Leadership development is integrated into all elements of the Conservatory curriculum. The Conservatory teaches that leadership is the ability of a single individual through his or her actions to motivate others to higher levels of achievement; that leaders are unique and special people and that leadership is not for everyone.

Leadership is a dedication to SERVICE. Leadership is the ability to inspire, communicate, motivate, encourage, and support your and others' quest for excellence in all aspects of life. It is the ability to do what is right and avoid the pitfalls of doing something just because it is the popular thing to do. Leadership is practiced not so much in words as it is in attitude and in actions. It is not fair to ask of others what you are unwilling to do yourself. Leadership is doing what is right when no one is watching.

The Leadership Conservatory for the Arts offers ongoing opportunities for students to learn - and practice - leadership skills, including:

• Leadership Skills Development Class (mandatory for all Conservatory Students) - "The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Teens."
• 12 Hour Leadership Class - Pre-requisite for Student Leadership positions
• Elected student leaders - Section Leaders, Captains, Officers, etc.
• Solo Performances and Public Speaking Opportunities
• Students Mentor in Middle Schools
• Students partner with Community Leadership Organizations

The Student Leadership Course focuses on:

• Attitude Development
• Communication Skills
• Positive Role Modeling
• Personal Responsibility
• Understanding in Self-motivation
• Sensitivity in working with peers
• Responsibility Assessment
• Action plans to achieve group goals

By taking the initiative to participate in this leadership curriculum, students begin their quest to make a difference in other people's lives and enrich their own. The leadership curriculum at the Tarpon Springs Leadership and Music Conservatory will assist the student in his/her quest to be a leader and inspire others and will focus on:

• What is Leadership?
• Teamwork
• The Important Attributes of A Leader
• Leadership Positions
• The Pyramid for Success
• Operational Procedures for Our Organization
• At the Conservatory, we believe that:

Leadership should be more participative than directive, more enabling than performing.
Leadership is the challenge to be something more than average. You cannot be a leader, and ask other people to follow you, unless you know how to follow, too. If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader!

Leadership is developed, not discovered.
The truly "born leader" will always emerge; but, to stay on top, natural leadership characteristics must be developed. Leadership is casting a vision and motivating people. Great leaders who are committed to total service and total quality will place a premium on serving members of their organization.

Leadership is an example.
Effective leaders set an example of what they expect and want from their team members. Great leadership believes the negativism is never justified. They know that there are plus and minus elements in many situations, but that the minus areas can be made into pluses. Leaders provide direction not directions.

Personal Responsibility is Required In the Attainment of Excellence

If things were done right only 99.9% of the time, we'd have two unsafe landings per day and 16,000 lost pieces of mail every hour by the U.S. Postal service. Strive for 100% quality.

The real friend of this country is the person who believes in excellence, seeks for it, fights for it, defends it and tries to produce it.

No one ever attains the very eminent success by simply doing what is required of him; it is the amount and excellence of what is over and above the required that determines the greatness of ultimate distinction.

Hold yourself responsible for higher standards than anybody else expects of you. Never excuse yourself.

Think and feel yourself there! To achieve any aim in life, you need to project the end result…Think of the elation, the satisfaction, the joy! Carrying the ecstatic feeling will bring the desired goal into view.

The achievements of an organization are the result of the combined effort of each individual.

Teamwork is the ability to work together toward a common vision. The
ability to direct individual accomplishment toward organizational objectives. It is the fuel that allows common people to attain uncommon results.

If you or your student want to take control over your future and are prepared to take the next step to realizing true leadership potential, contact the Leadership Conservatory For the Arts for more information.

"Failing to prepare, is preparing to fail."