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Monday 9am - 7pm Tuesday 9am - 7pm Wednesday 9am - 7pm Thursday 9am - 7pm Friday 9am - 5pm

Academy for the Arts

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Asheville, NC
Academy for the Arts

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The official page of the Academy for the Arts (AFTA). We offer classical and traditional instruction in music and the arts in Asheville, NC.

The Academy for the Arts offers private and group lessons on all major instruments in for classical and traditional music. There are also opportunities for chamber ensembles. We celebrate a high standard of excellence within our teaching staff. Our instructors are from the Asheville area and hold at least one degree from an accredited college/university, or have equitable expertise in their genre.

10/26/2026

Start your week with breathtaking artistry. Today, we are absolutely thrilled to feature the incredible Juan Vizcarra as he takes to the piano to perform Schubert’s sweeping Impromptu Op. 90, No. 4 in A-flat Major.

With its cascading arpeggios, shimmering melodies, and deep expressive warmth, this piece is the perfect soundtrack to inspire your Monday. Juan’s brilliant touch brings every nuance of Schubert’s genius to life.

Take a moment for yourself today—sit back, press play, and let the music set the tone for a beautiful week ahead.

10/19/2026

🎶 Monday Melodies: Blue Ridge Mountain Blues! 🎶

Start your week with some classic mountain picking! This week’s feature highlights our adult Jam Class laying down a rendition of the traditional favorite "Blue Ridge Mountain Blues," written by Cliff Hess. This performance happened in May of 2026 in collaboration with our friends over at Ginger's Revenge in the River Arts District.

This fantastic group of adult musicians meets regularly at the Academy to learn new tunes, hone their jam etiquette, and master the art of blending together as a supportive, cohesive group. There’s nothing quite like the community, laughter, and toe-tapping rhythms that come out of these sessions.

Interested in finding your rhythm? Whether you're dusting off an old instrument or looking to jam with fellow adult musicians, reach out and see if we have an ensemble that would be a good fit for you.

10/12/2026

✨ Monday Melodies ✨

Start your week with a moment of peaceful beauty! Today’s feature brings us a soothing selection from Leonard Bernstein’s Peter Pan—the enchanting "Dream with Me Tonight." 🌙✨

Let this exquisite performance wrap you in calm, featuring the extraordinary talents of:

🎙️ Simone Vigilante | Vocals

🎻 Frances Duff | Cello

🎹 Eric Fricke | Piano

Take a breath, press play, and let the music set a serene tone for the week ahead. 🎶

✨ Monday Melodies ✨

Start your week with a moment of peaceful beauty! Today’s feature brings us a soothing selection from Leonard Bernstein’s Peter Pan—the enchanting "Dream with Me Tonight." 🌙✨

Let this exquisite performance wrap you in calm, featuring the extraordinary talents of:

🎙️ Simone Vigilante | Vocals

🎻 Frances Duff | Cello

🎹 Eric Fricke | Piano

Take a breath, press play, and let the music set a serene tone for the week ahead. 🎶

10/08/2026

🎵 Reminder for Academy for the Arts Families & Students 🎵

The Academy for the Arts will be CLOSED on Thursday, October 8th, as our instructors and staff will be attending the Choir Directors Convention hosted at First Baptist Church of Asheville.

There will be no regular classes or private lessons on this day. Regular schedules will resume as usual the following day!

Thank you for supporting our team as they continue to invest in musical excellence. Enjoy the extra practice time, and we’ll see you soon! 🎹✨

10/05/2026

🎶 Monday Melodies | Academy for the Arts 🎶

Start your week with the comforting, lyrical sounds of the Mountain Dulcimer! 🌸✨

For today’s Monday Melodies, we’re featuring the incredibly talented Katie Waldren performing her original composition, "Carousel." Her artistry on the dulcimer brings such a warm, uplifting energy to this wonderful piece.

Katie is currently taking a sabbatical this year, and while we are missing her presence around the Academy so much, we're grateful to share her lovely music with you all today.

Sit back, press play, and let this melody brighten your Monday! 🎠🎶

09/29/2026

A very exciting show coming up at First Baptist Church of Asheville with AFTA teacher Josh Goforth, Zoe and Cloyd, and the WCU University Choir.

09/28/2026

Happy !

For this week’s throwback, we’re taking a look back into the Academy for the Arts archives from 6 years ago!

Enjoy this wonderful rendition of the Delmore Brothers' classic, "Deep River Blues," featuring current AFTA instructor Tim McWilliams alongside former instructor Natalya Weinstein on the fiddle.

Give it a listen, leave a comment below to let them know what you think, and drop your favorite song requests for next week! 👇👇

09/23/2026

Welcome Benjamin Sharp to the Academy for the Arts as our new cello instructor!

Based in Asheville, NC, Benjamin brings a rich background as an accomplished cellist and educator. He holds a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of North Carolina Greensboro and is a licensed K–12 public school music teacher with experience teaching across several local schools in the Asheville area.

Teaching Philosophy & Achievements

Benjamin loves working with students of all ages and skill levels. His primary goal as an educator is to help students build strong musical foundations, play with confidence, and foster a lifelong love for making music.

Beyond the classroom, Benjamin is an active performer with chamber ensembles and orchestras across North Carolina, Tennessee, and South Carolina. He has a passion for playing in pit orchestras for ballet and musical theatre, with standout collaborations including:

Performing as principal cellist with the South Carolina Ballet

Playing as a section cellist with the Johnson City Symphony Orchestra (2021–2022 season)

Collaborating with HART Theatre, Asheville Community Theatre, Western Carolina University Theatre, and Greensboro Repertory Theatre

Please join us in giving Benjamin a warm welcome to our community!

Address

5 Oak Street
Asheville, NC
28801

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 7pm
Tuesday	9am - 7pm
Wednesday	9am - 7pm
Thursday	9am - 7pm
Friday	9am - 5pm

Website

http://academyforthearts.org/donate/

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