MPULSE ANN ARBOR

General Information

Now accepting applications for Summer 2010.  Click the Application link above.

"Impulse - a motivating force that urges you to action."

At Michigan, this motivating force is MPulse Ann Arbor - a summer phenomenon on the University of Michigan campus carrying high school students from around the world to exciting new levels of excellence in music performance, music technology, musical theatre, theatre, and dance.

MPulse Ann Arbor provides an opportunity for approximately 200 young musicians and performing artists to gain exposure to the rigorous training provided by the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance. 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.

Founded in 1880, the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance is one of the finest performing arts schools in the United States. Encompassing programs in dance, music, musical theatre, and theatre, UM is consistently ranked among the top performing arts schools in the country when compared with performance-oriented conservatories or with prestigious academic departments of music.  Click here to listen to online recordings of UM ensembles.

During the MPulse Ann Arbor sessions, students have the opportunity to meet with admissions counselors from the School of Music, Theatre & Dance and to tour the campus.  Each session offers an information meeting devoted to the application and audition process for university programs.

APPLICATION & AUDITION INFORMATION

The online application is now available using the "Application" link above.  We encourage you to apply online to save money, ensure the accuracy of your information, and assist us with timely processing of your application materials. 

Eligibility

MPulse Ann Arbor is open to high school students completing grades 9-12 during the 2009-2010 school year.  Exceptions:  The Theatre & Drama Academy is open to students completing grades 9-11.  The Musical Theatre Workshop is open to 2009-2010 high school juniors, although applications from 2009-2010 tenth graders of exceptional ability and experience will be considered.

Application deadlines are specific to each session and are listed below. For priority consideration, all application materials must be received by the appropriate deadline. However, applications may be accepted after the deadline for programs and/or instruments in which openings remain. Periodic updates will be posted on the News and Updates web page. 

Note:  Faxed materials will only be accepted from international applicants. 

For applicants applying to more than one session, only one application and fee are required.  However, separate copies of all other application/audition materials must be submitted for each session at the time of application. 

 

Audition Results

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 and every effort will be made to mail decision letters no later than the dates listed below. Sorry, but no decisions will be given by phone or email. 

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."

 

Scholarship Information

Merit Awards: MPulse Ann Arbor 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. 

Need-Based Awards:  A limited number of need-based scholarships are available. To apply for a need-based scholarship, submit a copy of your family’s signed 2008 tax return with your application materials.  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.  Musical Theatre Workshop applicants will find additional scholarship information on the Musical Theatre Workshop web page.

 

Fees & Refund Policy

Online application fee:  $55 (non-refundable; payment by credit card or check/money order)

Paper application fee:  $70  (non-refundable; check or money order made payable to The University of Michigan and mailed with application materials)

Session tuition fees are specific to each program and are listed on the session web pages. This fee is due in full within 30 days of the invoice date or the student’s acceptance may be cancelled. For session payments, we accept checks or money orders payable to The University of Michigan, as well as most major credit cards. The session fee includes instruction, room and board, and materials specific to each program.

Students who are offered admission but choose not to attend must notify the MPulse Ann Arbor office in writing within 30 days of the invoice date.  If a student needs to withdraw from MPulse Ann Arbor after full or partial tuition has been paid, a written request is required and the tuition paid will be refunded minus the following non-refundable amounts: 

prior to June 1 – $300

from June 1 until the day the student’s session begins – $650

If a student withdraws after the session has started, no refund will be given.

 

RESIDENTIAL LIFE & TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS

MPulse Ann Arbor students live in designated floors/hallways of the University’s residence halls. Students are typically housed in double rooms with fellow MPulse participants and are supervised by trained staff who are UM performing arts graduates or upper class students.  Activities include trips to the nationally-acclaimed Ann Arbor Art Fair and nearby Independence Lake.

MPulse Ann Arbor is a cell-phone-free, comprehensive residential program.  Students participate in all aspects of their session and must remain on campus, or with planned off-campus MPulse activities, for the entire duration of their session.

 

Travel

Students need to arrive on the University of Michigan campus around noon on the first Sunday of their session and must remain through their closing presentation on the final Saturday of their session.  Specific check-in times and locations will be sent in post-admission communications.  For students planning to arrive by air, the MPulse office will assist with making arrangements for transportation to/from campus and Detroit Metro Airport.  Admitted students should not make airline reservations until they receive the detailed description of MPulse shuttle services and reservation form that will be included in post-admission materials.

 

Attire   

MPulse Ann Arbor does not have a uniform.  Casual dress is the norm and clothing should be modest and have no inappropriate slogans or graphics.  Specific clothing requirements for the Musical Theatre, Theatre, and Dance sessions, as well as concert attire for other sessions, will be included in post-admission communications.

Have an iMpulse to find out more?
Here's a glimpse of Summer 2009 MPulse Ann Arbor.

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   SESSION SUMMARY

HOW TO REACH US...

 

Office hours are 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM Monday through Friday, with extended hours in July.

MPulse Ann Arbor
University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance
1281 Moore Bldg
1100 Baits Dr
Ann Arbor MI 48109-2085

toll free: 866-936-2660
local: 734-936-2660
fax: 734-647-0140 (only for international applications)
email: mpulse@umich.edu