How to Start a Music and Art College
Artists have important skills to offer the world, and require high quality schools to develop their talents. To start a music and art college, develop a vision and write a business plan. Secure funding and hire qualified instructors. Spread the word about your college program.
- Write a vision statement. Create a statement that describes your music and art college in its ideal state. Your goal may be to provide arts development opportunities for the underprivileged. Alternatively, excellence in the arts may be your goal. Writing a statement of your ideal vision will assist the planning process.
- Develop a business plan. A music and art college is essentially a business that must somehow be funded. Write a step-by-step plan for how you will fund the project, what resources are needed and how you will access those resources.
- Secure funding. The school may eventually be self-sustaining as students pay tuition. Initially, however, startup funds will be necessary. You may need an investment partner, an angel investor, a bank loan or contributions from foundations that support the arts.
- Hire instructors. Look for teachers with solid credentials and teaching experience. A talented musician may not necessarily be a skilled teacher. A successful arts college requires faculty members who possess arts expertise and know the best ways to encourage and motivate aspiring artists.
- Apply for accreditation. If your college will serve as a stepping stone to other university arts programs, getting accreditation guarantees students the ability to transfer credits to other institutions.
- Advertise the college courses. Let the community know about your music and art classes. Place ads in newspapers, magazines, online and in any location visible to the eyes of prospective students.