Whether your kids take joy in banging on pots and pans, or twirling across the kitchen floor, kids are natural artists. Their flair for storytelling, or even their quiet focus as they scribble their way through reams of paper, are important qualities for parents to embrace and nurture.
Plenty of research over the years proves that incorporating the arts into a child’s education makes for better students. In Critical Evidence: How the Arts Benefit Student Achievement, a report released by the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies (NASAA), researchers discuss students who participated in school arts courses consistently outperformed their fellow students on standardized tests like the SAT. And while the arts help kids succeed academically, they also help in life. The study shows that kids who explore and join arts programs demonstrate better social skills, reasoning and problem-solving abilities, self-esteem and motivation to learn.
Encourage your children to explore their imaginations through an artistic pursuit found in the following pages of our 2012 – 2013 Arts Guide (and find even more resources at our website), it won’t be long before your child truly soars.
ART
Artscapade
22 N. Shaw Lane, Fort Thomas
859-443-2496 • myartscapade.com
Offers arts and drawing classes that foster creative thinking and introduces students ages 18 months – 13 years to new techniques in a positive environment. Sign up for six-week sessions or drop in for a class. Special workshops available for teens and adults.
The Baker Hunt Art & Cultural Center
620 Greenup St., Covington
859-431-0020 • bakerhunt.com
A non-profit organization dedicated to making a difference in the community through art education and cultural enrichment, the Center serves more than 1,800 students per year, ages 4 through adult.
Cincinnati Art Museum
953 Eden Park Drive
513-721-ARTS (2787)
cincinnatiartmuseum.org
The CAM offers a wide-ranging program for children ages 2 – 12, along with a variety of arts lectures, exhibits and workshops for adults.
Color Me Mine
2874 Town Center Blvd., Crestview Hills
859-344-6463
crestviewhills.colormemine.com
Pottery painting for all ages, including special classes, summer programs and after-school and homeschool programs.
Funke Fired Arts
3130 Wasson Road
513-871-2529 • funkefiredarts.com
For ages 6 and older, clay classes including all levels of wheel throwing, hand building and sculpture, as well as paint-a-pot studio, a retail shop, and a gallery shop with hand-made gifts from local and international artists.
Kennedy Heights Art Center
6546 Montgomery Road
513-631-4278 • kennedyarts.org
For ages 3 through adult, the center offers weekly art classes, an annual Student Art Show, the chance to work with an “Artist in Residence” in the spring, themed art camps in the summer and winter, and a number of free art events for families including performances, festivals and an art parade.
My Little Red Haus Art Studio
9429 Montgomery Road
513-827-9110 • mylittleredhaus.com
Group art instruction and open studio time for ages 2 – 18, as well as birthday parties, camps, private lessons, homeschool lessons and seasonal events.
Schain Studios
1125 Congress Ave., Glendale
513-772-3777 • schainstudios@gmail.com
For students in grades 4 – 12, Schain Studios offers a formal education in traditional representational art and conceptual thinking. All students are taught individually in drawing, painting, mixed media and three-dimensional art.
Star Glazers
513-474-6364 • starglazers.com
Turn the space of your choosing into a paint-your-own-pottery studio, bringing pieces to match a theme, and all necessary materials. Pieces are returned within two weeks.
DANCE
All That Jazz Dance Centre (ATJ)
8810 Beckett Road, West Chester
513-942-0818 • allthatjazzdance.com
Ballet, jazz, tap, contemporary, tumbling, hip hop and dance team through age 18, as well as recreational dance and a regional and national competition. Currently accepting members; registration available online.
Allegro Dance Arts and Apparel
502 Old State Route 74
513-528-5578 • allegrodancearts.webs.com
Ballet, jazz, hip hop, lyrical and Scottish High Dance for ages 3 and older. Students have performed as extras in motion pictures and at venues such as the Aronoff Center for the Arts, Riverbend, U.S. Bank Arena, the Bengals’ half-time shows and more.
Alexandria Dance Academy
8109 Alexandria Pike, Ste. 16, Alexandria
859-635-5700 • alexandriadanceacademy.com
Tap, ballet, jazz, pointe and hip hop for ages 3 and older, as well as an annual dance recital in May and community performances throughout the year.
