“What do you wish you knew about auditioning?” “Do you have any recommendations for someone looking to explore different subjects in college, both within and outside of music?” “Do you wish you had more time to relax?” These questions and so many more were answered at Project 440’s Annual College Fair for Musicians.
From November 10-12, 400 attendees came together to attend the Project 440 Virtual College Fair for Musicians. With over a dozen speakers and panelists and 67 exhibitors from across 26 states, attendees discussed college applications, majoring in music, professional development, and navigating the application process during a global pandemic. Sessions included Essay and Resume Writing, Audition Psychology, The HBCU Experience, a What I Wish I Knew panel, and an additional array of personal and professional development sessions.
During the Wednesday exhibitor session, students had the opportunity to speak with representatives from colleges and universities around the country and have their questions about applications, auditions, student life, and more, answered.
The keynote address featured Village of Arts and Humanities’ Director of Learning, and Project 440 Board member, Michael O’Bryan. In addition to his work and time with Project 440, O’Bryan is an Innovation Fellow at Drexel University’s Lindy Institute for Urban Development, sits on the boards of the Samuel S. Fels Fund and Philadelphia Cultural Fund, and is the founder of Humanature. He has served on faculty at the Curtis Institute of Music since 2019.
In addition to workshops and the exhibitor session, students had an opportunity to earn “points” toward prizes and enter giveaways — offering an incentive for students to stay engaged even in an online environment.
Students interested in the arts require special, industry-specific guidance on the college application and audition process — guidance that can be difficult to access even in the absence of a pandemic. Project 440 is thrilled to have been able to provide another year of engaging, informative workshops and meetings for students as they navigate the application process during the time of COVID-19.