Resentment from peers and siblings along with social stigma about participation in the arts compels artistically talented students to hide their accomplishments. Personal dreams of the pursuit of the arts as a career and the reality of making a good living are in conflict when students are deciding how best to continue their studies. The most crucial success factor is the existence of a school-based program that identifies and develops students' artistic talents. Programs in economically disadvantaged communities with few resources and under-served by art specialists must have the support omponents available to more advantaged students. Students and families need information about further training opportunities and scholarships, trips and auditions to magnet arts programs, travel information, summer training, equipment and instruments, and communication network among program families.
Opportunities are the key to students' ability to continue in the arts and attain success.