Ballet Theatre Midwest
Eastern Avenue, Columbia-Tusculum
513-520-2334 • ballettheatremidwest.com
For beginners through advanced, dance, creativity and movement in a nurturing environment. Professional faculty offer high caliber training in classical ballet and other related forms for ages 3 – adult with unique performance opportunities.
Broadway Bound Dance Academy
10580 Loveland Madeira Road, Loveland
513-774-9474 • broadwaybounddance.com
Ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, tumbling, acro and musical theatre classes for ages 18 months through adult. Broadway Bound has an award-winning competition team and a dance company that performs throughout the community.
Cincinnati Ballet Otto M. Budig Academy
1555 Central Pkwy. • 513-562-1111
11444 Deerfield Road • 513-530-5218
cballet.org
Students begin classes as young as 2, but may join at any age. The children’s division placement is based on age while the Main Division is based on ability. The newly created Teen Division offers a more flexible schedule yet still provides professional level training. Performances take place in the spring, as well as several community performances. Academy students have priority casting in Frisch’s Presents The Nutcracker, and are also chosen for other professional performances that the company stages during the season.
Cincinnati Dance Academy
4122 E. Galbraith Road
513-985-0111 • cincinnatidanceacademy.com
Ballet and tap for ages 3 – 5, as well as ballet, character dance and contemporary for ages 6 and older.
Contemporary Dance Theater
1805 Larch Ave.
513-591-1222 • cdt-dance.org
Classes for children as young as 18 months – 2 years in “Boogie Babies” with an adult, as well as creative dance classes such as Shake & Create (3 – 4 years), Wiggle, Giggle, Imagine (4 – 5 years), Introduction to Dance I and II (6 – 9 years and 10 – 14 years), Stretch & Strengthen (10 – 14 years), Break Dancing for Kids (6 – 10 years), and Break Dance (middle school to adult). A summer camp and an end-of-session showing are also available for students.
Dance Concepts Studio
8606 Market Place Lane,
Montgomery and Cincinnati Sports Club,
3950 Red Bank Road
513-745-0678 • danceconceptsstudio.com
Ages 3 – high school learn ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, clogging and cheer, and may participate on an award-winning dance team or receive private lessons.
Donnelly Dance Academy
7908 Cincinnati Dayton Road,
Ste. F, West Chester
513-348-4660 • donnellydanceacademy.com
Irish dance classes for ages 5 – adult instructed by Dublin-born Hazel Donnelly Vargas. Students may compete but also perform at festivals, fundraisers and other local events.
The Edge Dance Studio
225 Main St., Ste. K, Florence
859-746-8009 • theedgedancestudio.com
For ages 3 – adult, professional dance instruction including recreational and competitive dance and tumbling. Styles of instruction include preschool, ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, lyrical, hip hop, tumbling, competition, cheer, technique, adult and more.
Erickson Academy of Irish Dance
673 Wilmer Ave.
513-232-1366 • ericksonirishdance.com
With three different programs for ages 5 – 12, 13 – 18 and 18 and older, the Academy offers fun, traditional Irish step-dancing classes. New classes for beginners begin in 2012 in a studio that offers a sprung floor, mirrors and a parent observation area.
Mason Dance Center, Inc.
600 Reading Road
513-398-0353 • masondance.com
For ages 3 – adult, Mason Dance Center offers classes in ballet, jazz, hip hop, Modern and musical theater dance. Classes are tailored for preschool dancers and recreational dancers of all ages as well as programs for those interested in competitive dance and pre-professional ballet.
Patty Pille’s School of Dance
7900 E. Kemper Road
(inside Kids First Sports Center)
513-489-7575 • kidsfirstsports.com
Programs for ages 2-and-a-half years to adult in ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, modern, lyrical and musical theater. The school hosts two recitals a year and has a dance team that performs at local competitions throughout the year.
SDA Studios
Mary St. Romain, Director
7398 Liberty One Drive, Liberty Township
513-779-0135 • sda-studios.com
Ballet, pointe, modern, lyrical, jazz, hip hop, tap and yoga for ages 2-and-a-half to adult. Also offering an annual Nutcracker performance, a Youth Community Dancers outreach group, the Academy Competition Ensemble, a Spring Solo Showcase, and a recital for ages 2-and-a-half – 6 years and for ages 6 – 20.
