When the Search for a Performing & Visual Arts School Goes Virtual
Whether you are a dancer, conceptual artist, actor, designer, musician, or some other type of artist, you will see a difference in the way conservatories, arts schools, and college and university performing and visual arts programs are reaching out to you. Face-to-face meeting and travel restrictions have historically, and understandably, had a major impact and influence on student and family decisions to pursue a school or drop it off their list. Because of the pandemic, institutions have been forced to reduce activities traditionally conducted by college admissions offices.
Come up with ways to judge each school and apply these criteria to each college. Start with these questions:
During the pandemic, was the school safe, responsive, deliver quality education for the price, and keep artists making art?
How accessible are the faculty to answer your questions?
If you study music, can you set up a virtual sample lesson?
Does the school give you access to video content to help you assess music or theater arts performances, films or animations, or virtual galleries of student art?
Check out more ways to get the most out of a virtual college visit.
Keep in mind that the test of how well a college may adapt to moving everything online is not necessarily a good measure of the strength of their faculty artists, fellow students, or the quality of an in-person degree that you will receive in the future.
Use your creativity, make your own opportunities, and be persistent:
Make an effort to seek out in-person lessons.
Request to sit in on virtual classes & rehearsals.
Contact the admissions officers at each school to find ways to learn more about all the opportunities that they offer.
Prepare for virtual or recorded auditions.
Invest in a microphone designed for your specialty.
Find a well-lit space in your house with good internet for your virtual or recorded audition.
The best approach is for students and their families to read carefully, stay flexible, and expect change and diversity from school to school and program to program
If you are looking for help searching for the Best Fit performing or visual arts program, contact one of the counselors at Best Fit Education.
