Education & Classes in Durham

Miriam Catron discovered a way to combine her love of music and athleticism—in 1997, she created Infuzion, a family-friendly center dedicated to art in all its aspects that furnishes interactive opportunities in music, theater, dance, and martial arts. Miriam selects enthusiastic and impeccably trained teachers to help students to thrive in their chosen field of study, whether they’re wielding a viola, executing a high kick, or performing a monologue on the secret lives of monologists. To round out the center's skill-instilling potential, a fitness studio hones able bodies with its arsenal of workout machines and spacious aerobics rooms that pulsate with a thunderous sound system to give soul shakers a reason to boogie outside one’s bedroom confines.

The dedicated musicians at Falls River Music help students create beautiful notes during private weekly music instruction with a brigade of professional instruments. During 30-minute drum, guitar, violin, bass, or trumpet lessons, children or adults work toward personal goals, such as learning how to read music or mastering solos that erase “Freebird” from minds. Falls River Music provides instruments for use during classes, which, though not required, students may rent for home practice at an additional cost.

When not practicing their tuneful arts, musicians can send in their stringed instruments for expert repairs or test out new sounds plucked from the shop's large selection of acoustic and electric guitars, amplifiers, and effects pedals. Falls River Music offers a 14-day trial period after purchase of new equipment, encouraging musicians to fully explore their new sonic possibilities before declaring themselves satisfied.

The musical menagerie also hosts a full coffee bar and lounge area, where parents may relax during children's lessons. Falls River Music also allows intermediate-level students to put their skills to use each Saturday at 1:30 pm at a two-hour jam session ($10/hour), which may include performances or recording with other musicians and note aficionados.

When not teaching visitors how to ride, Christina Hutton lavishes care upon her horses, including feedings, cleanings, and basic medical treatments. She lives on the farm, and rises early to watch over its expanse, which includes a seven-stall barn, large pastures surrounded by pillowy trees, and a jumping area with white fence hurdles rather than the sleeping serfs in old-timey jumping facilities. During the day, she and her team of instructors train novice and experienced equestrians in hunter and jumper techniques during private and group lessons. In addition to more studious pursuits, Christina and her staff also guide saddle-mounted pony rides, and coordinate arts, crafts, and games during children's birthday parties.

Within the colorful walls of the Academy for the Performing Arts' 10,000-square-foot facility, enthusiastic instructors instill confidence in the leaders and creative thinkers of tomorrow. Kids benefit from small class sizes and a high teacher-to-student ratio during dance classes such as tap, ballet, hip-hop, and cheerleading, or half-day preschool programs that incorporate dance, music, and visual art. Kids aged 2–4 fine-tune their gross motor and social skills while older children can prepare for recitals or become members of the center's dance company.

The academy also keeps parents in shape with adult fitness classes such as boot-camp sessions led by a personal trainer or high-energy Zumba workouts. The crew hosts children during a bimonthly parents' night out that allows adults to take some well-deserved time for themselves and finally engage in a critical debate of Kung Fu Panda.

Brian Davis started brianstudio as an outlet for freelance work more than a decade ago while he was still in design school. It's since blossomed into his full-time studio where creativity spills into media ranging from logos and web graphics to fine art, murals, and unique clothing. Texture and vibrant colors swirl freely across his canvases, and his graphic-design work lands with bold simplicity. Pop culture often catches his interest, as seen in his collage-like pieces gathering around images of figures including Audrey Hepburn and Kat Von D. Brian also shares his breadth of styles in relaxed classes where student painters sip brews brought from home as they learn to paint or squint at artwork with convincing expertise.

The pintsize artist considers her canvas, pintsize fingers encircling stocky pastel sticks and paintbrushes' lanky handles as she unleashes a deft slash of color. This isn’t a description of Georgia O’Keefe’s 10th birthday party—it’s just another day at Time For Art Kids' bustling studio. Attached to the home of founder Dina, the studio welcomes children aged 6–11 for eight-week art classes, wherein kids are encouraged to express their thoughts and feelings through creative visual images. Year-round art camps combine arts and crafts with show-and-tell and games. Time For Art Kids also sets up face-painting stations at birthday parties and other celebrations, and welcomes large groups for children's birthday parties and ladies' and parents' nights out.