decisions will be given by phone.
As a courtesy to MPulse faculty and other applicants, please notify the MPulse office and withdraw your application if you commit to another summer program anytime during our review/decision notification process.
Admitted students will receive a detailed daily schedule of activities.
7:30 AM
Breakfast
8:30-11:40 AM
Lessons, individual practice, classes
11:45 AM-12:30 PM
Lunch
12:40-1:55 PM
Masterclasses
2:05-3:30 PM
Theory classes, electives, lessons
4:00-5:00 PM
Chamber/Ensemble rehearsals
5:15 PM
Dinner
Evenings
Various activities: individual practice, campus tours, student recitals, guest performers, classes, and seminars
MPulse Summer Performing Arts Institutes
University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance
103 Stearns Building
2005 Baits Dr.
Ann Arbor MI 48109-2085
toll free: 866-936-2660
local: 734-936-2660
email: smtd-youthandadult@umich.edu
