music | private music instructors | dance | art | theater | museums

Most of these organizations have ongoing classes or events.  Please click on the name of each organization to visit their website (if available) for more information.

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Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo
Epic Center, 359 S. Kalamazoo Mall, Kalamazoo, (269) 342-5059
The Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo (ACGK) is a nonprofit organization that seeks to improve the cultural life in greater Kalamazoo.  They offer arts management services, grant programs, education, advocacy, arts council programs and event promotion.  The Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo is a great place to check for local arts events (including monthly Art Hop information, and they have an online events calendar that is searchable by date.

Kalamazoo Valley Museum
230 N Rose St., Kalamazoo, (269) 373-7990 or (800) 772-3370
The Kalamazoo Valley Museum seeks to develop cultural, historical and scientific literacy through innovative exhibits, special exhibitions, planetarium programs, educational programs and weekend family events.  They also promote local performers, offer workshops and classes, demonstrations, films, and free weekday preschool programs throughout the year.  Admission is FREE.

Music

Broughton Music Center
1381 S. Drake Rd, # D, Kalamazoo, (269) 375-2808
Offer individual and group lessons for various instruments.  Call for more information.

Crescendo Academy of Music
Epic Center, Suite 12, 359 South Kalamazoo Mall, Kalamazoo, (269)345-6664
Music lessons for all ages and abilities, including Violin, Viola, Cello, String Bass; Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Saxophone; Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone, Euphonium, Baritone, Tuba; Percussion, Piano, Voice, Mandolin; and Classical, Acoustic, Electric, and Bass Guitar. Starting January 2009, we will offer Music Together, a joyful music and movement program for infants, toddlers, kindergarteners and their adults.

Gymboree Play & Music of Kalamazoo
626 Romence Road, Suite 104A, Portage (269) 344-3717, kalamazoomi@gymboreeclasses.com
Gymboree Play & Music is the global leader in classes for children newborn through 5 years old. We offer Art, Music, Play & Learn and much more. Birthday parties, too!

Early Childhood Music of Kalamazoo
PUCC,  2731 W. Milham Ave, Portage, (269) 327-4030
Director Marilyn Boal founded this program and has taught Early Childhood Music for thirty years.  For children ages 4-7, the program focuses on the general education of the whole child as well as music education. Through the activities covered, the student becomes more self-expressive and creative. In addition the child’s mind is stimulated and he/she is receptive to learning in general. The students gain self-esteem, experience a sense of accomplishment, and enjoy social interaction with other children.  This is a sequential program, and lessons begin in September and continue through June.

Kalamazoo Children's Chorus
(269) 547-7183
Offers students ages 8 - 18 an opportunity for children to explore and develop an appreciation of choral music in all of its forms and styles.  Also offers Music Makers, an early elementary music experience for 1st and 2nd graders.

Kalamazoo School of Music and Dance
(269) 375-3938
Two locations in Kalamazoo:  5534 West Michigan & 5462 Gull Road, suite 1A
Offers group and individual lessons and classes in various forms of dance and instrumental and experimental music, from ages infant to adult.  Music lessons include piano & keyboard, voice, guitar, violin, viola, cello, flute, saxophone, clarinet, oboe, bassoon, trumpet, trombone, drums and others.  Also offer infant and toddler parent participation classes, preschool & elementary music, and group piano lessons.

Kindermusik with Debbie Long
(269) 808 - 7002
Kindermusik is a classroom learning experience that teaches children music so they can become better learners. It's not about making little Mozarts. It's about developing skills in the whole child - ages newborn to 7 years - cognitive, physical, social, emotional, language and musical.  They also offer summer day camps and birthday parties.  Classes are held at various locations throughout Kalamazoo, Mattawan and surrounding areas.

Little Chummers Music Class
Chapel Hill United Methodist Church, 7028 Oakland Dr, Portage, (269) 251-2131
Music and movement classes designed for children ages 15 months- 3+ years. You and your child will dance, sing, do finger plays, parachute play, rhythm instruments and more. CHUM Co-op Preschool Teacher, Ann DiJulio offers classes Mondays 6:30-7:15 and Tuesdays 9:30-10:15. They are located in the lower level of Chapel Hill United Methodist Church. For more information call 251-2131 or visit their website at chumpreschool.org.

