Is your daughter begging for guitar lessons so she can achieve singer-songwriter stardom? Think it’s time to get your son a bigger stage than the living room floor for his original theatrical productions? Here are some of the most popular places around Aurora for your little aspiring Carole Kings, Gene Kellys and Misty Copelands.
School of Rock Aurora
Address: 13750 E. Rice Place, No. 100
Hours: 2-8:30 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m.–2:30 p.m. Saturday
Contact: 720-789-8866
About: No, you won’t find Jack Black teaching a classroom of kids at School of Rock Aurora. You will find a dedicated team of music instructors ready to guide your child toward their dreams of rock ‘n’ roll fame, whether they’re sparking your preschooler’s imagination or refining your teen’s chord progression. Students can expect a focus on rock instruments and attitude, personalized private lessons and even opportunities to rock out at real venues.
Neighborhood Music Stapleton
Address: 10255 E. 25th Ave.
Contact: 720-378-3668
About: No need to drive all across town for your children’s private piano lessons, orchestra practices or musical rehearsals when your family can find them all under one roof at Neighborhood Music Stapleton. This studio offers private and group lessons, a youth orchestra and theater productions from experienced teachers while still maintaining a community feel.
Downtown Aurora Visual Arts
Address: 1405 Florence St.
Contact: 303-367-5886
About: Downtown Aurora Visual Arts has been fostering creativity in Aurora youth for nearly 25 years. The studio aims to create a continuum of learning for its students, offering classes and programs for children ages 3-17. Children can drop in for some open, mixed-media studio time after school or enroll in job readiness classes for studio and computer arts. All programming is free and emphasizes diversity and accessibility.
School of Breaking
Address: 14190 E. Jewell Ave., No. 7
Hours: 5:30-9 p.m. Monday-Friday
Contact: 720-295-6265
About: Got a kid with a passion for break dancing and hip-hop? The School of Breaking grew from two dancers’ passion for teaching, and it maintains their dedication to building a dance community. Classes build fundamentals, strength and knowledge of hip-hop culture before introducing students to advanced techniques, like power moves (think those iconic head spins) and dance battle tactics.