Best Performing Arts Schools

Enriching a Passion for the Arts with a Solid Education

Establishing a career in performing arts requires special training. Even though some talents are innate, honing those talents is crucial to establish a career in the competitive world of performing arts. As a result, many schools have been established to teach students the specialized skills in singing, dancing, acting and other various forms of expression. This guide will provide an in-depth background for students on what to expect, as well as expert advice on attending a performing arts school.

Performing Arts Snapshot

• The Julliard School is one of the worlds' most preeminent performing art schools. Famous names such as John Williams, Val Kilmer, Kevin Spacey, and Wynton Marsalis honed their talents at Julliard.
• Performing arts includes more than just acting and singing; it is involves all forms of artistic expression such as opera, ballet, circus, ventriloquism, stand-up comedy, theater, motion pictures, orchestra and magic.
• Actors, on average, have a higher level of education than the standard US worker. Between 2011 and 2013, more than 33% of actors had a bachelor's degree.

Best Performing Arts Schools and Degrees

While many who pursue careers in the performing arts are born with innate talent, to truly master their field a degree from an institute of higher learning is essential. A good performing arts program will allow students to work toward perfecting their craft; a great one will offer supportive services, financial aid and program specializations as well. We've ranked the top online and on-campus art programs. Find the school that will allow you to make the most of your performing arts education below.

Performing Arts Schools and Programs

A performing arts education can be obtained at a wide variety of educational institutions. Even though completing a program or obtaining a degree from a performing arts school isn't usually a requirement to work in the arts, it can be extremely helpful in establishing a career and negotiating higher pay. Not only will students receive training and instruction in the performing arts, they will also be surrounded by fellow creative minds and mentors in the field. The section below lists a few performing arts school possibilities and what students can expect from a particular type of school.

• Vocational Schools

  Most performing arts programs found at vocational schools are at the high school level. Open to high school students, these vocational programs prepare them to continue their performing arts education at the post-secondary level, although some focus on training students to enter the performing arts workforce immediately upon graduation.

  The typical curriculum focuses on college prep, honors and/or college level classes in order to provide a complete high school education and prepare students for continuing study at a two- or four-year college. These vocational schools are usually tuition free, as they are affiliated with public high schools serving a given geographical area. However, acceptance is not guaranteed; students must go through a competitive admission process that includes an audition.

• Art Schools

  Performing arts are typically seen as those that include dance, music, acting and the like. However, some art schools – those that cater to aspiring graphic designers, fashion designers, illustrators, and animators– also offer degrees or certificates in the performance-based arts. These schools offer students the unique opportunity to hone their skills in performing arts while obtaining the skills and knowledge they might use to enhance their future career. For instance, an actor might learn about theater and voice projection, but might also take courses in film editing and scene composition.

• Community Colleges

  Many community colleges offer associate degrees in subjects related to performing arts, such as drama, music, dance, and theater. Depending on the school, the associate degree can focus on one area of performing arts, such as theater, or take a broader approach and train students in various areas of the arts genres.

  The typical associate degree in performing arts takes about two years to complete if attending full-time and consists of approximately 60 credits. Most classes are major-oriented, such as music theory, introduction to acting, and contemporary dance. However, some core classes are still required, such as English composition and physical science. Depending on the curriculum, students can be prepared to move into the workforce immediately upon graduation, or use their degree as a stepping stone to the bachelor's program.

• 4-Year Schools

  Obtaining a performing arts degree from a four-year college or university usually means graduating with a bachelor's degree. A large number of colleges and universities offer a four-year bachelor's degree in performing arts related subjects like dance, theatre, and music. Some also have a degree program dedicated to performing arts; students can specialize in one particular arts genre.

  Most bachelor's degrees take four years (or eight semesters) to complete if attending full-time. Accelerated programs might cut down on the time required. Depending on the school, most bachelor's degrees take about 120 credit hours to complete with a mix of major related courses and foundational classes required for all students.

• Performing Arts Schools

  Schools that specialize in performing arts can be referred to as conservatories, especially if they focus on music or dance. The Julliard School is a very well-known example of a school that focuses on performing arts only; in the case of Julliard, the focus is on dance, drama, and music.

  Depending on the school, a bachelor's or master's degree is awarded upon completion of the program. Other non-degree possibilities include a diploma, certificate, or simply reaching a certain level of proficiency. For example, some dance schools do not award degrees, but instead have the goal of students reaching a certain level of expertise in their specialty.

  In order to be admitted, prospective students must submit an application, which requires an audition or submission of a portfolio. The vast majority of consideration for admission focuses on the prospective student's desire to pursue the performing arts and their level of talent and future potential. As a result, most performing arts schools place only a little (or no) emphasis on traditional academic metrics, such as standardized test scores and GPAs.

Advice from a Performing Artist

The degree means nothing if you cannot play!

The best part – the gig, the music, the performance and all that jazz is the easy part! It's getting there that's tough. If you are ready for that, then you should look into schools.

