Nearly 15 years ago, TakeLessons began as a platform for musicians to teach their craft. But it has since welcomed such an impressive menagerie of talent that students can now also meet an astrologist, dancer, painter or nutritionist on any given Tuesday afternoon.
Every day, thousands of specialized instructors log on for one-on-one mentorships or lively group discussions around infinite passions that bring like-minded people together. Within TakeLessons is such a surprising marketplace of experts that you might forget what you came for in the first place.
Come for the xylophone lesson, stay for the group yoga and French class.
These instructors are also incredibly diverse in their expertise. Many of them enjoy the camaraderie their sessions offer so much that they push themselves to teach beyond their daily practice. Kelvin L. teaches Celtic fiddle violin and gardening to boot.
This is a group of people who empower you to push yourself – perhaps in subjects you didn’t even know you wanted to learn but now find yourself immersed in a community of lifelong learners also on their way toward something that could be everlasting.
Who knows? Maybe Qigong is what you need.
Below is a list of unexpected offerings at TakeLessons. Here, there are so many devoted instructors vying to not only teach you something new but also to share something special with you. Enjoy your class(es), maybe we’ll see you at the next open mic!
1) Live Open Mic Nights
This weekly, live group class is almost always full and always a raucous hit. Music teacher Reina M. has a vivacious, infectious energy that not only makes for an incredible session but empowers you to shake out your jitters and just show ’em what you got. Reina welcomes all performing artists – including here musicians, poets, songwriters or painters – to come to open mic and share with us your talents or cheer on your peers. Break a leg!
2) Laughter Workshops + Improv
If you’re not an aspiring actor, you might not think improv is necessary. (Wait, what is improv? A form of live theater in which the dialogue is made up right there on the spot. Oh, boy!) However! Theater instructor Christine A. says that “the art of improv is a great learning tool for team building, spontaneity, listening, being present, public speaking, communicating one-on-one, learning to say yes, respecting one another and self-confidence.”
If you want to build your self-esteem and simply work on becoming more present, improv is absolutely for you. Christine’s sessions are lively and interactive, with laughter exercises, humor, and empowerment. Muster the courage and enjoy yourself!
3) Belly Dancing
Known as one of the oldest forms of dance, belly dancing features movements from the hips and torso rather than the legs and feet. TakeLessons’ belly dance instructor Nikkal F. has over 20 years of experience as an entertainer, instructor, and choreographer and also has training in music and aerobics. Explore a new way to move and enjoy this beautiful ritual in dancing.
4) Zen Calligraphy
As you prepare to send out holiday greetings to family and friends this season, first learn the beautiful philosophy and art of traditional Japanese writing. Zen calligraphy (called “Shodo” in Japanese) is learning how to write characters and words beautifully while also strengthening and connecting with the body, mind, and spirit. As art instructor Toshi M. shares, “It is to write with your heart.”
Although novice calligraphers are welcome, tools needed to complete the class include a calligraphy brush, inkstone, ink, and paper. If not taking this class for yourself, these tools and session combined would make for a lovely gift for a friend: Writing practice and the art of Zen.
5) Pocket Billiards Coach
This is more than a quick game of pool at the corner bar. Billiards instructor Joseph B. strives to first focus on the psychology of the game – strengthen your mindset before mastering strategy. As Joseph says, “The goal is independence and pleasure of progress.” Here you will learn technique, your own style, and you’ll build on confidence. And, if you’re in the same area, he’ll happily meet you at your local pool hall.
6) Origami
What a wonderful opportunity to work with your hands and create unexpected pieces of art! Instructor Haggit S. has been teaching origami to students both young and old for years and says that her craft far exceeds mere paper artwork. Learning how to make origami shapes compels students to engage in math, patience, concentration, and problem solving. “Most importantly,” she says, “people of all ages gain self-esteem as they succeed in finishing a model and take pride in their work.”
7) Astrology Readings
Astrology reader and Feng Shui expert Donna S. brings over 25 years of experience to TakeLessons. Her incredible sessions provide for you chart readings on predictions, relationships, events, finances, and health. Moreover, she is a well-known, best-selling author who also contributes weekly to Horoscope.com as well as Astrology.com.
If you’d like to learn how to read astrology charts on your own, consider a class with Tami M. as well!
8) Life Coaching
Part of our mission at TakeLessons is to empower students to achieve more and improve their quality of life. Zelda’s work here focuses on just that: building practices within your daily life that foster clarity, understanding, and tranquility to meet both personal and professional goals, maintain a sense of peace and patience, and live with confidence. Zelda’s abundant career in music and voice coaching is also incredibly reassuring – she is a thoughtful mentor and organized strategist and encourages you to make a plan and see it through.
9) Flexibility Training
Minimizing stress begins with relieving physical tension in the body. If your to-do list overwhelms you, prioritize your health first. TakeLessons instructor George K. has practiced Tai Chi, Qigong, Kung Fu, and meditation for over 25 years and teaches gentle stretching positions that can relax, strengthen, and improve your upper and lower body flexibility. Ahh.
Join Flexibility Training Here
10) Fire Hula Hooping
You will have so much fun with Morgan J. As a hula hoop performer and instructor for over a decade, Morgan excitedly teaches basic hoop movements, multi-hooping, choreography, and, yes, fire dance and performance safety.
TakeLessons Team