best music programs in Durham, NC

Swift Nature Camp is the perfect place for your child to spend their summer! Our overnight camp for boys and girls ages 6-15 is located in beautiful Wisconsin. We offer a unique blend of traditional summer camp activities and environmental education to help kids increase their appreciation for nature, science, and the environment. We’ve got it all – fun, friendships, adventure trips, and nature! Spend your summer with us – you’ll never forget it!

At Duke School, we understand what a special opportunity it is to have a summer camp experience. That's why we strive to provide an atmosphere of safety, support, and fun for campers of all ages. Our convenient location in the Triangle makes it easy for families from Raleigh, Cary, Durham, Chapel Hill, and Carrboro to join in the fun. We hire only the most qualified and dedicated staff members to ensure that our campers receive the highest quality instruction and mentorship. We are committed to providing a summer of lasting memories and friendships, and we invite all children to join us for a summer of learning, growth, and fun!

The Durham Arts Council, Inc. is the driving force behind bringing art to the city. By providing leadership, inspiration, and promoting access to the arts, DAC is helping to foster a vibrant cultural development in Durham. Through earned revenues, grants, and contributions from corporations, foundations, individuals, as well as support from the City of Durham, Durham County, North Carolina Arts Council, and the National Endowment for the Arts, DAC is able to bring the arts to the people of this community. The mission of DAC is to create an environment in which creativity and the arts are highly valued and seen as positive and transformative forces. By working towards an excellent and sustainable arts and cultural sector, DAC is helping to ensure that Durham is a great place to live and work. The Durham Arts Council, Inc. is committed to making Durham a vibrant and culturally rich city. DAC strives to provide access to and experience of the arts to all members of the community, while also working to make the arts and culture a vital part of Durham’s educational and economic life. Through their dedication to creating an excellent and sustainable arts and cultural sector, DAC is helping to make Durham a great place to live and work.

At Encore Academy of Dance, we know that dance is more than just a hobby – it’s a way to build life skills. Our mission is to provide a positive and safe environment for our dancers to achieve excellence in technique and poise, while also learning important life lessons along the way. We strive to develop respect, confidence and conscientiousness in our students, helping each dancer reach their fullest potential. With our guidance, we believe our dancers can grow into the best version of themselves, both on the dance floor and off.

The Living Arts Collective is dedicated to providing a safe and inclusive environment for creative expression. We believe that through sharing our stories, we can bridge gaps between diverse communities, create understanding, and foster collaboration. We seek to nurture our community by creating a space for all to share their art and experience the joy of creative exploration.

At DRT, we encourage collaboration and dialogue over the arts and the experiences of different communities. Our theatre is a platform for diversity, inclusion and equity, with an emphasis on the importance of creating a safe and inclusive environment for everyone. We foster an environment that celebrates multiple perspectives, acknowledges different forms of knowledge, and encourages everyone to express their true selves. DRT is committed to creating a community of theatre makers and theatre goers that actively strives to bridge cultural barriers, increase awareness, and spark meaningful conversations. Our productions feature stories and characters from many cultures, with works that reflect the rich human diversity in Durham, NC. Through our programming, we strive to create a meaningful and lasting impact on our theatrical community.

Each season the Hillside Drama Department produces three to four full scale productions ranging from classical Shakespeare to modern musicals. The department also produces several student written productions and plays each year. Hillside Drama prides itself on giving students the opportunity to express themselves artistically. From a staff of award-winning teachers to passionate and talented students, the Hillside Drama Department has always been a place to explore creativity. Hillside Drama isn't just about the production process, it's about developing the artist within each student. Hillside Drama offers a variety of classes to students, such as acting, directing, design, stage management, and technical theatre. Hillside Drama also offers a wide range of extracurricular activities for students to explore the craft of theatre. From improv clubs to touring productions, Hillside Drama allows students to explore their creative side. With Hillside Drama, students have the opportunity to express themselves, create, and learn about the craft of theatre.

Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter are times for families in Durham, North Carolina to get outside and make the most of their kids’ early learning years with Tinkergarten's outdoor play-based learning classes. Every class is led by a certified, trained leader and is designed to help kids learn important skills like focus, persistence, creativity, problem-solving, empathy, and communication. Parents and caregivers are guided through activities that help their children become healthy, confident, and capable. With weekly sessions, a curriculum to extend the play at home, and a learning community, Tinkergarten provides an accessible, doable way for families to enjoy the great outdoors in Durham, North Carolina. There are classes available for kids ages 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8, and parents can even become a Tinkergarten leader or nominate someone to do so. Join other families in the area and learn outdoors together!

