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At AOA School of the Arts (SOA), we believe in nurturing creativity and artistic talent in our community’s youth through classes serving students from kindergarten through 12th grade. Our program 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. We provide performing and visual arts classes and opportunities through SOA and The Center Players, to increase confidence and skill in both students who enjoy the arts as a hobby and those who 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.
Our Programming
Winter
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Our Winter Semester offers a focused, four-week mini term each January. It’s a great opportunity for students to take new classes, lighten their spring course load, or explore a subject in a short, intensive format.
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Complete a full arts course in just four weeks
Focus on creative skill-building through daily practice
Explore new artistic mediums or performance styles
Build or enhance your portfolio in a supportive, intensive setting
Stay engaged with your craft between semesters
Spring
Summer
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Get ready for the most creative weeks of the summer!
At Arts of the Albemarle’s School of the Arts (SOA), our Summer Camps are packed with imagination, movement, music, and all-around artistic fun. Whether your child loves to paint, perform, dance, sing, or try a little bit of everything, our camps are designed to spark creativity and build confidence.Each camp is led by enthusiastic teaching artists who make learning exciting, encouraging, and hands-on! The perfect recipe for unforgettable summer memories.
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We offer flexible scheduling to meet the needs of busy families:
Morning Session
Afternoon Session
Lunchtime Supervision Available for students staying all day
Families may choose one session or mix and match to create a full day of arts immersion.
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SOA Summer Camps cover a wide range of arts disciplines, including:
Visual Arts: Drawing & painting, Mixed media, Creative exploration
Music: Violin, Drums, Piano
Dance: Jazz, Tap, Ballet
Theatre & Musical Theatre: Acting & character development, Singing, storytelling, and performance skills
Center Player Bootcamp Our annual intensive designed for new and returning Center Players.
Students sharpen technique, build ensemble skills, and prepare for the upcoming performance season. -
A welcoming, artistic environment
Passionate teaching artists
Skill building through creativity and play
Opportunities for both beginners and experienced young performers
Flexible scheduling to fit your family’s needs
Fall
AOA School of the Arts hosts semester-long after school classes during the Spring and Fall, as well as various week-long camps through the summer.
Each session is unique and is thoughtfully planned with the help of our talented instructors to engage and enrich the lives of our local youth to our best abilities.
It is our goal to provide arts opportunities to all students, regardless of economic circumstances. Please email schoolofthearts@artsaoa.com to inquire about tuition assistance.
Make this summer unforgettable at Arts of the Albemarle’s School of the Arts! Our fun, high energy camps let kids dive into visual arts, music, dance, theatre, musical theatre, and even our popular Center Player Bootcamp. We offer morning and afternoon sessions, with the option to join one or stay all day. Need coverage in between? Lunchtime supervision is available! Whether your child is trying something new or building on what they love, SOA Summer Camps spark creativity, boost confidence, and fill each day with imagination and fun.
Choose your sessions. Pick your favorite themes. Let creativity lead the way!
2026 Summer Camp Sessions
June 15-19
June 22-26
June 29- July 3rd
July 6-10
July 13-17
July 20-24
July 27-31
Singing
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Musical Theatre
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Violin
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Clay
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Piano
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Art
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Dance
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Painting
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Singing 〰️ Musical Theatre 〰️ Violin 〰️ Clay 〰️ Piano 〰️ Art 〰️ Dance 〰️ Painting 〰️
Mrs. White offers a fun, exploratory introduction to music for toddlers, pre-schoolers, and homeschool students up to third grade.
Group Music Classes for
18 months—3rd 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!
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 coordinate rates and scheduling independently.
More Music Education Opportunities