The Studio for Dance
10831 Millington Ct., Blue Ash
513-490-9123 or 513-793-2953
thestudiofordancecincinnati.com
Ballet, tap, jazz and clogging for ages 3 and older in both recreational and competitive programs. All students participate in an annual recital, while some company members have the opportunity to dance with the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, the Lima Symphony and more.
MUSIC
Academy of Music and Dance, West Chester
8374 Princeton Glendale Road
513-829-2345
musiclessonsinwestchesterohio.com
Music lessons for children and adults in piano, voice, guitar, drums, strings, winds and brass, as well as Music Pups, a music and movement class for ages 0 – 4, Music for Young Children, a group keyboard program for ages 4 and older. Also the official Angelina Ballerina Dance Academy for ages 3 – 6 with tap, jazz, ballet, hip hop, lyrical, and competitive and recreational classes. Free sample classes available.
Arquines Music Studio
859-371-2356 • carquines11@gmail.com
Music lessons for ages 5 and older in the Florence area. Under the guidance of an educator with a master’s degree in music, students receive individualized instruction and can participate in two recitals each year.
Baldwin Music Education Center
3799 Hyde Park Ave. (inside the Hyde Park Bethlehem United Methodist Church)
513-351-1109 • baldwinmusiceducenter.com
A preschool music program for children ages 6 months – 4 years that includes keyboard labs, rhythm instruments, and movement and singing to learn musical concepts through everyday experiences. Trained staff also offers group instruction in piano for ages 5 and older.
Brown Music Together
513-602-7376 • brownmusictogether.com
Music and movement classes for ages 0 – 5 years and their caregivers. Classes are fun and highly interactive and meet once per week for 45 minutes. Activities include rhymes, songs, dancing, and instrument playing. CDs, songbooks and parent guides are provided for further enjoyment at home.
Cincinnati Boychoir
4501 Allison St.
513-396-7664 • cincinnatiboychoir.org
For boys ages Kindergarten through adult. Founded in 1965, the Cincinnati Boychoir presents approximately 35 annual performances in Greater Cincinnati, and focuses on reaching under-served areas and supporting the revitalization of downtown. Boys audition by recommendation of school music teachers, and come from over 50 public and private schools in the Tri-State.
Cincinnati Children’s Choir University
of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music
513-556-0338 • cincinnatichoir.org
An educationally-based choral ensemble program serving grades 2 – 12 in one of six resident choirs at the University of Cincinnati and six satellite throughout Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. CCC serves 650 children each year and offers them the opportunity to develop musical understanding, artistry and performance experience.
Cincinnati Music Academy
7420 Montgomery Road
513-891-7714 • cmamusic.org
Private and group instruction in acting, music technology, and most musical instruments including piano, voice, guitar, strings, woodwinds and percussion. Well-educated and experienced teachers passionate about sharing the gift of music teach in Silverton, near Kenwood Towne Center.
Cincinnati Symphony and Pops Orchestra
1241 Elm St. • 513-381-3300
cincinnatisymphony.org • cincinnatipops.org
The CSO presents classical and Cincinnati Pops subscription concerts, Young People’s Concerts, Lollipops Family Concerts, CSO Chamber Players performances, summer performances at Riverbend Music Center, and Concerts in the Park. The CSO works to bring music education, in its many different forms, to as broad a public as possible. Education programs serve more than 60,000 individuals annually.
Corryville Suzuki Project
513-231-3523 • suzukiproject.com
Private instruction on violin and viola for children ages 4 – 18. Students have the opportunity to perform as ensembles in the community.
Florence Music Academy
240 Main St., Florence
859-547-8765 • florencemusicacademy.com
For ages 7 – adult, Florence Music Academy specializes in private music lessons in piano, guitar, violin and voice. All teachers are university-trained professionals with a passion for both music and children. Classes are structured to meet individual needs and goals.