At Journey Music Academy, we believe that making music should be a fun, enjoyable experience for everyone – whether you’re 5 or 50! Our goal is to make sure everyone gets the most out of learning an instrument or developing their singing voice. Our team of experienced instructors provides personalized instruction to ensure your musical journey is tailored to your goals. We are passionate about making sure every student finds the right fit for them.

The school actively encourages students to share their music with the public. From recitals to music festivals and master classes, Bull City Music School creates opportunities for students to show off their talents. Bull City Music School believes that learning should be tailored to each individual student. Our teachers create instruction plans that are based on the student's own learning style and pace. This personalized approach to learning ensures that students gain the confidence they need to perform in front of an audience. At Bull City Music School, we believe music can bring people together, and our students are the perfect example of that.

Girls Rock NC is working to create a world where young people feel supported, empowered, and free to create. By providing tools, resources, and political education, we are helping young people to build a more equitable and just society. Our commitment to intergenerational collaboration and holding space for youth to access their power is proving to be an effective and impactful way to create positive change. We are proud to be working together to create a more equitable and just world.

At Notasium, we believe that music should be a part of every child's life. Our 3,000 square foot play space is the perfect place for children of any age to explore the world of music. With open play and birthday parties available, there's something fun for everyone! We also offer group music classes and individual music lessons on a variety of instruments, including piano, guitar, drums, and woodwind and brass instruments. At Notasium, we're passionate about helping children discover the joy of music. Our inspiring 3,000 square foot play space is the perfect place to explore, learn, and create. With open play and birthday parties available, children of all ages can have a blast! Additionally, we offer group music classes and individual music lessons for a range of instruments, including piano, guitar, drums, and woodwind and brass instruments. At Notasium, we strive to awaken a love of music in children of all ages. Our 3,000 square foot play space is the ideal spot for children to discover the wonders of music. From open play to birthday parties, we have something fun for everyone! We also provide group music classes and individual music lessons for a variety of instruments, such as piano, guitar, drums, and woodwind and brass instruments.

At Russell Lacy Music, we never forget that the real joy of mastering music is the art of it: the freedom to create and improvise, to express yourself through the music. We believe that art is a combination of self-expression, exploration, and a journey of discovery. Our faculty is dedicated to developing our students' artistic potential through careful guidance and mentorship. Russell Lacy Music is devoted to helping students become the best musicians they can be. We focus exclusively on teaching music, and understand that it has two parts: craft and art. Our faculty has the expertise and commitment to craft to ensure that every student has a strong foundation. We also recognize that the real joy of mastering music is the art of it, and are devoted to developing our students’ artistic potential through guidance and mentorship.

Welcome to Durham School for Ballet & the Performing Arts, Durham's premier academy for quality training in classical ballet, pointe, modern, contemporary, tap, jazz and aerial dance. We have something to offer everyone, from our children's classes to our student-level classes and our recreational classes for teens and adults. Our instructors have been carefully chosen for their unparalleled teaching and artistic abilities. At Durham School for Ballet & the Performing Arts, we use the American Ballet Theatre's National Training Curriculum in our ballet and pointe classes. This revolutionary 8-level program combines excellent artistic training with an understanding of dancer health and child development. It offers age-appropriate, outcome-based guidelines to ensure the highest quality ballet training for all ages and skill levels. So come join us at Durham School for Ballet & the Performing Arts! Our instructors are dedicated to helping you reach your fullest potential in the world of ballet and other performing arts. We guarantee you won't be disappointed.

Cathy Kielar and her husband Blaise created Music Explorium® in 1999, offering a variety of strings, winds and drums from all over the world. After many years of success, Blaise branched off into a separate business, Electric Violin Shop, in 2005. Cathy has since taken Music Explorium® in a new direction, creating a service business called EXPLORE! RHYTHM events. At EXPLORE! RHYTHM, Cathy and her team are dedicated to creating hands-on rhythm events for fun, education and community building. Their 462-square-foot event room features lots of windows, a pergo floor, a small kitchen, full-size refrigerator and bathroom. And with a large, well-lit parking lot, the facility is conveniently located near Research Triangle Park in Durham, just 10 miles from Cary/Apex and Chapel Hill/Carrboro and 15 miles from Raleigh. Cathy has a passion for drum circle experience and that is what EXPLORE! RHYTHM focuses on. She has created the business with the mission to bring people together through music and rhythm in an engaging and meaningful way. The facility is available to rent for events appropriate to the business mission.

