What Is the Conservatory?
A Program Designed for Students Called to the Arts
The arts are a gift from God. At Artios, all students take foundational arts classes — but for some, God has given a deeper passion, talent, or calling. The Artios Conservatory was designed for those students.
The Conservatory Program allows students to develop and steward their gifts — preparing them to study their art in college, enter the field professionally, or use their creativity in ministry and service. Students choose a major and follow a focused, four-year course of study in their chosen discipline.
Every major is anchored in a biblical and Christian worldview of the arts — so students enter the culture with God's ideas firmly in place, able to engage it without being shaped by it.
Focused Majors
Students choose one of six majors and follow a dedicated sequence of courses, building deep mastery over four years.
Small Classes & Mentorship
Conservatory students benefit from smaller class sizes, individual attention, and ongoing coaching from experienced arts faculty.
Biblical Worldview at the Center
Every major requires Worldview each year — ensuring that artistic development is always grounded in Scripture and shaped by a Christ-centered perspective.
Senior Capstone
Every Conservatory senior presents a culminating Senior Project — a demonstration of proficiency, faith, and readiness for life after Artios.
Choose Your Path
The Conservatory Majors
Six distinct majors, each with a four-year scope and sequence.
Music
Theory, History & Instrument Mastery
Music Major
The Music Major gives students a thorough knowledge of the language of music, music theory, history of music, and competency in a specific instrument of their choosing. Students develop a biblical understanding of music and how it glorifies God — from classical foundations to worship and songwriting.
Core Classes
- —Piano & Music Theory I–IV
- —Choir (all four years)
- —Music History & Appreciation
- —Private Instruction
Solo performance in two Winter/Spring concerts required.
Theatre
Performance, Design & Direction
Theatre Major
The Theatre Major develops fundamental competency across all areas of theatre — from acting and directing to technical design and production. Students choose an emphasis in Performance, Design, or Musical Theatre, and develop their craft through rigorous coursework, practicums, and live productions.
Core Classes
- —Acting I & II
- —Fundamentals of Theatre History & Production
- —Elements of Production
- —Drama Club (all four years)
Headshots and resume required for Drama Club in Junior and Senior years. Crew for three shows.
Visual Arts
Design, Drawing & Digital Arts
Visual Arts Major
The Visual Arts Major gives students a thorough knowledge of the language of design, drawing and painting, sculpture, and digital arts. Students move from fundamentals through advanced studio work, building a portfolio that reflects both technical mastery and a biblical view of creativity and beauty.
Core Classes
- —Fundamentals of Arts History & Elements of Design
- —Drawing & Painting I & II
- —Studio M I & II
- —Photography or Graphic Design
1 Art Exhibition or Installation required.
Film
Production, Editing & Directing
Film Major
The Film Major gives students a thorough knowledge of the language of film, production, editing, and directing. All classes are designed around a biblical understanding of what film is and how it can be used for God's glory — preparing students for college programs, careers in media, or ministry through storytelling.
Core Classes
- —Fundamentals of Cinema History & Production I
- —Film Production II
- —Screenwriting
- —Editing I
Portfolio and Reel Check required. Christian Worldview Film Festival attendance for 1 year.
Dance
Choreography, Performance & Movement
Dance Major
The Dance Major develops students in choreography, movement, and performance. Students build technique through dedicated dance classes, acting training, and community performance — growing as artists who can express truth and beauty through movement for God's glory.
Core Classes
- —Choreography Essentials I & II
- —Acting I & II
- —Dance Technique Classes
- —Drama Club (all four years)
Dance Technique Classes required. Choreography Club in Year I & II.
Fine Arts
A Broad, Tailored Approach to the Arts
Fine Arts Major
The Fine Arts Major is designed for students who want a wide-ranging arts education with depth in two chosen areas — a primary and secondary emphasis. Students take foundational courses across Theatre, Music, Visual Arts, and Film, then go deep in the areas that match their gifts and calling. This major is tailored in close collaboration with the student, parents, and a conservatory advisor.
Core Classes
- —Fundamentals of Theatre, Music, Visual Arts & Film History
- —Primary Emphasis Electives
- —Secondary Emphasis Electives
- —Choir
Portfolio Checks each March.
In Action
Conservatory Life
Year Four
The Senior Capstone
Every Conservatory senior presents a culminating Senior Project before receiving their Conservatory Certificate at graduation. The project demonstrates proficiency in the student's major, the influence of their faith on their artistic growth, and how they intend to use their gifts beyond high school.
Through the Senior Capstone class, students are guided through reflection, thesis development, and project preparation — presenting a proposal in the fall and delivering their final project in the spring to a panel of Conservatory faculty.
Fall Semester
Students develop their thesis and present a project proposal to a panel of Conservatory faculty for review and approval.
Spring Semester
Students finalize their project with support from faculty, establish a timeline, and prepare for the final presentation.
Final Check
A few weeks before presentation, students bring a 90%-complete project for a final faculty review and feedback session.
Graduation
The completed Senior Capstone is presented publicly. Students receive their Conservatory Certificate at graduation.
Good to Know
Program Details
Conservatory Credits
All Conservatory courses count as half a credit (Carnegie unit). Some courses may be combined with a club in the same area to count as a whole credit. All Conservatory classes may be applied toward required high school electives.
Portfolio Checks
Portfolio reviews happen each March to ensure students are progressing in their area of study and maintaining the materials needed to present a strong portfolio to colleges, employers, or ministry leaders.
Practicums
Practicums are hands-on experiences outside of class — such as live-streaming events, crewing shows, or assisting in productions. They are designed for each student based on campus needs and the student's area of study.
Testing Out of Classes
In select situations, with advisor recommendation and Arts Director approval, students may test out of a class by demonstrating 90% proficiency across all course objectives.
Starting After Freshman Year
Students who join the Conservatory after 9th grade can still complete their major in two to three years, provided they demonstrate foundational competency and work with their advisor to build an individual plan.
Is the Conservatory Right for Your Student?
Discover Your Major
If your student has a passion that goes beyond the typical arts class, we'd love to explore whether the Conservatory is the right next step for them.