Indian Springs Academy of Music
9690 Cincinnati Columbus Road
513-301-0588 • indianspringsacademy.net
Private lesson instruction for piano, voice, strings, guitar, clarinet and oboe for ages 5 and older, as well as a variety of music theory music classes. ISAM is also a founding school for the Carnegie Hall Achievement Program.
Kindermusik by Cathy Siebert
6131 Campus Lane, Mt. Washington
Willis Music, Kenwood Galleria
8118 Montgomery Road
513-231-3973
kindermusikbycs.kindermusik.net
Music and movement classes for families with children ages 0 – 6. Kids will sing, dance, listen, play instruments and more, while older students learn music notation to prepare them for future vocal/instrumental studies.
Kindermusik with Cindy Sugarman
220 S. Fort Thomas Ave.,
Fort Thomas • 859-781-3054
cindy1sugarman@yahoo.com
Classes for children ages 0 – 7 explores the development of the child using music as the vehicle. Singing, dancing, storytelling, playing rhythm instruments builds language skills, expressive skills, gross and fine motor skills and group skills, such as working together in ensemble.
Little Songbird Music Studio
240 Main St., Florence
859-547-8765 • littlesongbirdmusic.com
Teaching very young children music in the same way they learn language, using the Musikgarten curriculum to train children’s ears and brains. During class, children will sing, play simple instruments, listen to music and move in many different ways. Classes begin at birth and continue through a piano class for elementary aged children.
Miss Nancy’s Musikgarten
4604 Dry Ridge Road
513-702-9927 • cincinnatimusikgarten.com
This sequential program of music and movement classes is designed for ages newborn through 8 years. Kids will sing, dance, play instruments, explore their creative side and have fun.
The Music Factory
513-545-7125 • themusicfactoryonline.com
Music education classes for children 6 months to 5 years taught onsite at your preschool or day care. These 30-minute, award-winning classes include seasonal activities, creative movement, singing and the use of rhythm instruments — designed to enhance listening, language development and gross motor skills for children.
Miss Amanda’s Music Garden
417 Wood Ave.
513-221-SING (7464) • missamandasmusic.com
A certified Musikgarten Music and Movement Program located in Clifton that allows parents, grandparents and other caregivers to participate in music class with babies, toddlers and preschoolers. Participants sing, dance and play with instruments. Musical concepts and activities grow increasingly complex through four levels of programming (infants, toddlers, preschoolers and families with multiple-aged children).
Northern Kentucky University Music
Preparatory Department NKU Campus
Highland Heights
859-572-7737 • musicprep.nku.edu
Education programs to students of all ages and abilities, as well as enriching the culture of Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky through artistic experiences and outreach initiatives. Private lessons, ensembles, classes and summer programs in a variety of disciplines.
Piano Lessons In Your Home (PLIYH)
513-860-3540 • pianolessonsinyourhome.com
A private school for music where all the teachers travel to the students’ homes. Serving ages 4 – adult in Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, PLIYH offers recitals for all participants and a concert series for advanced students, a lending library, and optional yearly evaluations from a master pianist, vocalist or guitarist.
Pied Piper Music Together Classes in Mason,
Liberty Township and Middletown
513-767-7134 • piedpiperarts.com
Using research in early childhood development that suggests all children are musical and can achieve musical competence through early experiences, Pied Piper Music Together can help children ages 0 – 6 years discover their inborn aptitude for music.
Sam Ash Music
11805 Commons Drive, Springdale
513-671-4500 • samashmusic.com
Sam Ash is a music megastore with education programs staffed with professional instructors who continue to perform in different groups and venues around the city. Private lessons are catered to individual interests and needs, and workshops range from how to string a guitar to how to audition for musical theatre.
Slater Music Academy
143 N. Fort Thomas Ave., Fort Thomas
859-486-1032 • slatermusicacademy.com
Private lessons for children and adults in voice, piano, violin, viola, guitar, mandolin, banjo and dulcimer. The Suzuki method of instruction is available for children as young as 3.
THEATRE
Acting Up – Young Performer’s Community Theater of Mason
513-494-6062 • actingup.com
A volunteer community theater group founded to provide experiences to ages 6 – 18 in all aspects of theater arts — everything from performing on stage to working behind the scenes in a technical role. Large casts offer more children a chance on stage, whether they are interested in theater as a professional pursuit or enjoy participating recreationally. All levels of experience are invited to audition, and family involvement is encouraged.