For the actual schools, go where your field is at the forefront. Do not blindly walk into a school which has a good name but a weak department for your path. Don't apply to a school renowned for music theory and education if you want to go for jazz performance. Do not look to a school that has an amazing composition program if you're only looking to do opera.

If you do not know what you want to do, be it theory, opera, jazz, composition, etc., then you need to find a school that has something attractive to you and the credibility to teach it. I made the mistake of going to school A with a good reputation when I need school B without the glamorous name. For example, you must know a degree in music education means you will teach K-12 but you cannot teach at University, unless you want to teach Music Education.

Kunal Singh, Jazz Musician

Choosing the Right Performing Arts Program

Choosing the right performing arts school can be a difficult task. There are many options available, whether it's to attend a traditional four-year college or university or enroll in a more specialized performing arts school. The following is a list of questions to consider when choosing a performing arts program.

Performing Arts Degrees and Certificates

For those seeking a performing arts degree or certification, there are several options available: from certificate or associate up to doctorate. Of the bachelor's, master's and doctorate level degrees, there are several options of each type.

Performing Arts Certificates

Performing arts certificates provide an opportunity to students to gain training, instruction, and information about the performing arts without obtaining a formal degree. At most schools, especially conventional four-year colleges and universities, the certificate must be obtained concurrently with another degree, such as a bachelor's. At performing arts schools, the certificate may be a standalone program that graduates can use to obtain additional professional training and become more marketable.

There are prerequisites for most certificate programs; however, these prerequisites are applied to the particular classes taken and not the program as a whole. There are usually no electives offered in a performing arts certificate curriculum. Instead, students will choose three or four related classes from a larger pool of classes.

Each school has its own requirements, but a typical performing arts certificate consists of 10 to 25 credit hours. The typical curriculum includes a variety of performing arts classes in order to impart a general level of knowledge in performing arts.

Lastly, there are undergraduate and graduate diplomas that allow students to pursue further education in performing arts without committing to a full degree. Depending on the school, students need to complete 25 to 75 credits to earn the diploma. Graduate diplomas usually require fewer credits that undergraduate diplomas.

Examples of Real-Life Certificate Level Courses

• Introduction to Theatre

  The three components of theatre are analyzed: directing, design and acting. The history of plays will also be examined.

• Introduction to Dance

  The historical and theoretical aspects of dance are studied in this course. How dance conveys artistic information will be reviewed as well.

• Orchestra

  Various types of music and instruments will be studied. This class also includes instruction and public performance.

Performing Arts Associate Degrees

The typical associate in arts program is approximately 60 credits and takes two years to complete when attending full-time. Community colleges typically offer two types of associate degrees: the applied degree and the general degree. Those who earn the applied degree in performing arts take more targeted classes that prepare students for immediate work in the performing arts industry. Those who earn the general degree take a variety of performing arts classes as well as general education courses, and are prepared to move into their bachelor's degree program upon completion.

Many associate degree programs have no prerequisites beyond that of earning a high school diploma. However, some programs, such as dance or music, require students to take basic dance or music classes before starting their associate in arts curriculum, or demonstrate a certain level of proficiency in their performing arts category.

Examples of Real-Life Associate Degree Courses

• Ballet I

  A progression from basic dance, this course teaches students the fundamentals of classical ballet, including theory and technique.

• Music Theory

  This course is intended for students with prior musical knowledge and will expand on theoretical concepts such as harmony and chord identification. Musical instruments and musical composition will also be introduced.

• Theatre I

  An entry level course, the use of the human body and voice to convey information is studied. Acting and improvisation concepts will also be taught.

• Dance in America

  How dance has developed and evolved within the 20th and 21st century is explained. Political and cultural influences, as well as influential dance figures will be discussed.

Performing Arts Bachelor's Degrees

Performing arts bachelor's degrees come in three primary flavors: Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Music (BM) or Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA). For music related subjects, students can usually choose between a BM or BA. For other performing arts subjects, students can generally choose between a BA or BFA.

Compared to a BA, the BFA or BM degrees tend to be more performance or studio-oriented and are designed for those who want to become a professional performing artist. The BFA and BM degree also have a smaller liberal arts component compared to the BA degree. In short, BA degrees can be thought of as a liberal arts degree with a major or concentration in performing arts. BM and BFA degrees can be thought of as professional degrees.

While most bachelor's degrees in fine arts don't have formal prerequisites, most departments require an audition in order to be accepted. The typical four-year bachelor's program requires 125 to 165 credits to complete the degree. Also, most traditional colleges and universities have general education requirements.

Examples of Real-Life Bachelor's Degree Courses

• Music History and Literature

  This course examines musical styles and practices from the Baroque era to present day

• Harmony and Form

  Music theory concepts of harmony and musical structure will be covered in this class.

• Jazz Theory

  This class looks in detail at the background of jazz and the form and style that makes this genre unique.

