Make 2016 your year of self-improvement by enrolling in one of these classes to get your body, mind and heart moving this new year. From pottery to ballroom dance, music lessons to improv, these arts classes will challenge you in many ways — and you’re sure to have a great time along the way, too!
5 Local Places to Explore the Arts
Cahaba Clayworks
7575 Parkway Drive, Leeds • (205) 702-7055
Whirring pottery wheels, clay-covered hands and aprons fill the Earthborn Pottery studios in Leeds. Class is in session. For local artist Tena Payne, the talent behind Earthborn Studios, working with clay has been a uniquely therapeutic experience since she first encountered the medium as a teenager in the 1970s. Those early transformative experiences with the calming nature of clay inspired her to offer Cahaba Clayworks pottery classes at her studio. “I love clay,” Tena says. “Working with it helped me through some tough times. It takes what you give, and gives back what you need.” Through the six-week class, Tena hopes that her students find that same creative release, self-expression and the unexpected joy that comes from creating something from the ground — or the wheel — up.
The classes are structured to put each student in touch with his or her creative impulses and the medium of clay. Tena says the instructors serve simply as “material managers,” there to help each student complete his or her own artistic vision. This emphasis on total freedom allows students the space to follow their instincts and create without parameters, an approach that Tena finds most impactful and cathartic when creating pottery. “You’re learning a new vocabulary, new muscle skills, a whole new way of thinking,” she says. “When you’re being challenged on so many levels, you become totally immersed and forget all your problems. It’s a great feeling.”
Homewood School of Music
1736 Oxmoor Road, Ste. 207, Homewood • (205) 701-2144
Whether you don’t know how to read a scale (the musical kind, of course) or you simply want to improve on skills you already have, the talented instructors at the Homewood School of Music can help you brush up your musical chops this year. Founded just over three years ago by two of Birmingham’s most in-demand guitar teachers, Allen Barlow and Rob Gannon, the Homewood School of Music offers highly trained instructors in a wide range of instruments, including guitar, piano and voice, to name a few. “All of our instructors are music majors. Everybody is very well-educated,” Rob says. “We wanted to open a place where no matter what instrument you want to learn, you have a top-notch teacher.”
Most lessons are taught one-on-one, and Rob says all of the instructors are prepared to help their students achieve their goals — whatever they may be. He explains that about half of their student base is made up of adults, some of whom are seeking serious training on technique and music theory, and some of whom simply want to be able to casually play guitar with friends. “Different people get different things out of it,” Rob says. “I used to teach a gentleman that was in his 70s, and his purpose in taking lessons was keeping his mind sharp. For some people, playing guitar is like therapy for them. I’ve had adults come in and sit down at 6 p.m. after they’ve worked all day, and they’ll tell me ‘This is the best part of my day. When I’m playing guitar I’m not thinking about anything else,’ and that really means a lot to them.”
Positively Funny Improv
(888) 492-8197
If you want to really push yourself this year, consider checking out the improv classes offered at Positively Funny Improv. At PFI, you can explore courses in improvisation, comedy writing and stand-up comedy. Owner David Grissom says that studying and practicing improv has a significant practical impact on his students’ lives. Though some of his students plan to pursue comedy or acting professionally, others simply want to increase their confidence or check an item off of their bucket lists. “Improv provides people the opportunity to greatly enhance their communication skills in both their personal and professional lives,” David says. “The most important fundamental of improv is listening. Learning improv helps people to think on their feet, to expand their creativity and to be confident in themselves in all aspects of their lives.”
Though improv is generally associated with comedy, David says there is much more to be gained from improv training. “Improv is not necessarily about being funny!” he says. “It is about learning to open yourself up to new experiences and stepping outside your comfort zone.” The classes teach students to live without fear, equip them with a newfound confidence, build a strong ensemble mindset and create friendships that endure for a lifetime. Whatever you’re looking for, enrolling in PFI will certainly help move you in the right direction. Classes are held in different locations, depending on the type of class chosen.
Magic City Ballroom
(205) 238-9008
To combine artistic expression and exercise, there is perhaps no better outlet than dance, and ballroom dance adds that extra bit of flair that makes everything more fun. Ballroom has been around for quite a while. In fact, the earliest known occurrence of ballroom dancing on record dates back to the end of the 16th century. This art form has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years, thanks in large part to ABC’s hit TV show, “Dancing with the Stars.” If the elaborate moves or weight loss on the television show have piqued your interest in dance, or if you’re just interested in trying something new, put on your dancing shoes and head to Magic City Ballroom.
Owner Mike Fowler loves the opportunity to encourage his students to let loose and learn a new skill. In 2006, the longtime dance teacher and his wife opened Magic City Ballroom in an effort to share their passion with Birmingham. In the nearly 10 years since, they have seen countless novices transform into confident dancers. Beginning students generally start with individual private lessons and then move on to group classes, where you get to enjoy that true Cinderella-like ballroom experience. Ultimately, Mike says there is nothing more rewarding than seeing his students begin to understand the value of taking time for themselves. “We see a lot of people coming in after a long day of work. It’s hard to get off the couch and come to a dance lesson,” Mike says. “But it feels so good as a teacher when they begin to understand that the investment they’re making in themselves is really worth it.” Classes are held in different locations, depending on the type of class chosen.
The Amy Murphy Studio
2709 Cahaba Road, Mountain Brook Village • (205) 370-7007
Amy Murphy, trained at Julliard and the New England Conservatory of Music, has toured in opera companies both in the United States and abroad. She has performed at countless renowned venues, including the International Hayden Festival in Vienna, Radio City Music Hall and Carnegie Hall. At her charming studio in Mountain Book Village, Amy shares her incredible expertise gained from 24 years of professional singing and teaching with her students.
Amy has assembled an incredible team of instructors and coaches to serve the studio’s wide range of clients. From vocal coaching to acting and audition prep, the team at The Amy Murphy Studio is more than capable of helping their clients reach their full potential. “Whatever a student’s musical goals are the AMS teacher will help them realize them in a caring, professional environment,” Amy says. “We will cater the lesson to their individual needs. We have everyone from shower singers, contemporary worship soloists, enthusiastic choir members all the way to opera and Broadway stars on our roster.” The studio even offers lessons via iChat, Skype and Facetime to serve students who want to remotely access the wealth of knowledge and talent available. “My patented vocal method will be a targeted approach to fix their weaknesses, while gaining the confidence through their new technique,” Amy says. This phenomenal studio is a true Birmingham jewel and is a great place to build your self-esteem, as well as your vocal performance skills this year.
If you’re itching to try something new this year, these amazing classes are some great starting points. Keep your brain active, your body healthy and your soul full this year, all while learning a new skill!
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