How early exposure to arts influences career choices

Think back to the first time you picked up a paintbrush, sang on stage, or joined a school play. Those early encounters with the arts often leave a lasting impression. For many children, they spark passions that shape not only their creativity but also the choices they make later in life.

Why Arts in Early Years Matter

The arts do more than just add colour to a school timetable. They help students develop essential life skills – confidence, resilience, and the ability to express themselves. A child who learns to play an instrument picks up discipline, while another who participates in theatre gains communication skills. Even if they don’t grow into professional artists, these experiences nurture well-rounded individuals prepared for diverse careers.

For singer and Apeejay School, Pitampura alumna Mrinali Gulati, early exposure to music proved to be transformative. “I used to cry before going on stage,” she admits. But her teachers kept encouraging her to sing at assemblies and school events. “They never told me to stop, instead they kept giving me opportunities. That’s how my fear turned into confidence.”

That foundation later gave her the courage to pursue music as a career. Today, Mrinali has built a strong presence on YouTube with over 100,000 subscribers, alongside performing at live shows and festivals. She believes it was those formative years that made all the difference: “School was the first place where I felt free to explore my passion, and that support shaped who I am today.”

A Ripple Effect on Careers

Mrinali’s journey highlights a broader truth: when children are encouraged to explore the arts, it can unlock career paths they might never have imagined. Whether it’s music, painting, dance, or photography, exposure at the right time helps young people discover talents that can guide their professional journey. Even if they don’t choose the arts as a career, the confidence and creativity they gain often benefit them in unexpected ways.

Introducing children to the arts early on is not about preparing them to be performers or painters. It’s about giving them the freedom to explore, to experiment, and to build skills that last a lifetime. As Mrinali’s story shows, sometimes a supportive word from a teacher or a chance to sing in front of classmates can plant the seed for a career built on passion.