Choosing the right performing arts college can be very challenging. If you are planning on having a degree in music, art, acting or dance then you would need to do some research as early as possible.

 There are two degree options for prospective arts students. These are the following:

∙ Bachelor of Arts Major in Fine Arts (BFA)

∙ Bachelor of Arts Major in Music (BM)

Students who are taking up English, history and humanities also earn a Bachelor in Arts degree. However, both BFA and BM are a lot more intense in terms of curriculum.

Regardless of which degree you pick, it will all depend on your goals in college. If you think that you are more into art and are willing to take intense lessons, then BFA or BM is perfect for you. If you prefer studying different subjects then BA courses like English, history and humanities might be the one for you.

There are different types of colleges for performing and visual arts students to consider. Conservatories and art colleges provide a more intense school experience for BFA and BM students. In this type of school, the student population is composed of “real” artists. In addition, the atmosphere can be very competitive.

There are also universities that offer BFA, BM and BA degrees. What’s good about taking BFA and BM degrees in universities is that you can study arts or music while keeping your options open to taking up other courses.

Furthermore, art programs in universities may also allow you to have a double degree. For example, you can have a degree in music and a BA degree in History. However, you would need more than 4 years to finish them.

Students who wish to enter a performing arts college would need to present a portfolio before auditioning. Every program in art colleges has various requirements so it is important that you contact the school that you wish to enter to know the requirements.

Your audition portfolio is a very important part of your application but art schools also consider your school records and entrance exam scores. Some schools prefer students with good academic records while others look at the student’s audition and portfolio.

Students who wish to pursue a career in arts and music are advised to seek opinions and advices about their abilities. It will be beneficial for interested students to ask for honest opinions and suggestions from artists at local symphonies and theater companies for this will help them prepare.

Students taking up visual arts can get portfolio assessments and information at the National Portfolio Day that is sponsored by different art schools and universities. To know more about it, students can talk to their school counselor and art teachers.

When entering a performing arts college, you also need to consider the following:

∙ Location

Arts students should choose a school location that will give them good access to concerts, museums, theaters and galleries. Also, venues like these attract talents that inspire and educate arts and music students.

∙ Facilities

Students should also check the facilities of the art school that they will enter. Always look at the practice rooms, studios, computer equipment and venues for exhibit or anything that is related to their field of study. They should know how accessible these facilities are when they need to use them.

∙ School Philosophy and Reputation

Art and music colleges have their own programs with different emphases. This is why it is important for students to know the philosophy and reputation of the art school that they wish to enter. If possible, do some research or ask a respected arts teacher about the reputation of the schools that you are considering.

Pursuing a career in arts and music can be challenging and yet very rewarding. To pick the right performing arts college for you, it is best that you consider the information discussed above.