Private Lessons
Welcome to Private Lessons at BMCA!
We offer personalized instruction tailored to your unique goals, with flexible weekly or bi-weekly seasonal scheduling, transparent rates ranging from $20 to $75 per session, and financial assistance options to ensure the arts remain accessible to everyone. Browse our talented teaching roster below to learn more about each instructor’s background and expertise. To get started, simply complete our Private Lesson Request Form with your preferences, and a member of our team will reach out to you directly to confirm availability and schedule your recurring time slot!
Learn more about our instructors below
Voice Lessons
About the Lessons
Open to students of any ability, ages 8 to adult. Lessons are tailored to each student's individual goals and learning styles. Whether you think you can't sing but have always wanted to, are interested in pursuing a singing career, or fall somewhere in between– you are welcome. Lessons will focus on healthy breathing and vocal technique, articulation, musicianship, and intonation. Depending on each student's interest level, we can also dig into reading music, basic music theory, performance and audition skills, and acting.
Rates and Scheduling
Lessons are available in 30 or 60 minute sessions, weekly on Tuesdays starting at 10am. Lessons are $40 for 30 minutes, $55 for 45 minutes, and $70 for 60 minutes. They are payable at the first lesson of each month for that month.
About the Instructor
Alison Adams is a classically-trained soprano with over a decade of experience teaching students of all ages and musical abilities. She holds a Master of Music in Voice Performance from the Peabody Conservatory and a Bachelor of Music from Guilford College. Alison teaches Music Together® family classes as well as private voice lessons. She believes singing is a birthright and feels honored to help people deepen their connection to their voices and to connect to one another through playful music-making. Alison spent many years teaching and performing in New York City and the Bay Area before returning home to Black Mountain.
Folk Guitar, Bass, Banjo & Singing
About the Lessons
All ages and abilities welcome. Cary blends concepts from classical music education with learning by ear and using traditional methods passed down in the mountain culture, and draws from an extensive repertoire of songs and styles.
rates and scheduling
Lessons are available in 30, 45, and 60 minute sessions, weekly on Wednesdays. Spaces are limited. Lessons are $35 for 30 minutes, $45 for 45 minutes, and $60 for 60 minutes. They are payable at the first lesson of each month for that month.
About the Instructor
Cary holds a master’s degree in Music Education from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and currently resides in Asheville, NC. She continues to perform solo ballads and string band shows with The Cary Fridley Band. Cary teaches guitar, banjo and singing, and leads workshops in old-time music for schools and summer programs. Seven years ago she returned to our TAPS program in Buncombe County after three year teaching at Univ. of Eastern Tenn. Cary was one of our original string instructors for three years prior to that, making it a total of ten years with the Buncombe County TAPS at the Black Mountain Center for the Arts.
Piano Lessons
About the Lessons
Joel strives to impart a love for music and expression in his students through learning technique, theory, and ear training, while also focusing on the student’s musical interests. As a songwriter, he also enjoys working with students on discovering their voice and passions.
Rates and Scheduling
Lessons are available in 30, 45, and 60 minute sessions, weekly. Time slots start at 9:00 am and spaces are limited. Lessons are $35 for 30 minutes, $45 for 45 minutes, and $60 for 60 minutes.
About the
Instructor
Joel Ragan is a multi-instrumentalist who began taking piano lessons at the age of nine. Throughout his life he has developed a love for music in many styles. He has lived in the Asheville area since he started attending UNCA in 2012, where he received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Jazz and Contemporary Music (although his main focus was classical piano.) At school, aside from piano lessons, he also enjoyed playing guitar in the blue grass ensemble and singing in multiple choirs. Today, Joel finds joy in singing with the Asheville Choral Society and being heavily involved in the local and regional music scene while playing in multiple bands.
Guitar & Drums
About the Lessons
Evan welcomes students of all skill levels, ages 10+ for guitar instruction, and offers drum lessons for ages 8+. With experience performing in dozens of bands across multiple genres and instruments, Evan brings a unique perspective to the transformative journey of musical expression and growth. His passion is being a supportive musical voice, whether as a teacher, mentor, bandmate, or leader. From complete beginners to experienced players, Evan provides patient, thoughtful guidance with insights and methods tailored to help you achieve your musical goals and ambitions.
Rates and Scheduling
Lessons are available in 30, 45, and 60 minute sessions, weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Time slots start at 9:00 am and spaces are limited. Lessons are $35 for 30 minutes, $45 for 45 minutes, and $60 for 60 minutes.
About the
Instructor
Evan Martin is a multi-instrumentalist who has been working as a professional musician for 23 years. He studied guitar at Cleveland State University and relocated to Western North Carolina in 2003. Since that time Evan has worked in dozens of bands across multiple genres, and on different instruments. This experience has provided a unique perspective on the amazing journey that musical expression and growth can offer an individual. His passion lies in being a supportive musical voice, whether that be as a teacher/mentor, or as a band mate, or band leader. Whether you are just starting out, or have been playing for years, Evan can offer insight and methods to help you fulfill your musical goals and ambitions in a patient and thoughtful environment.
Celtic Harp Lessons
About the Lessons
All ages and abilities welcome. Instrument taught by ear, with music to follow. Students must own or have access to a harp but can use Sue's second harp at lessons.
rates and scheduling
Lessons are $50 for 45 minutes. Contact Sue Richards to schedule a lesson via email at hazelharp9@gmail.com. Click here to check out her website!
About the Instructor
Richards won the American National Scottish Harp Championship four times and sat in with the Chieftains Irish band. She currently teaches and directs the harp program at the Ohio Scottish Arts School at Oberlin and has many recordings and books of arrangements and original tunes to her credit. Richards also plays and tours with Ensemble Galilei, a group of five musicians performing multi-media concerts commissioned by the National Geographic Society and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Ballroom/ Wedding Dance
About the Lessons
Imagine a custom wedding dance to the song and style of your choice. Make a lasting impression for your first dance as newlyweds. You are in good hands with over 25 years of teaching and choreography experience.
Use all three lessons for you and your partner, or two for you and one for your friends and family, so everybody looks good on the dance floor.
About the instuctor
Originally from San Bernardino, California Justin began dancing at the age of 7. He grew up competing on the east coast and west coast winning national awards along the way. After high school he was a professional dancer for the cruise line industry for 6 years; working for Holland America, Norwegian, and Royal Caribbean. During that time he was dance captain and company manager of up to 16 cast members. Justin performed in shows featuring themes from Las Vegas to Broadway where he traveled the globe. On land, Justin has worked for Arthur Murray International teaching and competing in the genre of ballroom, he was trained by world-winning international Latin and Smooth champions. Justin is certified in tap and jazz through Dance Masters of America. He has choreographed high school and community theatre, judged show choir and dance competitions and most recently he is working with Hickory Community Theatre last season. Justin is currently a doctor of physical therapy and is working towards blending the art and science of human movement.
