Teaching Moment for Middle School Teacher

Objective: Introduce students to the concept of hidden costs associated with studying and participating in performing arts at the collegiate level, encouraging early awareness and fostering informed planning for their future music education journey.

Rationale: Many students dream of participating in college music programs without realizing the full financial commitment involved. Building early awareness empowers students to make thoughtful decisions and prepares them to have meaningful discussions with their families about pursuing music at a higher level.

Assignment: Hidden Costs of College Music Programs: What You Need to Know

Instructions:

• Read and Reflect: The article “The Hidden Costs of Performing Arts in College: What Students and Parents Need to Know” found on Accoladi.com
• Research:
  • Choose one hidden cost discussed (e.g., private lesson fees, travel for tours, accompanist fees, instrument upgrades, concert attire) and investigate:
    • Why is this cost important to a music student?
    • How much could it potentially cost?
    • How might a student and their family prepare for it?
• Write a Report:
  • Write a 1-page report (typed or handwritten) that answers the following:
    • Brief description of the hidden cost you chose.
    • How this cost could impact a student's college experience.
    • One tip you would give to a future college music student to manage this cost.
• Presentation (Optional for Extra Credit):
  • Prepare a short (1–2 minute) oral summary of your findings to share with the class.

Understanding the Costs of a College Music Education

Grading Scale:

Teaching Moment for High School Teacher

Objective: To help students and their families understand the often-overlooked financial obligations associated with pursuing a performing arts degree in college and to encourage informed decision-making and financial preparedness for a successful transition into collegiate performing arts programs.

Teaching Moment Summary: While students often plan for the basic costs of college—tuition, fees, room, and board—those pursuing music, theater, or dance must also be aware of additional financial responsibilities. Costs such as private lessons, accompanists, travel for performances, professional conferences, and instrument upgrades can add significantly to the overall college bill. Understanding these hidden costs early empowers students to make informed decisions about their college and career paths and encourages families to plan appropriately.

Assignment: Uncovering the True Costs of a Performing Arts College Education

Instructions: Start by reading the article “The Hidden Cost of Performing Arts in College: What Students and Parents Need to Know” found on Accoladi.com

• Research Component:
  Select three colleges or universities you are interested in attending for a performing arts major or ensemble participation.
  For each institution, find information regarding:
  • Tuition and basic fees.
  • Costs associated with private lessons (if not included in tuition).
  • Performance attire or uniform requirements and their estimated costs.
  • Ensemble tour participation requirements and travel expenses.
  • Professional conference attendance expectations and related costs.
  • Instrument upgrade expectations for performance majors.
  • Any additional costs such as accompanist fees, recital expenses, instrument insurance, or professional memberships.
• Compare and Summarize:
  Create a comparative chart or table summarizing the hidden performing arts costs for each school.
  Identify any schools where private lessons or travel are included versus those where they are additional out-of-pocket expenses.
• Reflection Essay:
  Write a 300–500 word essay reflecting on your findings.
  Address these questions:
  • What costs surprised you the most?
  • How will these costs impact your college decision-making process?
  • What strategies could you and your family use to prepare for these additional expenses?

Submission Requirements:

• Typed, 12-point font, double-spaced.
• Include the comparison chart followed by the essay.
• Cite sources for your research (college websites, admissions offices, program catalogs).

Due Date: _______________________________________[Insert Due Date Here]

Evaluation Criteria:

• Completeness of the research and comparison chart.
• Thoughtfulness and clarity of the reflection essay.
• Attention to detail and quality of writing.
• Proper citation of sources.

Evaluating Financial Awareness for Performing Arts College Planning

Grading Scale:

Dear ____________________ Parents,

As your child grows musically here in middle school, it’s exciting to imagine the opportunities that could await them in high school, college, and beyond. For many of our students, music is more than a class—it’s a passion that could turn into scholarships, college acceptances, and even careers.

