Arts
Visual and Performing Arts at Gould
Gould students are doers, creators, and makers.
Art is an essential part of the Gould experience. Students build skills, take creative risks, and spend time in spaces designed to support both technical practice and discovery. The arts are another way Gould students learn to express themselves and collaborate. With strong support from expert faculty artists and a wide range of courses and facilities, students are encouraged to find what resonates and pursue it with intention.
“Working in the Visual Arts Department at Gould has been a great experience. There are so many disciplines to pick from—hands-on activities like hand-building in pottery and metalwork in the forge. You can experience a little bit of everything and hone your passion.”
- Eva ’25
A spotlight for every student
Whether playing in the Community Band, producing original music, or performing under the lights in Bingham Auditorium, Gould students have access to a wide range of opportunities in music, theater, and performance. The school mounts a full fall drama production and a spring musical each year, and smaller ensembles like Thursday Night Rock Band give students space to experiment and perform more informally. Musicians can take digital music production or participate in one-on-one lessons through Gould’s partnership with the Manhattan School of Music, where students study with professional faculty via high-quality video and audio technology. With eleven Steinway pianos on campus and the distinction of being an All-Steinway School, Gould supports serious musicians with exceptional tools—and plenty of chances to play.
Creative Exploration that Shapes Artists and Makers
Gould’s Visual Arts program is housed in a dedicated art cottage with studio spaces for blacksmithing, silversmithing, sculpture, drawing, and painting, along with a full floor for pottery—both wheel-throwing and handbuilding. A wood-fired kiln located at the Gould barn offers students a rare opportunity to work with traditional ceramic firing techniques. Those interested in digital media can dive into photography or graphic design courses using Adobe Creative Suite, which is available to all students.
As part of Tenth Grade Four Point, every sophomore participates in immersive workshops with visiting artists, often their first experience working in the art cottage. With access to professional tools, materials, and support, students explore new ways to express themselves and often discover creative interests they didn’t know they had. It’s a hands-on, exploratory week that opens doors to future artistic growth.
Portfolio support is available for students applying to art and design schools, and interdisciplinary options in the Marlon Family IDEAS Center allow students to bring artistic thinking into hands-on innovation, like designing and building their own skis and snowboards.
FEATURED Courses & Programs
Manhattan School of Music
Through Gould’s partnership with the Manhattan School of Music, students work one-on-one with professional teaching musicians from New York City. Weekly private lessons in voice or instrument take place in high-quality video studios, giving students access to conservatory-level instruction, right from campus.
Custom Ski & Snowboard Building
In this cross-disciplinary course, students craft custom skis or snowboards from the base up—shaping materials, designing top sheets, and pressing their finished creation using professional equipment in a dedicated ski and snowboard building classroom. Equal parts engineering and art.
Artist Blacksmithing - Functional Ironworking
In Gould’s on-campus forge, students heat wrought iron until it glows and shape it by hand into functional tools and hardware. This popular course introduces traditional blacksmithing techniques while encouraging creativity and precision at the anvil.
Portfolio Development
Designed for students preparing to apply to art or design schools, this advanced course focuses on building a cohesive, compelling body of work with college admissions in mind. With individual studio space and plenty of one-on-one faculty support, students leave with a portfolio that reflects both refined technical skill and artistic voice.
Spring Musical
Each spring, Gould stages a full-scale musical production that brings the whole community together. From Mamma Mia! to Little Shop of Horrors, the Spring Musical always brings the house down with remarkable performances. Students take on every role, from acting and singing to lighting and set design, making the musical one of the most anticipated events of the year.