Programs

We provide instruction in all artistic disciplines to children and teens, ages 6 through 18, in an after-school program five days a week. This includes piano, strings, brass, wind, guitar and other traditional instruments; musical ensembles; modern dance; creative writing and drama; and visual arts.

Students are encouraged to enroll in up to four different disciplines per year to unleash their full creative potential.

Courses

*Please note: Returning students are required to update and resubmit registration and financial disclosure forms every year.

Mondays, 5:30 - 6:30 P.M.
Instructor: Rose Attea

This one-hour class will help dancers connect movement to emotions, helping them to become storytellers through the art of dance and movement. The class will focus on body awareness, across the floor combinations and technique, choreography, while also exploring their own creative freedom and expression. Dancers will be introduced to guided improv and partner improv. This class will be offered in two levels.

EXPLORATIONS IN ART I (Grades 5 - 6)
Tuesdays, 4:30 - 6:00 P.M.
Instructor: Leann Cooper

EXPLORATIONS IN ART II (Grades 7 – 8
Wednesdays, 4:30 – 6:00 P.M.
Instructor: Leann Cooper

In these 90-minute classes, students will begin by honing their drawing skills and then move on to watercolor basics and other painting techniques. Toward the end of the year, students will upcycle unconventional materials into new masterpieces. All skill levels welcome.

Thursdays, 4:30 - 6:00 P.M.
Instructor: Jennifer Willard

In this 90-minute mixed media class, students will explore the fine line between art and craft, creating many elements of art-making themselves. Projects include clay, printmaking, paper-making, fiber arts, scratch building — all to create sculptures and mixed media paintings and collages on board, canvas, and paper. All skill levels welcome.

Mondays, 4:00 - 6:00 P.M.
Instructor: Ashton Ludden

This two-hour class is best suited for those wanting to advance themselves in their artistic practice, no matter what their skill set. This class primarily focuses on 2D processes such as printmaking, drawing, bookmaking, design, and mixed media. In addition to honing formal techniques, students also explore how drawing can help you think with best practices in sketchbooking, creating individualized projects to build an art portfolio, and discuss professional practices such as properly documenting artwork or applying to an exhibition.

MUSICAL INSTRUMENT LESSONS (Grades 2 and up)

Weekly private lessons (30 minutes to 1 hour) are offered in beginning, intermediate, and advanced levels for the following instruments. All disciplines include instruction in music theory and composition. Instruments are provided for students who do not have their own.

Piano: Ben Maney, Char Hamilton, Nyssa Collins, Greg Horne

Guitar/Bass/Mandolin/Ukulele: Greg Horne

Violin: Mary Pulgar

Cello: Cecilia Wright

Trumpet: Joe Jordan

DATES TO REMEMBER

July 28, 2024	Deadline for returning students' notification of intent
Aug. 30, 2024	Class schedule and lesson offerings announced, enrollment officially open
Sept. 9, 2024	Deadline for final enrollment and financial forms*
Sept. 16, 2024	First day of classes

Download Registration Packet Here

CSA Student Calendar 2024-2025

Monday, September 9	Enrollment Deadline
Monday, September 16	CSA First Day of Classes (Fall)
Monday, October 7- Friday, October 11	Fall Break (No classes)
Tuesday, November 5	Knox County Schools In-service Day (No classes)
Wednesday, November 27- Friday, November 29	Thanksgiving Break (No classes)
Friday, December 16	CSA Last Day of Classes (Fall)
Tuesday, December 17 6:30 P.M.	HOLIDAY CONCERT & RECEPTION The Nave / Welcome Center Church Street United Methodist Church
Monday, January 6	CSA First Day of Classes (Winter)
Monday, January 20	Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (No classes)
Monday, February 17	President’s Day (No classes)
Friday, March 14	CSA Last Day of Classes (Winter)
Monday, March 17- Friday, March 21	Spring Break (No classes)
Monday, March 24	CSA First Day of Classes (Spring)
Friday, April 18	Good Friday (No classes)
Monday, April 21	Easter Monday (No classes)
Tuesday, May 6 6:30 P.M.	SPRING PIANO & VIOLIN RECITAL The Nave Church Street United Methodist Church
Tuesday, May 13 6:30 P.M.	SPRING GUITAR, PERCUSSION, DANCE, & PIANO RECITAL The Nave Church Street United Methodist Church
Friday, May 16	CSA Last Day of Classes (Spring)

Outreach Programs

The Community School of the Arts provides lessons and classes across multiple disciplines, including piano, strings, wind, brass and percussion instruments, visual arts, dance and creative writing. The school year, which runs September through May, is divided into three 12-week semesters with students enrolling in their choice of classes and lessons for the duration of the year.

Community School of the Arts is dedicated to its mission, and we expect students to maintain a certain level of commitment. At the end of each year, students are asked to sign a letter of intent to reserve their spot for the coming year. Returning students always receive priority in scheduling. However, we encourage new and prospective students to put their names on the mailing and/or waiting lists at any time during the school year and submit financial disclosure forms early.

ew students usually are recommended by church leaders, school principals, case workers and youth counselors; however, any child or family with a demonstrated need and desire is considered for enrollment and financial aid.

Our scholarships are awarded strictly on financial need. Students attend with full scholarships that cover all lessons, classes, instruments and materials for the year. We do not offer sliding-scale tuition.

CSA builds partnerships with other community organizations by providing off-site art, music and dance therapy programs. We have collaborated with service organizations, such as The Salvation Army, New Life Inn of Knox Area Rescue Ministries, Helen Ross McNabb Center, YWCA Phyllis Wheatley Center, East Tennessee Children’s Hospital, Montgomery Village Child Development Center and Wesley House Community Center.

The school maintains ongoing and long-term partnerships with the Crutcher Memorial Youth Enrichment Center (our “sister” organization), Knoxville’s Community Development Corporation (KCDC), Knox County Homeless Tutoring Project and “My Place” homeless summer camp at Sarah Moore Greene Elementary School.

We are eager to collaborate with organizations to expand our community’s resources for underserved and at-risk children and youth. If an organization has a project or proposal that you would like us to consider, please call 865-523-5684 or email info@csaknox.org.