stART here.
At AOA School of the Arts, we believe in nurturing creativity and artistic talent in children from kindergarten through 12th grade. Our school offers a diverse range of artistic disciplines, dedicated instructors, and a supportive environment to help young minds grow and excel in their chosen art forms. Provide performing arts/visual arts classes and opportunities for presentations/shows through SOA and The Center Players, to increase confidence and skill to students that seek to enter the professional industry. The mission of AOA School of the Arts is to refine talent and potential into skill and mastery by providing the best quality classes, lessons and material to our students.
Arts of the Albemarle’s Spring 2025 School of the Arts semester includes classes from February 3—April 17.
Find details and registration below!
Please note, those with students in 6-12th grade looking to join a Musical Theatre class will be placed in the appropriate class from their Center Players audition. Those not participating in Center Players should email admin@artsaoa.com with details about the student’s age and experience for placement.
Meet the Instructors
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Lauren Luther
Intro to the Stage
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Savannah Winslow
Musical Theatre
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Grace Jones
Acting & Theatre Tech
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Danny Tate
Violin
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Kim Wilkerson
Visual Art
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Nelly Holdford
Scene Study
FAQs
How late in a semester can I enroll in a class?
To ensure a spot in our classes, please enroll your student by January 31, 2025. If you miss the initial deadline, you may contact us about enrolling your student through February 10, but please note that classes begin on February 3.
How does drop off and pick up work for students?
For classes in the Twiford Room, please use the main entrance for drop off/pick-up at 516 E. Main Street. For classes held in the Madrin Studio (on Poindexter St. across from Big Boss Burrito) and the Water St. Studio (117 N Water St.), students can be dropped off directly. Parents are responsible for ensuring their child makes it into the building upon drop off and instructors will supervise pickup. If your child is being picked up by someone not on their registration papers, please notify your instructor.
Will there be an end of semester show?
Parents will be invited during the last week of class to see what their students have learned during the semester. Timing and dates will be announced by your teachers.
Where are classes held?
Classes at AOA School of the Arts will be held in three locations: the Twiford Room in the Arts of the Albemarle main building (516 E. Main St.), the Madrin Studio (115 N. Poindexter St.) across from Big Boss Burrito, and the Water St. Studio (117 N. Water St.) across the street from Seven Sounds.
Are School of the Arts classes different than the Center Players? Does my child have to participate in both?
The School of the Arts operates separately from Center Players, though Center Players are required to be enrolled in at least one School of the Arts class. Students of AOA School of the Arts are not required to participate in Center Players.
How many classes can I enroll in, during time of registration?
You have the freedom to enroll in as many classes as desired. We highly recommend enrolling in musical theatre, acting and voice, especially if you are planning to audition for a Center Players production.
Are there any specific dress codes or supply requirements?
At AOA School of the Arts, we request that students arrive for class in comfortable, movable clothing. Please refrain from wearing jeans, restricting clothing, uncomfortable footwear, or short skirts and dresses (unless worn with bike shorts or the appropriate layers for movability).
If you have any further questions please refer to our School of the Arts FAQ here for more details. If you find your questions still haven’t been answered, contact us at schoolofthearts@artsaoa.com or give us a call at (252)777-2787!
Group Music Classes for
18 months—3rd Grade
Mrs. White offers a fun, exploratory introduction to music for toddlers, pre-schoolers, and homeschool students up to third grade.
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Contact: ashley.L.white44@gmail.com
Ashley White is originally from Richmond, Virginia. She and her husband moved here in August of 2021. Ashley graduated from the Shenandoah Conservatory of Music at Shenandoah University in 2016 with a Bachelors of Music in Music Education.
She is certified to teach choral/general music education for grades pre-k all the way through 12th grade. In addition, Ashley became an Orff Schulwerk certified clinician in August of 2018. She taught music in the public school setting for 5 years in Virginia before relocating. She has also choreographed award winning middle and high school show choirs across Central Virginia for 15 years. Her passion is teaching children to understand music while ALSO enjoying it at the same time!
In her free time, she enjoys traveling, hiking, spending time with her 2 cats and husband. Fun fact: She and her husband are on a mission to hike the highest point in every state!
Private Lessons at Arts of the Albemarle
AOA hosts local instructors conducting private lessons and small group music classes in voice, guitar, piano, ukulele, and more!
All inquiries should be directed to the instructors, who will coordinate rates and scheduling independently.