<p>Dstark, thanks, it does. Ya just never know what will happen when it is such a selective process and so it does add to the nerves (for me anyway) but this acceptance helps. She said she found it validating. This is recent news. There is a ways to go yet. She is not even done the auditions.</p>
<p>I am so glad to hear about this, Susan. I was pretty sure when you said that FA office was sniffing around. I am sure she will have some choices. And it does take off a lot of pressure.</p>
<p>Susan,
glad you're D's got an acceptance under her belt!</p>
<p>Mini,
my nephew is a composition major at CIM. Know what you mean about the sign and tin cup.</p>
<p>"Successful artists usually have also attended some name school such as RISD, Pratt, SAIC, MICA, etc. "</p>
<p>Taxguy,
I haven't read this whole thread and don't have time to at the moment but I will say your perception of this is incorrect. I know plenty of art majors who are very successful and did not go to any of these schools. Talent is talent and school helps but the biggest factor in being a success in these fields is luck, raw talent, and the person's own belief in themselves. I think the same holds true for musical and theater talent. In fact , I'm amazed that you singled out these two areas where talent is particularly innate. Sure it needs to be nurtured and developed but you don't need the schools you've mentioned to do it. All that will guarantee you , possibly , is a faster start.</p>
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<p>Now that's where I disagree. I don't really care how "successful" my kids are, and neither has chosen an endeavor, yet. I care about what kind of people they are, how well they think, and how much they care about others around them. They chose colleges where they would be challenged by the students around them, and by their courses. If, afterwards, they choose to dig ditches, that's fine with me if they can support themselves doing so. As long as they continue to use their minds, be informed citizens, and care about the state of the world and their responsibilities in it, the rest is up for grabs.</p>
<p>lizschup, I did note that there are musicians who I have met who "made it" without attending a top notch music school. I probably should say the same thing about art schools,but, at least within the sphere of those that I met, the successful artists have attended some formal school and usually it was one of the better art programs.</p>
<p>Again, this is based on my sphere of contacts, which may not be statistically valid.
Personally, I do know three sucessful artists, and all three went to a "name" art school or a school with a "name" art program. Two attended Pratt and one attended RISD.</p>
<p>I also left out one major point that should be taught to any kid: networking is a crucial skill! Your kids should keep in contact with as many of their friends and graduates as possible. You never know what contacts these people will have in the future. Likewise. if your kids get some openings that their friends might like, they should call or write their friends about these openings. Most sucessful people that I have met have great networking skills.</p>
<p>My favorite story about this involved a gentlemen who I met on the airplane. His name was Eric Preminger, who is the son of Otto Preminger and Gypsie Rose Lee. Eric had a card file noting everyone that he has ever met, and the file noted important information about that person. I met him doing a book tour. He called me years later and asked me about my PR person. This is what I mean by networking. He was probably the best in the country at it. He was also one heck of a nice guy.</p>
<p>I can't emphasize this skill enough.</p>