When I went to bsa I didn’t know it was the place for me. Before highschool I knew I really liked making art, I learned best from my art teachers in middle school and my parents encouraged me to explore that outlet. I was also in between taking a more traditional academic route and bsa. When it came down to making a decision I realized I wanted to give my talent a shot at a school where other students were doing something similar and I could take classes that were designed to help me build my art career and skills. It was a pretty big decision to make as a young person who’s still wondering a lot. If your kid likes to be challenged artistically and intellectually and is curious about their own music experience then bsa might be a good fit. It wasn’t a “traditional” highschool experience, but it gave me a lot of art experience that many kids who were interested in art didn’t get until college or later. Again happy to answer any more questions you have!

For sure! I can’t give too much info because I wasn’t in the department but hearing from my friends who were in the music department, it’s a great atmosphere and holds a lot of different music opportunities outside of bsa. I believe throughout your 4 years at bsa there are smaller auditions for music students to participate in to be in different school performances. Music students get 1:1 lessons from talented and highly recommended teachers. I know at times music students will stay after school for rehearsals and that’s a big commitment plus practicing outside of school hours. The students in the music department are close to each other and I know other bsa music alumn stay in close touch and get into excelled programs afterwards if that’s their direction with music.

I think it depends on what department your kid was accepted to. Each department at bsa has its pros and cons. I’m a bsa alumn and that school really prepared me for art colleges and liberal art universities afterwards. It’s a challenging school to go to because you’re balancing a lot of responsibilities as a young person between your major and academics and any small social life you might have. Most of your time is spent building your craft and learning how to become a young professional. After bsa I felt prepared for what I wanted to do next and I made long lasting friendships that now feel like extended family members. I know friends who went to City who felt the same way too. They just had different focuses and specialties in school. Bsa is one of a kind school and congratulations to your kid for getting an offer! That in itself is a big accomplishment. Feel free to dm me with more questions!