Musical Movements with Miss Robin
Richland & Kalamazoo, (269) 599-0025, millar10174@aol.com
Kindermusik Classes for children ages newborn - 6 years; Recorder Classes - ages 4-8; Piano classes/lessons.

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Private Music Instructors

Barking Dog Piano Studio
(269) 488-2937
Piano instructor Jennifer Phenicie believes in the importance of establishing solid foundations upon which students can build--not necessarily intending that they become professional musicians, but that they become literate, skilled, knowledgeable and willing to share in an art which will continue to enrich the lives of us all.

Kal Voice Studios
(269) 267-2205, kalvoice@aol.com
Located near downtown Kalamazoo, Kal Voice Studios accepts students of all skill levels in Grades K-12 and above for private voice lessons!  Lessons are $10.00 for 30 minutes or $15.00 for 60 minutes.  They also have family plans and a referral program available. In addition to offering private voice lessons, Kal Voice Studios offers a variety of group classes and workshops open to both prospective and current students as well.

Dance

The Ballet Academy, A Royal Academy School of Dance
(269) 382-0413, LarsonRAD@gmail.com
State Theater, 404 S. Burdick St., Kalamazoo
Epic Center, 359 S. Burdick St., Kalamazoo
Elite school for professional dance.  Instruction with honest evaluations.  Training for the serious student.  Director Arlene Larson is certified by the Royal Academy School of Dance.  Young dancers, ages 4 and up, learn and love the art of dance. Young dancers benefit from professional training by developing coordination, fitness, rhythm and self-expression in addition to self-discipline and confidence to last a lifetime.

Ballet Arts School of Dance
2018 Rambling Rd, Kalamazoo, (269) 345-3433
Offers classes for ages 3 to adult in ballet (many different forms), tap and jazz.  They believe that dance is a special aid in developing the mind, body and emotions. It is an educational process, a physical activity, and at its height, an art. Classical Ballet forms the base from which the total dancer is created. Their goal is to help children find their own creative abilities while gaining these basic techniques.

Center Stage Dance Studio
2723 Kersten Ct, Kalamazoo, (269) 345-2644
Committed to developing well trained, well educated and spirited dancers.  They also have a studio in Battle Creek, and both studios offer a variety of programs from ages 10 months to adult.  Class offerings include toddler (ages 10 mos - 2 yrs), pre-primary (ages 3-5), ballet, jazz, lyric/modern, tap and hip-hop, as well as competitive and classes, dance crew and show team company.  

Dance Zone
28895 Red Arrow Hwy, Paw Paw, (269) 655-1500
Their philosophy is to enhance the minds and bodies of their students while providing a safe and nurturing environment for them to learn. The Dance Zone provides a dance education tailored to the individual, whether you’re looking for serious dance training or an energetic form of exercise in a social atmosphere.  They offer classes for ages 1 through adult in various styles and levels, including Jazz, Ballet, Pointe, Lyrical, Tap, Hip Hop, Musical Theatre, and Modern. Students may take classes recreationally or audition for their award winning competition team, Co-Motion.  They also offer seasonal camp programs and a small dance shop.

Greater Kalamazoo YMCA
Maple branch:  1001 W. Maple St., Kalamazoo, (269) 345-9622
Portage branch:  2900 W. Centre St, Portage, (269) 324-9622
Celebrating the art of dance is the philosophy of the YMCA dance program. The YMCA offers a comprehensive dance program for children between the ages of 18 months to 12 years old, whether you are a beginner or have had years of formal dance training. Dance education at the YMCA allows children to learn new skills, as well as improve existing skills and just have fun expressing themselves through movement!  Creative dance, dance/gymnastics combinations, tap, jazz, ballet and a dance ministry complete the course offerings available at the YMCA. An annual, inexpensive recital is performed each April. All classes are taught by adult instructors. Children of all abilities are welcome to enroll in the program.

