Often what makes a standout arts student is being the first to seek and apply corrections. In professional environments, the ability to quickly apply critiques is essential and is often tested in auditions. Because of this, it is important for students to understand how to receive and apply feedback quickly, as it is a skill they will carry forward in their careers.

The first step is understanding that corrections often mean you are doing well and that your work ethic is showing. For dancers, in a studio of 30 students performing the same combination, being singled out for a correction means the instructor sees something worth refining. It signals that your effort is visible and that your teacher believes you are capable of executing the movement at a higher level.

The same is true for singers. When a voice teacher begins to dissect a phrase, it implies they trust you have the technical foundation to go further. This applies to almost all disciplines in the arts. Corrections from professors are an investment in you and your potential.

Understanding this can help create a more open attitude toward critique. The next step is learning how to respond efficiently.

Being sure to fully perform the corrected tasks shows your willingness to make an effort, even if you fail. If you are confused, ask clarifying questions. Even going as far as to spark a brief conversation shows you care and value what is being edited. Most importantly, express gratitude and appreciation toward the professor at the end of the interaction.

From that point on, it is vital to keep that correction in mind and apply it as often as possible. Even if it does not come easily at first, showing you are actively trying to apply the correction demonstrates determination, which is exactly what professors want to see.

One strategy for remembering a correction is to write it down. In some cases, writing down the correction and journaling about the experience of receiving it, how it made you feel and how you could apply it, can be effective.

Another helpful strategy is repeating the correction immediately. After receiving feedback, try the movement, phrase or section again, over and over. It can also be helpful to create audio or visual cues to help remember.

Experimenting with how to apply corrections takes time, and the years spent studying in college are a valuable opportunity to develop that skill. It is also important to listen to corrections given to other students when possible, as they often apply to you as well. Doing so is one of the simplest ways to maximize your educational experience.

Corrections can sometimes feel overwhelming or even frustrating, and it can be easy to take feedback personally. Regardless, maintaining a growth mindset, understanding the value of corrections, and learning how to apply them effectively are key to excelling as a student.