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Last Updated: August 10, 2024

What are the Fine Arts?

The study of Fine Arts does not imply just the quality of the artwork in focus but the nature of the discipline being depicted. Traditionally, the term included Western Art from the Renaissance to modern times. However, it can also be associated with the art genres of Eastern cultures.

Different Types of Fine Arts

The disciplines associated with Fine Arts can be broadly classified into two categories:

Visual Arts

These works include art forms that produce an aesthetic visual effect for the viewer. They are artistic expressions of the creator’s skill and imagination. They involve two-dimensional works such as painting, associated art forms, design, photography, and calligraphy. There are also three-dimensional works like architecture, sculpture, pottery, and conceptual art.

Performing Arts

These are art forms performed for audiences. They involve artistic expression through dance, theater, music, films, and poetry. They are renowned for conveying the artist’s emotions and feelings.

Degrees Available under Fine Arts

A fine arts degree involves different areas of study, and the course solely depends on the art form the student wishes to pursue. It could be either in the visual or the performing arts. Many universities and colleges offer fine arts degrees at three levels - associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s.

Associate of Fine Arts (AFA):

The Associate of Fine Arts degree is a 2-year program that allows the candidate to transition to a 4-year bachelor’s program or for students who wish to pursue freelance or entry-level jobs. Students can take up different types of art courses to get foundational education. This can be supplemented with general courses or liberal arts courses. Some schools offer Associate of Fine Arts degrees specific to a particular discipline. Associate degrees can also be obtained online.

Requirements for applying for Associate of Fine Arts degrees:

Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA):

The degrees under Bachelor of Fine Arts are 4-year programs that enable students to enhance their capabilities and pursue a career in their chosen field. In the bachelor’s courses, students take general education courses that complement their study area. However, many fine arts programs recommend that students take up foundational courses in art during their first year that may not directly relate to their focus area.
Courses in performing arts, such as theatre performance courses, require applicants to take up a foundational course related to their study for a more robust foundation due to advanced levels present in the progression of the courses. In some courses, some parts are more advanced than the previous one.

There are options available for students wishing to pursue distance learning. Universities offer online degrees in theatre, art, creative writing, and other fine arts disciplines.

Requirements for applying for Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees: Bachelor’s degrees in Visual Arts
Under these, students can pursue art forms such as drawing, painting, digital art, and printmaking. Many universities present one broad category for Visual Arts, which may include Graphic Design, or there might be specific degrees for the student's preferred medium.
Bachelor’s degrees in Creative Writing
The concept of the course has no consensus on whether Creative Writing would come under the scope of Fine Arts or the Humanities. Some colleges offer Bachelor’s degrees in Creative writing as Fine Arts courses.
Bachelor’s degrees in Music
Students wishing to find specialization in a bachelor’s program in music is not an easy process in the US. This is due to the individual ability of the applicants, as they may either choose to train in musical or vocal training. Students can opt for a general bachelor’s program; they are not always conducive to the student’s preferences.

Bachelor’s degrees in Theater performance and Dance
Different programs provide either general or specific training in dance forms. In general courses, students are trained in all forms of dance forms. In specific programs, there are concentrations in their curriculums.
Bachelor’s programs for theater performance are available in many places in the US. Still, the theatre community is prominent in New York and Los Angeles, as traveling theatre groups and improv shows are available to hone one’s skills.

Bachelor’s degrees in Film and Photography
There are some setbacks when choosing a bachelor’s program for photography and filmmaking. Programs in photography can be categorized as “Visual Arts" and "Digital Arts." Therefore, verifying whether the course offered is a specialization is necessary. There is a similar issue in film-making as it is not mentioned at times whether the course offers a study in the history of Film or the basics of filmmaking.

