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Katie
Student
Winston-Salem, North Carolina
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Questions
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What are the benefits of choosing an arts conservatory versus a liberal arts school with an arts program?
Trying to decide on conservatory versus liberal arts with a strong program. #performing-arts #music #college #arts
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Tracy Singer
Choreographer and Director, Actor, Singer, Amateur Seamstress
28
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New York, New York
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Tracy’s Answer
Conservatories will focus exclusively on the arts, are more intensive and generally have stronger arts programs. Liberal Arts colleges will provide a more rounded education and expose you to other areas you may be interested in.
If you know that your passion is performance; music, dance, acting, singing, a Conservatory is an excellent choice. Boston Conservatory and New England Conservatory are two of the best in the country for Dance and Vocal Performance.
Nir Krawczyk
Software Engineer
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Yonkers, New York
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Nir’s Answer
How much you can get out of an arts vs non-arts school is largely dependent on your personality/level of motivation. If you are highly motivated, you could probably get as much from working hard, pairing with a good private teacher, and getting involved in the local artist community at a non-arts school as you would from an arts school. However, most of us at a young age do not have the fire under us that will motivate to work our butts off when everyone else around us is taking it easy and coasting which can often be the case at non-arts schools. So you have to be a good judge of your own character.
For example if you're a musician, do you have what it takes to go search out for jam sessions and stay out late talking to people you just met. Do you have the motivation to listen to music that no one else is listening to and practicing for hours on end in a maybe less than ideal practice room.
Where you go to school is also very important because that defines the community. If you go to a school where the surrounding community is made up entirely of students that's very different than if you go to a school in a city full of professionals. As long as you have access to make art with people of more experience you can always grow.
For example if you're a musician, do you have what it takes to go search out for jam sessions and stay out late talking to people you just met. Do you have the motivation to listen to music that no one else is listening to and practicing for hours on end in a maybe less than ideal practice room.
Where you go to school is also very important because that defines the community. If you go to a school where the surrounding community is made up entirely of students that's very different than if you go to a school in a city full of professionals. As long as you have access to make art with people of more experience you can always grow.
Eric Yellin
Senior Art Director
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New York, New York
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Eric’s Answer
Piggybacking on Tracy's answer:
As someone who attended the arts conservatory College Conservatory of Music at University of Cincinnati, I can attest that this type of program will provide you with an extremely focused curriculum. This is a bit of a blessing and a curse. The opportunity to immerse yourself in your craft and and other like-minded individuals is an amazing experience. You'll grow and develop at a rapid pace with an incredibly developed level of expertise.
I would however suggest you use any and all opportunities to educate yourself in "real world" classes as well. I came out of college without much knowledge of money management, investing and taxes. Being hyper-focused on that one major is great, but don't forget that there is still so much to educate yourself in that will help you be prepared for the real world after college.
As someone who attended the arts conservatory College Conservatory of Music at University of Cincinnati, I can attest that this type of program will provide you with an extremely focused curriculum. This is a bit of a blessing and a curse. The opportunity to immerse yourself in your craft and and other like-minded individuals is an amazing experience. You'll grow and develop at a rapid pace with an incredibly developed level of expertise.
I would however suggest you use any and all opportunities to educate yourself in "real world" classes as well. I came out of college without much knowledge of money management, investing and taxes. Being hyper-focused on that one major is great, but don't forget that there is still so much to educate yourself in that will help you be prepared for the real world after college.