MPulse Ann Arbor

General Information

"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, the program gives students the opportunity to work with distinguished University of Michigan faculty and alumni while experiencing campus life in Ann Arbor.

About the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance

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, we are consistently ranked among the top performing arts schools in the country when compared with performance-oriented conservatories or with prestigious academic departments of music.

Our faculty have national and international reputations, yet are in every sense a resident faculty. We offer a wide variety of programs, from traditional to cutting-edge, from primarily performance-based to those that are more academic, giving students huge resources to draw from in completing their education. Michigan students are exceptionally talented and are consistently competitive at the highest levels of their chosen fields.

College Information

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 Deadlines

An online application is now available!  Click the Application page link above.

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 at the time of application for each session.

Eligibility

MPulse Ann Arbor is open to high school students currently completing grades 9-12.

Exceptions:  The Theatre & Drama Academy is open to students completing grades 9-11.  The Musical Theatre Workshop is open to current high school juniors, although applications from current ninth and tenth graders of exceptional ability and experience will be considered.

Residential Life

While participating in MPulse Ann Arbor, students live in the University’s residence halls. Students are housed in single or double rooms with fellow MPulse Ann Arbor participants and supervised by trained staff.  Activities include trips to the nationally-acclaimed Ann Arbor Art Fair and nearby Independence Lake.

In addition to the rigorous class schedule and engaging residence life activities, students have the opportunity to attend performances and cultural events at the School of Music, Theatre & Dance and at other venues in Ann Arbor. MPulse Ann Arbor is a cell-phone-free, comprehensive residential program.  Students participate in all aspects of their session and must remain on campus for the entire duration of their session.

Have an iMpulse to find out more?
Here's a glimpse of Summer 2007 MPulse Ann Arbor.

Get the Flash Player to see this player.

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.

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:  Applicants are welcome to submit a letter with their application requesting need-based assistance and explaining extenuating family circumstances.  Musical Theatre Workshop applicants will find additional scholarship information on the Musical Theatre Workshop web page.

Travel Arrangements

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 performance 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.

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.

 
Fees

Please include a $55.00 non-refundable application fee (check or money order made payable to The University of Michigan).  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.

Refund Policy

In order to allow as many qualified students as possible to attend, payment is due in full within 30 days of the invoice date.  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 – $250; from June 1 until the day the student’s session begins – $600. If a student withdraws after he/she has started the session, no refund will be given.

   

Session Information - Updated March 27

Although the priority deadlines have passed, applications with recorded auditions are still being accepted for all sessions, including the Musical Theatre Workshop and Theatre & Drama Academy.  Please submit complete application materials as soon as possible.  Periodic updates are posted on the News and Updates web page. 

HOW TO REACH US...

Office hours are 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM Monday through Friday.

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