Community School of the Arts Campuses

The Fort Smith campus of the Community School of the Arts is a vibrant hub for performing and visual arts programming accessible to all ages and skill levels. Located along the scenic riverfront, it specializes in private lessons, group classes, and ensemble experiences in music, theatre, dance, and visual arts. The campus emphasizes community involvement, creativity, and professional instruction to inspire artistic expression and personal growth through diverse offerings tailored to individual interests.

• Music Lessons: Private and group instruction in piano, guitar, voice, strings, winds, brass, and percussion.
• Theatre Programs: Acting classes, musical theatre, improvisation, and full-scale productions for youth and adults.
• Dance Classes: Ballet, jazz, tap, hip-hop, and contemporary dance for beginners to advanced dancers.
• Visual Arts: Drawing, painting, pottery, sculpture, and digital arts workshops.
• Ensemble and Performance Groups: Choirs, bands, orchestras, and theatre troupes with regular public shows.
• Special Workshops: Summer camps, masterclasses, and holiday-themed arts events.

This campus fosters a collaborative atmosphere where students perform in high-quality productions and exhibitions, building confidence and skills. With experienced faculty and modern facilities, it serves as the premier arts education center in the region, promoting cultural enrichment and lifelong passion for the arts.

The Marion campus of the Community School of the Arts provides accessible arts education in a welcoming downtown location, focusing on music, visual arts, and performing arts for community members of all ages. It offers private lessons, group classes, and performance opportunities designed to develop technical skills, creativity, and artistic confidence in a supportive setting.

• Music Instruction: Individual lessons in piano, voice, guitar, violin, winds, and percussion instruments.
• Visual Arts Programs: Classes in drawing, painting, printmaking, and crafts.
• Performing Arts: Theatre workshops, choir, and ensemble groups.
• Youth and Adult Classes: Age-specific group sessions and enrichment programs.
• Recitals and Shows: Regular student performances and community events.

Dedicated to enriching the local community, the campus features talented instructors and a variety of courses that cater to beginners and experienced artists alike, encouraging ongoing engagement with the arts.

The Wheaton campus of the Community School of the Arts is housed in the state-of-the-art Armerding Center for Music and the Arts at Wheaton College. This campus specializes in high-quality music and visual arts education for students of all ages, from birth to adult, serving over 1,000 students annually from the Chicagoland area. With a focus on individualized instruction delivered by faculty holding advanced degrees, the programs integrate technical skill development with a Christian worldview, emphasizing personal growth, artistic excellence, and community engagement through performances and recitals.

• Private Music Lessons: Comprehensive offerings in piano, organ, violin, viola, cello, bass, flute, oboe, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, horn, trombone, euphonium, tuba, percussion, voice, guitar, and harp.
• Early Childhood Music Programs: Music Makers at the Keyboard and other interactive classes for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers to foster early musical development.
• Suzuki Method: Rigorous programs for strings and piano, including group lessons, orchestra participation, and annual concerto concerts.
• Visual Arts Classes: Studio art courses in drawing, painting, sculpture, and mixed media for children, youth, and adults.
• Group Ensembles and Choirs: Opportunities for chamber music, jazz ensembles, choirs, and orchestras.
• Adult Enrichment: Continuing education classes and lessons tailored for adult learners seeking hobby or advanced study.

The campus's academic focus is on holistic arts training, encouraging lifelong appreciation for music and visual arts. Students benefit from professional facilities, including recital halls and studios, and participate in numerous public performances, nurturing both artistic talent and character development in a supportive environment.