<p>Anybody have any recommendations/experiences with pre-college summer art programs on the west coast? The sort of thing that one takes to discover if art school is really what one wants or not -- typically 2-4 weeks, very intensive. I've found a few (Cornish, Pacific NW College of Art, InnerSpark at Cal Arts, AAU), and I'd be interested in hearing actual experiences or suggestions of other programs.</p>
<p>My friend's D went to the one at Cal Arts last summer. It transformed her. She had finally found "her people". She worked hard but felt like she learned a lot.</p>
<p>Thanks for the feedback, mom60. Cal Arts does sound pretty neat, although as we're put of state, there are only 20 slots available! But, as I always say, if you don't apply, for sure you won't get in . . .</p>
<p>I've also heard good things about the summer program at the Idyllwild Arts Academy. Here's the link:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.idyllwildarts.org/%5B/url%5D">http://www.idyllwildarts.org/</a></p>
<p>This is a more direct link to the programs for teens:
<a href="http://www.idyllwildarts.org/summer/programs/youth_arts_center/youth_arts_center.html%5B/url%5D">http://www.idyllwildarts.org/summer/programs/youth_arts_center/youth_arts_center.html</a></p>
<p>UCLA also offers a pre-college program:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.dma.ucla.edu/summerinstitute/%5B/url%5D">http://www.dma.ucla.edu/summerinstitute/</a></p>
<p>Try posting this under the Arts forum you may find more of a response. I pretty sure SF Art Institute has a program and possibly California College of the Arts.</p>
<p>Wow, carolyn, Idyllwild sounds amazing! Little Mother and unsoccer-mom, those are both great leads also. Thanks to everyone, and I will head over to the Arts Forum as well.</p>
<p>I just started a pre-college thread in the Arts forum.</p>
<p>I see you there! I'm working on a post right now:)</p>
<p>My daughter was just accepted to Innerspark @ CalArts for music/voice. She is very excited. Would appreciate reading responses from kids/parents of kids who have gone in the past, too.</p>
<p>Any specifics on her experience ;) Tx.</p>
<p>Hi,
I went to the CSSSA program last summer, before my junior year. Your daughter is in for an amazing time! My focus was within the Visual Arts department, but I remember hearing performances from those studying Voice, they were incredible. The work load can be a little overwhelming the first week, but its worth it for all the opportunities. The dorms are clean and comfortable, and the people are generally really supportive and nice. The catering is also quite good, and there are performances and presentations by each department in the evenings several times each week, including gust lectures by musicians, artists, film makers, etc. If you have any other specific questions about the program, let me know</p>
<p>Oxbow–Napa</p>
<p>D’s friends went to Innerspark for voice in years past, and LOVED it. Said it changed lives. My D is going for piano this year, she’s really looking forward to it.</p>