News & Events

This welcoming group class is designed for adult learners of all levels—whether you’re picking up the guitar for the first time or returning to it after some time away. Together, we’ll explore the fundamentals of playing in a relaxed and supportive environment.

You’ll learn essential skills like basic chords, strumming patterns, rhythm, and simple song structures, while building confidence in your playing. We’ll work with accessible, enjoyable songs and focus on developing musicality, coordination, and ease in the hands and body.

This class is not just about learning songs—it’s about learning how to play, so you can continue growing on your own.

No prior experience is necessary—just bring your guitar and a willingness to learn.

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Adult Ukulele Class Level 2, Fridays Jan. 9 – March 20. This class is designed for ukulele players who already have a basic understanding of the instrument and are ready to take their skills to the next level. Over the course of 8 weeks, we will explore more advanced techniques, including complex strumming patterns, fingerpicking, and chord progressions.

Taught by: Madelyn Ilana
Fridays, Jan 9 – March 20 (no class Jan. 23, 30, and March 13)
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

$200

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Throughout this holiday season, including GivingTuesday (12/2), we are seeking your support to reach a $5,000 fundraising goal to help fund our scholarship and outreach efforts.

Each fiscal year, AMS has a goal of raising upwards of $40,000 to fund the Paul Thorpe Music Education Fund, created in honor of the school’s beloved late director. 

The PTMEF funds the AMS Scholarship Program, which provides need-based, sliding-scale scholarships for lessons twice a year. This helps keep music education accessible regardless of means. Since 2012, we have provided over 275 scholarships to the tune of $115,000. 

The PTMEF also funds the Sound Education Outreach Program, which connects AMS students and faculty with our community through free performances and music classes for under-served and under-represented members of our community. For students looking to take their music skills to the next level, AMS Sound Education Outreach bands provide young musicians the opportunity to learn, rehearse, and perform as a band, while also experiencing the pride and satisfaction of contributing to the greater community. 

Since 2012, AMS has provided 118 free performances and reached nearly 12,500 members of the Asheville community. Our fundraising efforts help cover need-based scholarships for Outreach participants as well as the operations to run this program.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

Family Music & Movement Class at Asheville Music School, Thursdays at 10am

Asheville Music School is launching a new class for very young learners – ages 0-3! Infants are welcome, too. Join Shalene Hill, beloved swim teacher and founder of Singing Swim School, for a joyful family music experience designed for preschoolers and their caregivers. As a singer with a passion for bringing families together through music, Shalene leads interactive sessions filled with movement songs, rhythm activities, and musical games that get everyone moving, clapping, and singing along.

Each class blends traditional children’s favorites with practical songs for daily routines, helping families create musical moments at home. Bring your little ones for a time of connection, creativity, and pure musical fun! No experience necessary – just come ready to sing, move, and make memories together.

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Thursday, Oct 16
5:30 pm – 8:00 pm
The Mule at Devil’s Foot Brewing
131 Sweeten Creek Rd., Asheville, NC 28803

Asheville Music School and The Mule have teamed up for a silent auction fundraiser to benefit Asheville Music School’s scholarship and outreach programs through the Paul Thorpe Music Education Fund. Up for bidding will be luxury regional experiences, vacation getaways, wine tasting events, fine art, pampering packages, restaurant and wellness gift certificates, concert tickets and more. Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the door. Patrons can hit the cash bar serving wine, local beer, cocktails, and NA beverages, and dine on regional food by local chefs. The evening will also feature live music showcase performances by AMS students. 

The funds we’re raising through this auction are going to help fund the Paul Thorpe Music Education Fund, which provides need-based scholarships for music lessons and instruments, as well as music-based community outreach.