Kalamazoo School of Music and Dance
5534 West Michigan Avenue, Kalamazoo
5462 Gull Road Suite 1A, Kalamazoo
(269) 375-3938 or 24 Hour Toll Free Info Line 1-888-431-7111
Offers group and individual lessons and classes in various forms of dance and instrumental and experimental music, from ages infant to adult.  Dance lessons include ballet, baton & dance, creative dance, tap, hip-hop and jazz.  Home of the Kalamazoo Junior Dance Company, the Quinn School of Irish Dance and the Kalamazoo Youth Ballet.

Patty Herm School of Dance
719 E. Allegan St, Otsego, (269) 694-4565
The Patti Herm School of Dance celebrates 25 years of quality dance instruction in the Otsego/Plainwell area. The School, located just east of downtown Otsego on M-89 was founded in 1982 and boasts a current enrollment of 400 dance and gymnastics students. Professional instruction is offered in classical ballet, modern jazz, tap, hip hop, and gymnastics. A special pre-ballet/creative program is offered for children 3 - 6 years of age. 

Stars Baton and Dance Club
5534 W Michigan Ave, 269-501-5599 StarsBaton@Yahoo.com
Baton twirling lessons and classes for ages 5+! We offer fun summer parades, on stage performances and optional competitions. Our coach Miss Andrea is a 5 time national champion baton twirler and can't wait to teach you to be a STAR!

Wellspring Modern Dance
Wellspring Theater at the Epic Center, 359 S. Kalamazoo Mall, Suite 204, (269) 342-4354
Classes are available for children ages 3 - 13, as well as adult.  No previous dance experience is needed, and classes require no special attire, just comfortable clothing and bare feet.  Students learn creativity, build strength, increase flexibility, improve coordination, and learn the basics of body alignment and movement in a fun, relaxed and nurturing environment.  Sessions run for 8 weeks with a concert at the end.  They offer drop-in rates, or Class Discount Cards which save $1 per class, as well as scholarships for low-income, minority, and at-risk students.

West Michigan Dance Center
678 Maple Hill Dr, Kalamazoo, (269) 250-0555
WMDC offers dance instruction for dancers ages 2 to adult at beginning to advanced levels. Classes include ballet, jazz, lyrical, pointe, tap, hip-hop, gymnastics, and pre-school creative movement.

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Art

Art Hop
Downtown Kalamazoo
Every first Friday of the month, from 5 PM - 9 PM
Art Hop is a free event in a fun, casual atmosphere in the unique environment that is your downtown Kalamazoo. Many of the businesses that play host offer their own works for purchase and light refreshments to enrich the experience. The Extended Art Hop is an "event" in the true sense of the word as there will be over 35 locations each representing an artist or artists individual styles and visual sense.  YWCA downtown offers Parent's Night Out childcare during Art Hop each month.

Kalamazoo Institute of Arts
314 South Park St, Kalamazoo, (269) 349-7775
Since 1924, the KIA has offered art classes to the whole community and a place for the enjoyment of the visual arts through exhibitions, lectures, special events and a permanent collection. The KIA's mission is to cultivate the creation and appreciation of the visual arts for the communities of West Michigan.  Check their website for wonderful classes and activities for kids!  Their occasional hands-on programs are designed for children ages 6- 12 and their families. Hands-on activities highlight different parts of the Museum's permanent and temporary exhibits and collections. Participants will make arts and crafts to take home and see demonstrations or performances where noted. Annual favorites include Safe Halloween, Chemistry Day, and Festival of Health. ALL PROGRAMS ARE FREE.  Visit their Hands-on Happenings page for current information.

SmartShop Metal Arts Center
516 E North St, Kalamazoo, (269) 345-7285
SmartShop is a metal arts organization founded in 2002. Our mission is to support, teach, practice and promote the metal arts to foster personal, interpersonal and community growth.  They have an art gallery for local artists, offer classes and workshops in welding, blacksmithing and foundry, and welcome visits from schools, homeschoolers, girl scouts and other groups.  Internships are also available, and volunteers are welcome.

