If you’ve ever dreamed of playing a musical instrument, or even stepping out onto the road to becoming a rock star, here’s a place where you can explore your dreams – Music Academy Asheville.
Founded in 1996 by Anne Coombes as the Asheville Music School, the school morphed into Music Academy Asheville in 2008, and launched the Rock Academy. Dena and Steve Clark took over the business upon Anne’s retirement in 2017.
What style of music do you want to learn? Music Academy Asheville has you covered. “From Metal to Mozart, we cover it all!” Dena says. “Any instrument, any style, with in-person or virtual music lessons. We offer free introductory lessons to make sure students and instructors feel good about working together. Thirty-minute lessons are typically offered weekly, according to student and instructor availability. When students sign up for their free introductory lesson, the instructor asks what types of music they like and what they’d like to learn.”
Are you looking to get those “pipes” ready for stardom? You’ve come to the right place! Music Academy Asheville offers vocal lessons in all styles, from rock to Broadway, opera to bluegrass.
For aspiring rock stars of all ages, there’s the Rock Academy. “The Rock Academy teaches Year-Round Rock Band Performance Classes to students ages seven to adult,” Dena says. “Students learn to perform a wide variety of musical styles and songs of various genres including blues, classic rock, hard rock, punk, surf, and more. Our music students grow into real musicians and take their skills “on the road” to play in front of live audiences at some of the top venues in the area (The Orange Peel, Gray Eagle, Downtown After Five, White Horse Black Mountain, Aloft Hotel, Biltmore Park, Folkmoot, Bacon-fest, and many more!). Our bands have even played on stage at The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio!”
The Rock Academy offers beginning classes only to the seven to ten age group. For all others, beginners are encouraged to take private lessons with one of Music Academy Asheville’s instructors, with the goal of acquiring the chops to be able to play at the Rock Academy.
What instruments are taught at the Rock Academy? “Any instrument you’ve ever heard with a rock band (guitar, bass, drums, vocal, brass, keyboard, strings, winds). We also offer recording and sound technology classes,” Dena says. “The entire curriculum is based on stage performance. We rehearse in our state-of-the-art stage facility, with all sound equipment needed and including training in its use. We have a full recording studio onsite at the Rock Academy which is available for use in making demos.”
The Music Academy Asheville and the Rock Academy are year-round programs with rolling admission. “You can join any time, for any length of time,” Dena says. “We focus on group dynamics, acceptance, and creative expression. Music theory and history are taught along with stage presence, practice suggestions and relaxation techniques. Our students are encouraged to express themselves through music and learn to perform in front of hundreds of people. These skills transfer into life lessons that help our students become their best selves.”
Music Academy Asheville gives back to the local community through their non-profit organization, Give To The Music. GTTM is run by volunteers, and 100% of money raised through fundraising events pays for music education for students who can’t afford them otherwise.
Don’t put off your musical dreams even one more day. Check out all that Music Academy Asheville has to offer. “Music is a universal language and we welcome every student, no matter their age or skill level,” Dena says. “We offer scholarships to students who can’t afford lessons or instruments. It’s never too late to begin your musical journey!
Music Academy Asheville
Owners:
Dena and Steve Clark
Address:
1408 Patton Avenue
Across from Groce Funeral Home in the Hi-Alta building
Phone:
828-252-1888
Email:
dena@musicacademyasheville.com
Website:
