Art and music electives offer a wonderful way to compliment your high school student’s core homeschool curriculum. There are many different subjects your student might choose to focus on, including some that are not available as electives in traditional schools. Drawing, painting, sculpture, pottery, graphic design, photography, architecture, interior design, art history, music history, music theory, singing, learning an instrument, music composition, drama, musical theater, and dance are just some of the possible subjects that homeschooled high schoolers may choose to focus on. There are corresponding groups and organizations they may also want to join, such as a band, orchestra, chorus, dance company, or theater. Some of these activities will be available through the local school, while others will need to be sought out in the local community. Many homeschooled students will also seek private musical and artistic training.
Homeschooling offers a unique opportunity for students to really develop their skills and talents in ways that are difficult for traditionally-schooled students. This is in part because homeschooled students have more choice in what they focus on – few high schools offer music composition or folk dance classes, for example. Homeschooling also allows for more flexibility in a student’s daily schedule, making extensive study and practice in a musical instrument or artistic endeavor easier to pursue. If given adequate support, many homeschooled students truly flourish in art and music during the high school years!
This section covers some of the formal art and music curriculum options available to homeschooled high schoolers. It also highlights other useful resources for homeschooled students pursing artistic and musical interests and training. Be sure to check the high school requirements for art and music in your state, especially if your student will be seeking a diploma. Also check out the art and music requirements for applicants at the colleges to which your high schooler is interested in applying.