Western Michigan Glass Society
436 North Park St, Studio 209A, Kalamazoo, (269) 552-9802 
They believe that art in any form nourishes the heart and soul.  Their current membership includes over 100 area emerging and professional glass artists, students and friends of glass who love the magical material of glass and the mysterious process of learning to shape glass to reflect our creativity. They sponsor public events designed to increase community awareness and exposure to glass art, and offer glass art classes and workshops for youth and adults in the West Michigan region.

Theater

Farmer's Alley Theater
221 Farmers Alley, Kalamazoo, (269) 343-2727
Celebrating the Kalamazoo actor, we aim to foster artistic and economic growth in the central city through a signature drama series, children's theatre performed by adults, a cabaret music series, and a new work/spoken word component. Additionally, the Farmers Alley Theatre is dedicated to providing itself as a highly intensive educational base for the training of the young Kalamazoo actor by providing lessons, workshops, and seminars in the areas of voice, acting, dance, and speech.

Homeschool Performing Arts
(616) 299-9678, HPA Kalamazoo Information - hpakzoo@hpami.org
(HPA) is a community of homeschool families in which students and parents work together using the talents that God has given us, to produce music, drama, and musical theater productions that glorify and honor the Lord. Parents and students working side by side toward a common goal; this is the very nature of homeschooling and the strength of HPA.

Kalamazoo Civic Theater
329 S. Park St, Kalamazoo, Box Office (269) 343-1313, Business Office (269) 343–2280
KCT offers summer camps and year-round classes for budding young actors ages 6 - 18.  They also have a youth theater which produces plays throughout the year.  

Museums

Kalamazoo Valley Museum
230 N Rose St, Kalamazoo, (269) 373-7990
Facilities and programs include their regular local history exhibits and collections, special traveling exhibits, planetarium presentations, the Stryker Theater (films, performances, etc.), The Challenger Learning Center (space science education), workshops for schools and homeschoolers, a Children's Landscape with many hands-on activities, and free week-daily themed preschool programs.

Kalamazoo Aviation History Museum (Air Zoo)
6151 Portage Rd, Portage, (269) 382-6555, toll-free (866) 524-7966
The Air Zoo is a highly charged, multi-sensory atmosphere that goes beyond anything you’ve ever seen. Everything is designed to help you achieve the total flight experience.  We have also found out that the Air Zoo will be offering FREE ADMISSION for the summer!  Visit their website for more information.

Celery Flats Interpretive Center and Historical Area
7335 Garden Ln, Portage, (269) 329-4522
Relive Kalamazoo County’s colorful heritage as the Celery Capital of the World.

Close but out of town

Curious Kids Museum
415 Lake Blvd, St. Joseph, (269) 983-CKID (2543)
The Curious Kids' Museum encourages discovery, wonder and awe for children. This interactive, hands-on playground for the mind fulfills its educational leadership role by stimulating curiosity, awareness and life preparedness in the areas of science and technology, history and culture. Through its programs and exhibits, the Museum encourages people of all ages to explore the world around them in a unique and open-ended manner. 

Frederik Meyer Gardens and Sculpture Park
1000 East Beltline Ave NE, Grand Rapids, Toll-Free: 888-957-1580
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is committed to presenting fun, interactive and informative programs about plants, sculpture, the environment and the arts. From summer camps for preschoolers to sculpture lectures and demonstrations, there is a wide variety of intriguing programs for everyone.  Foremost's Butterflies Are Blooming is Meijer Gardens' most popular annual exhibition and the largest temporary tropical butterfly exhibit in the nation--this exhibit is held from March 1st through April 30th.

Grand Rapids Children's Museum
22 Sheldon Avenue NE - Grand Rapids, MI 49503 | Phone: (616) 235-4726
The Grand Rapids Children's Museum celebrates childhood and the joy of learning by providing an interactive, hands-on environment that inspires learning and encourages self directed exploration.  Check out their What's Happening? page for information on special events and current exhibit information.

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