That’s why it’s important to start looking ahead. I want to share a resource with you: now available at Accoladi.com. It’s a must-read if your child is dreaming of pursuing music, theater, or dance in college.

The article breaks down some of the “hidden” costs families often don’t see coming—things like:

• Private lessons (sometimes not included in tuition)
• Hiring accompanists for performances
• Travel expenses for ensemble tours and competitions
• Upgrading to professional-level instruments
• Costs for uniforms, recital receptions, and insurance

Why talk about this now, when college seems so far away? Because a little preparation goes a long way! Here are a few ideas to start early:

• Start a Music Savings Fund: Even small monthly savings now can add up by senior year.
• Shop Smart: If your child will need formal concert attire later (like tuxedos or black dresses), keep an eye out at consignment shops or sales. Buying gently used can save a lot. Estimate sizing by looking ahead to their likely high school senior size.
• Gift Wisely: Instead of more “stuff,” consider holiday and birthday gifts that support your child’s music journey—like private lesson vouchers, airline gift cards for future auditions or conferences, or even a professional instrument cleaning kit.
• Encourage Responsibility: Have your child participate in saving for bigger goals (like their next instrument or music camp) to build ownership and value their investment.
• Stay Informed: Bookmark helpful resources like Accoladi.com. Knowledge is power when it comes to planning.

Performing arts can open incredible doors for our students, but understanding the full picture is key. Let’s work together to make sure your child’s dreams are not only big—but also reachable.

Again, read the full article here: Accoladi.com

Musically Yours,

___________________________________________
Director’s Name and Position

___________________________________________
School Name

The Hidden Costs of Performing Arts in College:
What Students and Parents Need to Know

Dear Parents,

If your child is dreaming of continuing their music journey in college, first—congratulations! They’re aiming for a life filled with creativity, discipline, and passion. But as beautiful as the dream is, there’s a practical side that families often don’t hear about until it’s too late: the hidden costs that come with being a performing arts major or college ensemble member.

I encourage you to read the full article, “The Hidden Costs of Performing Arts in College: What Students and Parents Need to Know,” on Accoladi.com. It will open your eyes to what tuition alone doesn’t cover.

And here’s the good news: you can start preparing now, while they’re still in high school.

Let’s get creative:

• Start a “Performance Closet” Early – Concert black is forever. Begin collecting black formalwear now—think black evening gowns, tuxedos, bow ties, dress shoes. Check Goodwill, consignment shops, or end-of-season sales. A quality used tux can be had for under $50 if you’re smart about it. Don’t forget the necessities: black socks, black belt, black closed-toe shoes.
• Intentional Gifts – Next birthday or holiday? Instead of another PlayStation game, think practical: airline gift cards, hotel points, gas cards. These can help cover travel to conferences, auditions, or ensemble tours in college.
• Instrument Upgrade Fund – Start a separate savings account now for a professional-grade instrument. Whether it’s a silver-plated trumpet or a symphony performance-grade cello, these upgrades are expected at the collegiate level. Even $10–$20/week makes a difference.
• Accompanist Jar – For vocalists and some instrumentalists: every lesson, recital, or jury often requires a paid accompanist. Start a fun “Accompanist Jar” at home — toss in change or small bills throughout the year.
• Membership Prep – Professional organizations like NAfME and ACDA aren’t free. Encourage your student to take on small gigs—weddings, church music, teaching beginners—to save for these memberships.
• Mock Tour Budgeting – Plan a “mock tour” budget. Choose a location like Chicago or New York and calculate travel, meals, and lodging. It’s a fun reality check and a great budgeting lesson.

College music dreams are built not just on talent, but on preparation—and that includes financial preparation. The more you do now, the smoother the transition will be when that acceptance letter arrives.

Let’s work together to help your child step confidently onto the college stage—ready in every way!

Warmly,

___________________________________________
Director’s Name and Position

___________________________________________
School Name