5 October 2016
How do you know if you are ready to commit to a full-time arts programme? For many, the answer came through LASALLE’s Short Courses. In this article, four LASALLE students share their learning journeys with us.
Neo Jialing, BA(Hons) Dance Level 3
Introduction to Contemporary Dance, a Customised Art Class for Ngee Ann Polytechnic (4-week customised workshop) | 4 sessions, 4 hours per session
I had to take the short course as part of the performing arts module from my Arts Business Management Diploma at Ngee Ann Polytechnic. Spanning the three main disciplines of the performing arts – music, theatre and dance – I experienced what it was like to be an artist-in-training. I was particularly drawn to the freedom of expression and the emphasis on cross-faculty collaborations. A self-motivated learning culture was evident in every lesson. The short course truly fuelled the desire I already had for performing arts training.
Having a natural inclination towards dance, I thoroughly enjoyed the intensive 4-week training in the dance course led by Vincent Yong. During the course, I was exposed to specific dance techniques such as Martha Graham/Release technique and Contact Improvisation. These techniques helped me understand what is expected of a professional dancer and also sparked my curiosity. I had limited dance vocabulary prior to attending the course however by immersing myself in this experience, it has shaped my perspectives and ultimately led to a decision to pursue dance at LASALLE.
Brian Hong, Diploma in Animation
Introduction to 2D Animation (5-day workshop) and 3-day Folio Development Workshop
I am from South Korea. As part of the admission criteria for a full-time Diploma programme, I had to prepare an art portfolio. I faced great difficulties and had no idea how to prepare my portfolio. My senior advised me to join LASALLE Short Courses.
I signed up for both the 2D Animation Short Course and Portfolio Workshop. I looked forward to every lesson as I could learn new perspectives of art. The trainers taught me creativity and encouraged me not to give up when I faced challenges. They reassured me and counselled me to take up the Diploma programme.
Francis Choo, MA Asian Art Histories
An Introduction to Asian Art | 7 sessions, 2 hours per session
I am an art collector in my 50s and I have worked in the Information Technology industry my entire life. I got to know LASALLE from a fellow IT professional who had studied in LASALLE. I signed up for the the short courses because I wanted to have a feel of the school and the quality of their courses and lecturers. I had hoped to learn something and pick up different perspectives from what I have read in my own study.
I liked the content, the structure and the way in which the Short Course was delivered. It gave me a sense of the place, the quality of the staff and what I could expect if I spent 18 months more in LASALLE.
Ratna Sari, BA(Hons) Fine Arts Level 1
Acrylic Painting I, II, III and Figure Drawing I, II, III
8 sessions per course/Level, 3 hours per session
I was working full-time for two years after graduating with a Diploma. During that time, I wanted to further my studies in the arts but received some feedback that I did not have a strong portfolio to meet LASALLE’s admissions criteria.
I was delighted that LASALLE Short Courses was held after working hours which complemented my work schedule. Through Figure Drawing I and II, and Acrylic Painting I-III courses, I had the opportunity to experiment with different styles of painting and drawing under the guidance of the course instructors who are also practising artists. The best part of the course was that it is therapeutic for me, especially after a long day at work. I felt a sense of accomplishment after each class.
To add on, one of the course modules within the BA(Hons) Fine Arts Programme is Figure Drawing. With my prior experience gained from the short course, I have had the upper hand in terms of understanding the basics skills needed (i.e.: observational skills and sensitivity towards the strokes) and improved my art practice.
Wonder if a full-time arts programme might be for you? Try out a Short Course at LASALLE and join many others who have benefitted from this immersive experience. Get ready for student life!
Subsidy available. Find out more here.
