OCTOBER 2, 2011
This year, in addition to the competition portion of Spotlight, we are launching the Spotlight Academy. The Spotlight Academy was designed to provide a non competitive environment where students can learn about a variety of subjects pertaining to their art form, higher education, and artistry. Our goal is to provide an intimate setting where students, parents and teachers can come to obtain advice from professionals and network amongst themselves. Our panels and teachers will include university faculty, performers, alumni and students.

Some of the topics to be discussed include:

• What should I look for in a college music program and teacher?
• How to narrow college choices; process for selecting best match; getting merit scholarships; on-line resources?
• What are college audition panels looking for? (Presentation; Material Choices, Appropriate Attire, Attitude, etc)
• Exploring getting an agent
• Breathing life into your art form
• Dealing with nerves
• How to get a gig and keep it? - Networking, Attitude and Professionalism

We will launch the Spotlight Academy on Sunday, October 2 at the Music Center, with a one day workshop. It is our hope to expand this into a summer program and year long series of classes. The Academy is open to all high school students, whether or not they choose to apply to Spotlight for the existing audition program. The Spotlight Academy seeks to foster relationships with students who may not have participated in Spotlight in the past. For more information, please email: spotlight@musiccenter.org