Business Details
30 Years
experience
Your Premier Music Education Destination in West Asheville
Asheville Music School has been a cornerstone of music education and community enrichment since 1996. Our mission centers on strengthening communities through accessible music education, outreach programs, and fostering a vibrant culture for educators and musicians. With over 35 professional instructors, we offer private lessons across 20+ instruments, summer camps, group classes, and ensemble opportunities for students aged 4 to adult. Our commitment to accessibility is demonstrated through scholarship programs that have awarded over $115,000 in financial aid, ensuring music education remains available to all socioeconomic groups.Governed by a volunteer board of directors, we maintain a 7-day-a-week facility in West Asheville while extending our impact through community performances at hospitals, shelters, and cultural venues. Our programs combine technical instruction with character development, preparing students for both musical proficiency and civic engagement through volunteer opportunities and ensemble collaborations.
Services
Private Music Lessons
Summer Music Camps
Sound Education Outreach
Scholarship Programs
Community Performances
Online Lessons
Group Classes
Ensemble Training
Music Theory Instruction
Instrument Rentals
Details
- Year established: 1996
Highlights and features
- We offer need-based scholarships covering up to 90% of lesson costs
- Our Sound Education Outreach program reaches 12,400+ community members annually
- 35+ professional instructors with performance experience in regional venues
- Flexible scheduling with lessons available 7 days a week
- Proven track record of awarding $115,589 in music education scholarships
What people say
Dedicated instructors
Family-friendly environment
Transformative outreach programs
Excellent scholarship support
Professional teaching staff
Services
Private Music Lessons
Personalized one-on-one music instruction across 20+ instruments for students aged 4 to adult. Our professional educators tailor lessons to individual learning styles and musical interests. With flexible scheduling available 7 days a week, students can develop technical proficiency while exploring their creative potential through customized curricula.
Summer Music Camps
Week-long immersive music programs for ages 4-18 featuring ensemble training, recording sessions, and field trips. Camps include rock, jazz, and themed options like Harry Potter Suzuki Strings. Participants develop collaborative skills while receiving expert instruction in a supportive environment that nurtures musical growth and confidence.
Sound Education Outreach
Performance-based community engagement program connecting students with underserved populations. Ensembles perform at hospitals, shelters, and senior centers while providing free music classes. This initiative builds social responsibility through volunteer opportunities that earn academic credit while sharing music's healing power across diverse community settings.
Scholarship Programs
Need-based financial assistance covering up to 90% of lesson costs through the Paul Thorpe Music Education Fund. Scholarships support students from low-income families, individuals with disabilities, and senior citizens. The program has distributed over $115,000 in aid since 2012, ensuring equitable access to quality music education regardless of financial circumstances.
Community Performances
Regularly scheduled performances at local venues including Salvage Station and The Orange Peel. Student ensembles and faculty showcase diverse musical styles while participating in community events. These performances provide valuable stage experience while enriching Asheville's cultural landscape through accessible, high-quality musical programming.
People
Linda Kendall Fields
Board Chair
Violin and piano instructor since 2008 with 35+ years performing experience. Clinical Assistant Professor at UNC School of Social Work and former United Way board member. Combines music education with human services expertise to guide AMS strategic direction.
Ryan Reardon
Executive Director
Oversees daily operations and outreach programs. Manages instructor coordination and ensemble scheduling. Facilitates community partnerships while maintaining educational quality standards across all AMS programs.
John Barnard
Treasurer
CFA charterholder with finance background from London hedge funds. Applies investment expertise to AMS financial management. Supports music education through Venture Asheville mentorship and local startup investments.
Kim Roney
Secretary
Music educator with 20+ years teaching experience. Asheville City Council member advocating for equitable music access. Combines community organizing with performance background to shape AMS's inclusive educational approach.
Danny McClinton
Board Member
Owner of Salvage Station music venue and longtime music advocate. Leverages entrepreneurial experience to support AMS fundraising and community engagement. Hosts numerous school benefit events at his popular Asheville venue.
Questions
How do I enroll in music lessons?
Contact us via phone, email, or online form to discuss your needs. We'll match you with an appropriate instructor who will schedule your first lesson.
What instruments are taught at AMS?
We offer instruction in piano, guitar, violin, cello, bass, voice, saxophone, flute, trumpet, drums, and 10+ more instruments including specialized options like didgeridoo and harp.
Are there adult music classes available?
Yes, we welcome adult students of all skill levels. Many participate in recitals and ensemble groups alongside our youth programs.
What scholarship opportunities exist?
Need-based scholarships cover 25-90% of lesson costs. The Paul Thorpe Music Education Fund has awarded over $115,000 in financial aid since 2012 to qualifying students.
Do you offer summer programs?
Our summer camps run June-August with themed options like Rock Camp, Jazz Camp, and Harry Potter Suzuki Strings. Programs available for ages 4-18 with flexible scheduling.
Where is the school located?
We're at 10 Ridgelawn Rd, West Asheville, NC 28806, near Pizza Mind and OWL Bakery with convenient parking and public transit access.
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