Academy for the Arts

09/05/2026

Looking to learn banjo this fall? Asheville's own Gabe Epstein still has openings for fall banjo lessons.

Originally from Bethesda, Maryland, Gabe fell in love with bluegrass and American roots music as a teenager. He went on to hone his craft in the premier Bluegrass, Old-Time, Country, and Celtic Music Program at East Tennessee State University, specializing in 5-string banjo.

Since putting down roots in Asheville in 2019, Gabe has become a staple of the local and national music scene—touring full-time since 2020 with the progressive bluegrass group Songs from the Road Band.

Whether you are picking up the 5-string for the very first time or looking to refine your technique, tone, and improvisational skills, Gabe offers tailored instruction for all skill levels.

Focus Areas: Scruggs-style, melodic bluegrass, single-string technique, ear training, rhythm, and jam session prep.

Slots fill up quickly for the season—send a direct message or reach out today to claim your weekly spot!

09/03/2026

The Academy for the Arts is closed on Monday, September 7th in observance of Labor Day.

We hope all our students and families enjoy a safe and relaxing holiday weekend!

We look forward to seeing everyone back on Tuesday, September 8th to resume all regular music lessons and classes. Happy Labor Day!

09/02/2026

Always good to see the Hightop Mountain Harmony folks here at First Baptist Church of Asheville on Tuesdays for their lessons with Nick Dauphinais, Lyndsay Pruett, and Brad Curtioff.

09/02/2026

What a great gift The Asheville Symphony is giving the community!

08/31/2026

🎶 MONDAY MELODIES: Patrick O'Neil – "Water Off My Back"

Capture lightning in a bottle. In this installment of Monday Melodies, cellist Patrick O'Neil delivers "Water Off My Back"—a completely original, unscripted cello improvisation caught live on camera.

Because this piece was born entirely in the moment, it exists only in this raw recording and will never be performed the exact same way again. Press play, turn up the volume, and sink into a truly one-of-a-kind musical session.

🎵 Stream & Connect:

Artist: Patrick O'Neil

Instrument: Cello

Track: "Water Off My Back" (Original Improvisation)

Series: Monday Melodies

If you enjoyed this unique cello performance, don't forget to Like, Subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss a new episode of Monday Melodies. Leave a comment below and let us know how "Water Off My Back" felt to you!

08/24/2026

🎹 Monday Melodies #5

Kick off your week with a burst of high-octane energy!

For this edition of Monday Melodies, the brilliant Eric Fricke takes to the keys to perform the thrilling 3rd Movement (Agitato) from George Gershwin’s Three Preludes.

Written in 1926, this final movement is a fiery display of Gershwin’s signature style—a masterclass in blending classical virtuosity with raw, syncopated jazz rhythms. Marked Agitato, it charges forward with a playful yet dramatic "question-and-answer" melody, throwing minor and major harmonies into a head-to-head battle that keeps you on the edge of your seat until its explosive finale.

Eric’s precision, and fiery touch bring every ounce of Gershwin’s 1920s New York charm alive.Turn your volume up, hit play, and let this electric performance fuel your Monday!

08/19/2026

This is a great opportunity for aspiring you jazz musicians! Also a great collaboration between the Asheville Symphony Youth Orchestra and the Academy for the Arts.

ASYO JAZZ- An exciting jazz combo program from the ASYO!

ASYO Jazz is a small-group jazz program designed for motivated middle and high school musicians who want to develop their improvisation, creativity, and understanding of jazz in a collaborative setting.

More info at www.asyo.info/asyo-jazz

08/17/2026

Monday Melodies — Episode 4! 🎶
Travel back in time with us for this week’s dose of Monday magic!

For our fourth edition of Monday Melodies, the legendary Jerry Sutton takes us back to the Golden Age of music with a soulful performance of "My Blue Heaven" (written by Walter Donaldson and George A. Whiting). First made famous by Gene Austin in 1927 and later immortalized by Frank Sinatra, this timeless classic is guaranteed to brighten your week! ☀️✨

Jerry brings this beloved vintage tune to life with incredible backing from:
🎻 Lyndsay Pruett weaving in sweet, swingin' fiddle lines

🎸 Cathy Arrowood laying down a steady, infectious rhythm on bass

Grab your favorite warm drink, hit play, and let this classic melody turn your Monday into a paradise! ☕🏡

👇 Are you a fan of the vintage classics? Tell us your all-time favorite song from the 1920s or 30s in the comments below!

08/16/2026

🎻 Music Lessons Resume August 17th!

Mark your calendars! Fall lessons officially kick off on Monday, August 17th.

Whether you're picking up an instrument for the first time or getting back into your rhythm, we can't wait to see you in the studio.

Spots are filling up fast! Double-check your schedule, make sure your instrument is tuned, and head to the link in our bio to lock in your time slot or confirm your registration.

Let's make this session sound amazing! 🎶✨

08/12/2026

🎵 Lessons Start NEXT WEEK at Academy for the Arts in Asheville!

🎶Ready to discover your inner musician or take your playing to the next level? Whether you've always wanted to learn an instrument, refine your vocal technique, or introduce your child to the joy of music, now is the time to jump in! Located right in downtown Asheville (5 Oak Street), Academy for the Arts offers high-quality private and group music instruction for students of all ages and skill levels.

✨ Why study with us?

• Top-Tier Instruction: Learn from professional musicians and dedicated educators in a encouraging, supportive atmosphere.
• All Ages & Levels Welcome: From beginners picking up an instrument for the first time to advanced musicians honing their craft.
• Flexible Learning: Private 30-, 45-, and 60-minute weekly or bi-weekly lesson options to fit your schedule.
• Community-Centered: Performance opportunities and ensembles throughout the year. Spots are filling up fast for the upcoming term! Don't wait until schedule slots are taken—secure your lesson time today.

📍 Location: 5 Oak Street, Asheville, NC 28801📞 Call Us: (828) 254-7841

👇 Tag a friend or parent in Asheville who’s been looking for music lessons, or drop a comment below with the instrument you want to learn! 🎹🎻🎸🎤