On the album, which was the group's sole release, and which features mostly acoustic instruments, Lavitz is joined by guitarists Frank Gambale and Steve Morse, violinist Jerry Goodman, bassist John Patitucci, and drummer Dave Weckl.

[1][2] A reviewer for AllMusic wrote that the group "throws everything into the pot: jazz, rock, blues, country, Latin, and classical, but this wide-ranging eclecticism works remarkably well...

While there's no shortage of chops... there's also an impressive interplay and sympathy, making School of the Arts a fusion lover's dream come true.

"[3] AAJ's Ian Patterson commented: "Lavitz, in stellar company, has produced something of a rarity; an acoustic album with the vitality of electric fusion, and feel-good tunes which are a celebration of the joy of playing.

"[5] In an article for Contemporary Jazz, John Hilderbrand wrote: "School of the Arts is Lavitz's most straight ahead recording since 1991's Mood Swings, and in my opinion, his strongest session in a long time...