Master of Fine Arts (MFA):

These degrees are 2-year programs that prepare students to enhance their abilities at an advanced level. A master’s degree would also enable students to apply for executive or managerial positions. There are no requirements for general or foundational courses to pursue a master’s degree; some schools prefer that applicants complete certain courses before applying.
Requirements for applying for Master of Fine Arts degrees:
On completion of a master’s degree, students are eligible to pursue careers such as:

Architecture:

The study of architecture also falls under the purview of Fine Arts. It involves the conceptualizing and planning of homes and buildings. The professional courses are available at bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels: B.Arch, M. Arch, and D. Arch, respectively. Non-professional courses are also available and are as follows:
A non-professional degree normally takes four years to complete and could be completed before pursuing a professional degree.
For example, a four-year BA or BS in Architecture can be supplemented with a two-year M. Arch degree. The five years of B. Arch and the six years of M.Arch are equivalents.

Points to remember while applying for a degree in architecture

Career Opportunities in Fine Arts

Many jobs are available for students wishing to pursue degrees in disciplines under Fine Arts, but they require the individual to possess dedication and perseverance to succeed. The following are career options that students of Fine Arts can consider:

For the students of Visual Arts


For the students of Performing Arts

  • Actors
    The scope of work is vast as there are opportunities in stage and film, but the field is immensely competitive. Initially, the candidate will have to build up a showreel of experiences in a variety of roles, which would make the process of finding work easier. Candidates are also recommended to find an agent for more networking with others in the industry and better roles, which would entail paying them a portion of their earnings as fees.
  • Musicians
    Musicians usually pursue jobs as composers, choir singers, soloists, conductors, and symphony members. These jobs generally require an in-depth knowledge of musical instruments that would aid in playing musical pieces or composing new pieces.
  • Dancers
    Professionally, the candidate will be under the guidance of a choreographer. Dancers can perform in front of live audiences or record projects such as TV shows, films, and music videos. Candidates are more likely to find work if they are acquainted with various styles. As actors, having an agent will increase one’s chances of landing better jobs. Dancers can also receive additional income by working as Dance Teachers or Choreographers.
  • Arts Administrator
    This job entails organizing arts activities and services for different organizations, such as theaters and museums. The candidate must be adept at the role's administration, organization, and IT skills.
  • Professor of Music
    Like the Professor of Fine Arts, Professors of Music train students to hone their musical talent. To pursue a career in teaching music, one requires a master’s degree or a Ph.D. in their respective fields of study, whether in musical instruments or vocal training.
  • Band Manager
    This job entails managing the professional lives of musicians, such as being in charge of their schedules, contracts with music companies, and tour dates. It does not require playing a musical instrument but rather the candidate's managing skills and communication ability to form advantageous connections.
  • Director of Film/Stage/TV
    This job is associated with interpreting scripts for production. To avail of these positions, one will require a bachelor’s degree. It is through the director’s vision that the project reaches fruition, as they are involved both in the production and the rehearsals associated with the film or stage production.

    Other professions include:

    Creative Writers
    Candidates will require a bachelor’s degree for jobs that entail writing original stories, poetry, or lyrics.

    Writers
    Here, the candidate will have to use their ability of the written word to create an impact on the readers. Work may include writing blogs, journals, or articles per the job's requirements.

    Screenwriters
    In this, work can range from creating stories for films to television shows and even video games. The candidate will require creativity and writing skills for this job.

    Therapists for Art, Music, Dance, and Drama
    These jobs entail using forms of Fine Arts to aid people in overcoming their emotional or physical difficulties.
    Dramatherapists: They used activities such as roleplay to help people express their emotional difficulties and come to terms with them so that they can move beyond them. Similarly, art, music, and dance therapists use their respective art forms to help people channel their emotions into a creative form, which helps them experience a therapeutic result. These jobs require a postgraduate degree in the candidate’s field and experience in helping people overcome difficulties.

    Thus, various options for students choosing different aspects of Fine Arts in degrees and careers are available. These courses will help students obtain jobs and aid in achieving the full potential of the artist’s creativity. Everyone possesses unique capabilities, and the courses available throughout the country help recognize the applicants' talent.


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