The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati/ArtReach
Performance Venue at The Taft Theater
5th & Sycamore Streets
513-569-8080 • thechildrenstheatre.com
Offering professional theatrical productions for families and students with productions timed for young patrons. ArtReach offers touring productions, while WorkShops feature educational outreach programs. Learning the Craft Classes are six-week sessions of drama, vocal music, and dance classes or students at all levels of ability and interest at the facility in Madisonville. The staff of professionals teaches children 6 – 18 years old the techniques and principles behind the art of musical theater.
Cincinnati Landmark Productions
Covedale Center for Performing Arts
4990 Glenway Ave.
The Showboat Majestic: 435 East Mehring Way
513-241-6550
cincinnatilandmarkproductions.com
Through the Showboat Majestic, the Covedale Center for the Performing Arts and Cincinnati Young People’s Theatre, its summer theatre for teenagers, Cincinnati Landmark Productions provides opportunities for performers and technicians while bringing cultural and economic benefits to the community and developing young artists.
Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park
962 Mt. Adams Circle
513-345-2242 • cincyplay.com
513-421-3888 (box office)
Programs for young actors from pre-K through high school include theatre tours, acting classes, summer day camp sessions, the annual holiday show A Christmas Carol, the Rosenthal Next Generation Theatre Series, and Off the Hill, family shows that tour to area community centers.
MUSEUMS AND MORE
Behringer-Crawford Museum
1600 Montague Road, Devou Park, Covington
859-491-4003 • bcmuseum.org
Behringer-Crawford Museum is the home of Northern Kentucky History. Guests can pilot a packet boat down the Ohio River, enjoy a drive-in movie while sitting in a restored 1959 Buick Electra, or soar through the development of nearby Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport. BCM also offers programs for visitors throughout the year, including summer day camps, a concert series, and an annual holiday toy train display.
CCM Preparatory Department
University of Cincinnati campus
513-556-2595 • ccm.uc.edu/prep
Provides educational instruction and performance opportunities in music, theatre and dance to students of all ages and abilities. Classes are for arts enthusiast ranging in age from 18 months to senior adults, as well as professional artists in training. CCM also offers outreach programs that connect to a variety of students through public schools.
Cincinnati Museum Center
1301 Western Ave.
513-287-7000 • cincymuseum.org
A multi-museum complex housed in Union Terminal, a historic Art Deco train station and National Historic Landmark. CMC’s major offerings include the Cincinnati History Museum, the Cincinnati History Library and Archives, the Duke Energy Children’s Museum, the Museum of Natural History & Science, and the Robert D. Lindner Family OMNIMAX® Theater.
Contemporary Arts Center
44 East 6th St. • 513-345-8430
contemporaryartscenter.org
The CAC offers two ongoing art-making programs for children and families. Thursday Art Play lets kids explore their imagination and express their creativity in the UnMuseum. Family Saturday invites the whole family to use exhibitions to inspire learning and creativity through guided art-making activities.
Fitton Center for Creative Arts
101 S. Monument Ave., Hamilton
513-863-8873 • fittoncenter.org
“To build community excellence through the arts and culture.” Families can enjoy arts education through workshops, classes and camps, along with community performances, Fitton Family Fridays and more.
Rising Star Studios
One Sperti Drive, Edgewood
859-344-9322, ext. 15 • risingstarstudio.org
A program of New Perceptions, Rising Star Studios serves youth and adults on the autism spectrum and with other communication disorders. The center is home to a full-service art studio, music studio, movement space, a lending library, parent lounge and a computer classroom.
Taft Museum of Art
316 Pike St. • taftmuseum.org
This fine art museum and historical landmark is home to an extensive collection of works from around the world. The Taft provides family programming with Third Sunday Fundays, youth art workshops, summer art day camps, and Artists Reaching Classrooms, an outreach program for high school students.
Wyoming Fine Arts Center
322 Wyoming Ave.
513-948-1900 • musicartdance.org
This non-profit community arts center offers classes and lessons in music, art and dance, to all interested persons in the Tri-State. Classes are offered from 6 months to adults.