I work with students at three stages: grade schoolers auditioning for arts middle school programs, middle schoolers applying to competitive arts high schools like LaGuardia or Dreyfoos, and high schoolers building portfolios for arts colleges. Each stage has its own requirements, and I tailor my coaching accordingly.

We start with a free 20-minute consultation to understand your student’s goals, target schools, and timeline. From there I design an individualized approach — weekly 1:1 sessions, tailored assignments, and email feedback between classes. I focus on building confidence through highlighting the students’ own improvements. Services are billed monthly.

Earlier is almost always better. For the most competitive programs, students who start 6–12 months out see the best outcomes. That said, I work with students on shorter timelines too — even if you think it’s too late, I encourage you to reach out. I can share an assessment and plan to reflect even the most compressed timelines.

Visual art (drawing, painting, sculpture, conceptual exercises, mixed media, and portfolio development) and digital and graphic design. Some students work across both depending on their target schools’ requirements.

Yes — all sessions are remote. I work with families across the United States.

Private coaching is fully individualized — tailored to your student’s specific school targets, timeline, and learning style. Group classes focus on foundational skills and are capped at eight students for quality feedback.

Yes. I offer standalone one-hour portfolio review sessions with detailed written and verbal feedback on concept development, technical execution, and presentation. This is ideal for a gut-check before applying to an arts college, submitting for a selective high school program, and for parents trying to assess where their child stands.

Too many young applicants feel the pressure of perfectionism, which in turn worsens their audition. Any student who wants to feel both confident and prepared is ready for coaching. I work with students across all levels — and those with no formal training or even years of studio experience all experience the same hurtles: the audition psychology. By improving student techniques and demystifying the audition as just a series of practiced exercises, students feel both less pressure, and perform better overall. My free consultation is designed to help you figure out if we’re a good fit.

I (Calil, the founder) have personally auditioned for and attended arts schools at every level — middle school, high school, and university — all on full scholarship. I know that far more students score poorly from easy errors and psychology than they do on the merits of their talent or skill. I build my lesson plans to strengthen each student’s weaknesses, and build their confidence in the process. To learn more on how, feel free to grab 20 mins on my calendar!

We can talk through the specifics of your young applicant over a free 20-minute consultation. I’ve included a link here.