Overview
This lecture focused on the admissions process for arts programs at UCLA, sharing tips on portfolios, balancing academics and creativity, understanding career outlooks for arts majors, and strategies for researching faculty and programs.
Arts Admissions at UCLA
- UCLA has three professional arts schools: Arts and Architecture, Herb Alpert School of Music, and Theater, Film, and Television.
- Unique programs include "World Arts and Cultures," a major for broader creative practices like community organizing or plant medicine.
- UCLA is known as the arts campus within the UC system due to its location and focus on the arts.
Portfolio and Academic Balance
- Admission decisions consider both academic performance and creative submissions like portfolios and auditions.
- While strong arts materials are important, solid academic records can influence admission and scholarship opportunities.
- Both elements (academics and portfolio/audition) are reviewed, sometimes simultaneously or at different stages, depending on the school.
Preparing Portfolios and Auditions
- Begin early and create as much work as possible; regularly finish new pieces to build a strong portfolio.
- Colleges typically require existing work, so focus on creating and refining pieces now.
- Occasionally, schools will provide specific assignments or prompts for the portfolio.
Application Review Process
- Portfolio and audition review processes differ by institution; some involve faculty or alumni, others admissions officers with arts backgrounds.
- Ask each school how and when arts materials are reviewed relative to the general application.
Researching Faculty and Programs
- Use online resources to research both faculty and current students at schools of interest.
- Websites, LinkedIn, and student performances offer insight into program culture and teaching styles.
- In music, sample lessons or class observations are often available; asking for these is encouraged.
Career and ROI in the Arts
- ROI data often underrepresents creative careers because artists commonly have multiple jobs and income streams.
- Creative workers are highly educated and entrepreneurial; the government is working to improve labor data accuracy for these fields.
Common Portfolio Mistakes
- Avoid submitting work that copies celebrities, fan art, or heavily references pop culture like anime or Disney.
- Original work from life (not copied from photographs) is preferred and valued in portfolios.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Portfolio — A curated collection of an artist’s best work submitted for admissions review.
- Audition — A live or recorded performance used to assess performing arts applicants.
- ROI (Return on Investment) — Measurement comparing the cost of education to potential career earnings.
- World Arts and Cultures — An interdisciplinary UCLA major focusing on creative practices beyond traditional art forms.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Continue creating and refining original work for your portfolio.
- Research faculty and student work at prospective programs using online platforms.
- Reach out to admissions officers and request sample lessons or class visits if interested.
- Submit your contact info if you'd like to receive the presentation recording.