Performing Arts Master's Degrees

For those seeking a master's degree in performing arts, there are three main possibilities: Master of Music (MM), Master of Fine Arts (MFA) or Master of Arts (MA). Similar to the bachelor's degrees, a MM or MFA degree is more performance or technically-oriented while the MA is more academically or scholarly-oriented. There's also a Master of Music Education (MME) for those who desire an even more academically-oriented master's degree in the field of music.

Most master's degrees take two to three years to complete and consist of 30 to 60 credits. Depending on the program, there is also a performance and/or thesis requirement. As with most other graduate programs, there are no general education class requirements, only classes related to the performing arts specialty.

Examples of Real-Life Master's Degree Courses

• Art of Combat for Actors

  In order to provide believable fights scenes, students learn safe, effective techniques for multiple acting contexts including film, television and stage.

• Popular Arranging

  Popular melodies and common chord progressions and methods of arrangement are reviewed in this class

• Directing Methods

  The basics of stage directing are provided, along with steps taken to develop a theatre production from start to finish.

Performing Arts PhD or Dual Degree

At the doctorate level, the predominant degree in the performing arts is the PhD. A PhD can usually be obtained in a variety of areas, including theatre, musicology, music theory, and music education.

Another doctorate level performing arts degree is the Doctor of Musical Arts. Compared to a PhD in music, the Doctor of Music Arts is generally more practical or performance-oriented, while the PhD is more research-oriented. However, depending on the school, this distinction may be minimal.

Dual degree options are sometimes available for the bachelor's degree. A traditional four-year university can partner with a local conservatory so that students may obtain performing arts degree along with an unrelated degree.

Performing Arts Toolbox/Checklist

It takes a lot of talent and hard work to make a career as a performing artist. However, there are other skills and tools to assist anyone pursuing a performing arts career.

Performing Arts Specializations

In order to succeed in performing arts, even the most talented individuals must specialize to some degree. This need for specialization is most pronounced in music.

Notice how Yo-Yo Ma, Wynton Marsalis, and Charlie Daniels are known for playing one instrument (cello, trumpet, and fiddle, respectively). Granted, they can play other instruments, but they have specialized in just one. Even with immense talent, in order to be one of the best, performing artists are forced to limit themselves to a select few areas, whether it's a musical instrument, type of dance, or comedic style.

Not surprisingly, performing arts schools reflect the drive for specialization, especially in music. For example, a masters or doctorate degree in music can have any number of specializations: keyboard, cello, clarinet, violin, jazz, voice, orchestra, education, music theory, and composition.

Options for acting specialization can refer to where the actor works, such as film, television, or theatre. Dancing specialization can refer to a type of dance or where the dancing takes place, but there is also the opportunity to go into a slightly different area, such as choreography.

After Performing Arts School: What's Next

Once the certificate or degree is in hand, it's time to go out into the world with the talent, skills and knowledge gained through education and hard work. Make no mistake: earning an education in the performing arts is much easier than making a career out of it. The best option for those who want to immerse themselves in the music, dance, acting or other performing art is to consistently practice, rehearse, study, and work toward the goal every single day.

Those who do enter the performing arts will need to constantly update their skills and keep honing their craft. The actor on stage should work on his or her memorization skills; the dancer should always strive to stretch farther and move faster. The musician should try out new methods, themes and sounds, taking their time to become as good as they can be.

For those who decide that being on a stage isn't for them, there are numerous other options that make good use of a performing arts degree. Working as a teacher in a performing arts school, stepping into a management role for a theater or dance company, becoming a talent agent, or even working in booking or merchandise can keep a graduate close to the action but not require them to perform.

Actor

An actor is someone who portrays a character to an audience through various forms of media, such as television, motion picture or theatre. While the final “product” of an actor usually consists of the delivery of certain lines from a script, much of what an actor does includes learning more about the character they're trying to convey in order to give a more effective portrayal. This can include background research, consulting with the director or fellow actors, and rehearsing.

• Median Salary: $39,640
• Hourly wage: $19.82
• 2012-2022 estimated job growth: 4%
• Numbers employed (2014): 59,210
• Minimum education required: There is no formal educational requirement, although many actors have a bachelor's degree in drama or a related field. Additionally, most actors have at least some form of formal instruction, whether it's a bachelor's degree, taking a few classes or completing an acting program at a conservatory.

Dancer

Dancers convey artistry through the physical actions of their bodies, usually accompanied by music. All dancers spend much of their time training and practicing. Depending on the specific type of dance, a dancer can perform in many different contexts, such as with a dance company or for the production of a larger work, like a movie or theatre production.

• Median Salary: $28,620
• Hourly wage: $14.31
• 2012-2022 estimated job growth: 6%
• Numbers employed (2014): 11,240

Minimum education required: Formal training is required. Training usually begins at an early age and continues on through high school. Many dancers receive much of their training during their high school years, either at a school specializing in a dance curriculum or extracurricular programs and classes outside of school. Some dancers may seek additional post-secondary training, although that is usually not required.