The Academy for the Arts (AFTA), founded in 2014, offers private music lessons, group music lessons, and performing ensembles. AFTA began with a clear mission to empower students ages 4 – adult in reaching their greatest potential both as artists and as human beings, regardless of background. Over 225 students currently experience quality instruction in First Baptist Church of Asheville’s stunning facility.
FACULTY
AFTA celebrates a high standard of excellence within the faculty. All of its 24 instructors hold at least one degree from an accredited university/conservatory or have equitable expertise in their genre. Most with advanced degrees, they represent some of the world’s leading music institutions including: Eastman School of Music, New England Conservatory, Oberlin Conservatory of Music, Indiana University, Berklee College of Music, Yale University, San Francisco Conservatory, Florida State University, North Carolina School of the Arts, and the Juilliard School. Every faculty member lives in the Asheville area and brings considerable experience either in the performance arena or the field of education. Faculty members have received Fulbright Scholarships, Grammy nominations, and performed with world-class ensembles on both national and international stages. Believing in the transformative power of music, AFTA faculty are committed to excellence through the development of talent and nurture of relationships.
PROGRAMS
AFTA offers year-round classical instruction on strings, winds, brass, piano, organ, and voice, and traditional instruments such as fiddle, banjo, guitar, ukulele, dulcimer, and mandolin. There are several chamber and group ensemble opportunities for students. Student Recitals are offered at the end of each semester, in addition to other special performance opportunities throughout the year.
Enrollment for lessons is open.
Asheville Youth Choirs
Sponsored by the Academy for the Arts, the Asheville Youth Choirs are community choirs for children and youth in Kindergarten – 12th grade. AYC includes the High School and Middle School Chorales, the Concert Choir (grades 3 – 6), and the Prelude Choir (K – 2). These ensembles sing for area civic functions, churches, seasonal concerts, and domestic tours, offering the opportunity for children and teenagers to come together to traverse false boundaries of school choice, race, family structure, or socio-economic status to create beauty and friendship, thereby making a more connected, kinder community. Auditions for the 2018 – 19 season are scheduled for August 23 and 30 from 4 – 6 pm. Sign up for a six-minute slot at AshevilleYouthChoirs.org.