Academy for the Arts

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! 🎹🎻🎸🎤

08/10/2026

Monday Melodies — Episode 3! 🎶
Rain or shine, we’re bringing powerful art song directly to your feed this week!

For our third edition of Monday Melodies, the magnificent Simone Vigilante delivers a captivating vocal performance of "Summer Storm"—a breathtaking piece by iconic composer Margaret Bonds, featuring text by Langston Hughes, from her celebrated Songs of the Seasons suite.

Simone is joined by the brilliant Melissa Meghdadi on piano, whose sweeping accompaniment captures every ounce of the song's drama, passion, and tempestuous energy. ⛈️🎹✨

Take a pause from your busy Monday, press play, and let yourself be swept away by this incredible performance.

👇 Drop a ⛈️ in the comments if this performance gave you goosebumps!

08/05/2026

Unleash Your Inner Musician This Fall!

Have you always wanted to learn an instrument? Now’s your chance. The Academy for the Arts in Asheville is officially booking for the Fall Semester starting August 17th.

08/03/2026

🎻 Monday Melodies — Episode 2! 🎶
Start your week with some incredible acoustic energy! For our second edition of Monday Melodies, we're diving into the world of virtuoso acoustic music with a stunning rendition of "Arapahoe," written by guitar master David Grier.

Taking center stage on the melody is the brilliant Lyndsay Pruett on fiddle!

She’s joined by Nick Dauphinais on Mandolin, Rob Sine on Guitar, and Celia Millington Wycoff on Bass.

Whether you're sipping your morning coffee or winding down after work, let this tune give your week the perfect boost.

Hit play, turn up the volume, and tell us in the comments: What’s your favorite bluegrass or acoustic instrumental?

Thanks to Sharon Owen for taking this video!

08/02/2026

AFTA Break Notice 📢

We will be closed August 1st – August 16th.

Rest up and get ready—we can’t wait to see y'all back for the start of the fall semester the week of August 17th! 🥳🎹