Conservatory Arts Program

By clearly identifying the Conservatory as a course of study option within our college-preparatory mission, we implement focused mentoring for student artists who are gifted in their discipline and seek preparation for the highly competitive admissions process at top schools specializing in their art.

The fine and performing arts teaching staff are, for the most part, faculty artists who work in their professional field and also have the unique ability to teach. They have the connections and experience to introduce students to a variety of professional associations which further prepare students for life as a fine or performing artist.

The opportunities for Detroit Country Day School to engage in professional partnerships with area arts organizations began with the building of the Performing Arts Center. Three of our partners who use the PAC for their professional series, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Chamber Music Society of Detroit, and the Great Lakes Chamber Music Festival, have brought master class opportunities to our music students. There are similar opportunities for partnerships with professional dance and theatre organizations.

Freshman and sophomore students who articulate their desire to pursue the Conservatory program in their discipline of study will be considered to have pre-Conservatory status. It is during these two years (Grades 9 and 10) that the faculty will mentor and guide students in building their capabilities within the curriculum. Prior to entering the student’s junior year (Grade 11), a meeting will be scheduled with parents, the student, and the respective faculty to assess the pre-Conservatory experience, evaluate the pros and cons of the Conservatory program, and, if applicable, chart a course of study for the junior and senior years.

Faculty in each curricular area (art, music, theatre) will develop a recommended course of study for students with pre-Conservatory status. During this period, it is recommended that students explore a variety of courses in their respective arts disciplines and fully engage in the academic curriculum to meet all DCDS graduation requirements and ensure a well-rounded education is at the core of the four-year DCDS experience.

The Conservatory Program is designed to tailor a course of study to each individual’s goals. In each art discipline, however, there will be required core curricular experiences. Even though each student will have a major focus in their work, additional art experiences will be encouraged. For example, a theatre student should be encouraged to join the choir and/or take a music theory class. A vocal music student should seriously consider a theatre course in anticipation and preparation for performance opportunities. A visual art student with a passion for sculpture would benefit from understanding life drawing or another medium, such as metalworking.

Within Detroit Country Day School's college-preparatory curriculum, students in the Conservatory, with the guidance of the faculty, can customize a plan of study that supports their advancement in their artistic pursuits. Depending on scheduling options, students may take advantage of electives within the AP (Advanced Placement) and Honors course offerings. Although the same basic graduation requirements for DCDS will apply to Conservatory students, an emphasis on a student’s artistic development for portfolio and audition readiness will be a major capstone of the program.