Our award-winning curricula is designed to help children reach their full potential. Our nurturing environment allows kids to express themselves through music, singing, dancing, and imaginative play. Our research-based programs are designed to build on each other, creating a foundation for a lifelong love of music. At Kindermusik, we believe that music education is integral to a child's development. Research suggests that music education can enhance a child's overall learning ability. Our award-winning programs are designed to provide kids with the best possible environment for growth. The programs are tailored to each age level, allowing children to progress through a series of musical explorations. Through this journey, kids learn to appreciate music and develop skills that will stay with them for a lifetime.

At Durham Ballet Theatre, we are dedicated to providing pre-professional training to an eclectic range of dancers. We strive to make the performing arts available to everyone, regardless of their cultural, economic, or artistic background. We strive to bring more opportunities to those communities who are underserved in Durham. We provide lectures and demonstrations to the public, and free performances to those who would not be able to attend otherwise. We also provide facilities for others to be involved in the promotion of the arts. By doing so, we are helping to make sure that everyone has a chance to experience the beauty of dance.

At Winking Moon Art Camp, children have the opportunity to explore their creative side and bring their ideas to life with the help of a second mind and a pair of hands. It is here that they can create, play and even bake a teatime treat for the whole group to enjoy. Weather permitting, we’ll work outdoors, as kids and the outdoors naturally go hand in hand. Every camp day follows a set rhythm. After arriving, the kids have some time to settle in during free play, before the structured activity begins. During the morning art, sewing or creating workshop, I plan an activity while still listening to the children’s own ideas. This is a fantastic way to encourage their imagination and spark their creativity. At Winking Moon Art Camp, it’s all about having fun. There’s no better way to keep kids engaged and entertained than with a mixture of free play, creative activities, and a delicious teatime treat. It is here that children have the opportunity to explore their creative side and bring their ideas to life with the help of a second mind and a pair of hands.

At Music Beyond Measure Studios, we understand the passion and commitment it takes to excel in the world of music. That’s why we strive to create a safe and supportive environment for musicians of all levels and abilities. We’re dedicated to providing the highest quality of instruction and fostering a growth mindset for all of our students. Our experienced team of educators aims to equip you with everything you need to reach your musical goals. Through personalized lessons and a variety of resources, our lessons provide the tools and knowledge to take your music to the next level. We also offer a range of classes and workshops to give our students the opportunity to explore their creative potential. No matter what you’re looking for, Music Beyond Measure Studios is here to help you reach your musical aspirations.

. The Durham Community Concert Band is the perfect place for people of all ages and musical abilities. We play a variety of music, from marches to pop songs to Broadway numbers, to bring joy to audiences in Durham County and the surrounding area. We’ve performed at fairs, celebrations, hospitals, sporting events, churches, and parks. If you’re looking for a way to show off your musical talent while having fun, the Durham Community Concert Band is the perfect place for you! We play a wide range of music, from marches to classical pieces to Broadway hits, and we travel to fairs, celebrations, hospitals, sporting events, churches, and parks throughout Durham County and the surrounding area. Join us today and bring joy to your community!

Walltown's annual program for children and youth offers a full year of artistic instruction. Each August, auditions are held for placement in our company, competition and PLAYers groups, as well as a “Level-Up” evaluation for those wishing to be placed in classes level 4 and above. We offer two main sessions (Session I beginning in August and Session II in February) and two intercessions (Winter/January and Summer/July) to help our students prepare for the upcoming Fall classes. With our January intercession, students have the opportunity to “Level-Up” in the middle of the year. Our Annual showcase in June provides our students with performance opportunities. In addition to our regular instruction, Walltown provides private lessons, labs, workshops and intensives throughout the year. To help students further their skills, we also offer week-long Summer camps in June, July & August. At Walltown, we believe that with the right instruction and guidance, every child and youth can become an artist. Our dedicated team of teachers and staff are here to help our students reach their full potential and explore their creativity in a safe and supportive environment.