Business Details
37 Years
experience
Your Premier Performing Arts School in Grafton, MA
For over three decades, Apple Tree Arts has provided a welcoming space for music and theatre education in our community. Founded in 1989 in Grafton, Massachusetts, our organization began with early childhood music classes and has expanded to include private instruction, theatre productions, community concerts, and outreach programs. We believe the arts enhance human experience through self-expression and discipline, offering programs for all ages and abilities.Our vision includes advocating for early childhood music education, building partnerships, and creating a strong local arts community. Supported by tuition, grants, and private donations, we serve over 3,000 individuals annually through qualified faculty and dedicated staff. Our historic venue at One Grafton Common serves as a central gathering place for artistic and educational activities.
Services
Private Music Lessons
Theatre Productions
Community Chorus
Early Childhood Classes
Summer Programs
Details
- Year established: 1989
Highlights and features
- We offer arts education for all ages since 1989
- Our programs cater to diverse abilities and identities
- We provide community-centered arts experiences in a historic venue
- Our qualified instructors specialize in music and theatre education
- We create pathways for artistic growth from childhood through adulthood
What people say
Welcoming space
Transform lives
Strong community
Creative expression
Lifelong skills
Services
Private Music Lessons
Private instrumental and vocal instruction tailored for children and adults. Our certified instructors provide personalized curriculum focusing on technique, musicality, and performance skills. Lessons accommodate all skill levels from beginners through advanced students seeking professional development opportunities.
Theatre Productions
Comprehensive theatre programs including acting, singing, and dance training. Participants engage in full-scale productions, learning technical aspects like set design while developing performance skills. Programs available for youth and adults with varying experience levels throughout the year.
Early Childhood Classes
Specialized Musikgarten classes for children from birth through age nine. Our programs combine music and movement to develop cognitive skills and creativity through interactive play. Designed to establish foundational musical concepts while fostering parent-child bonding experiences.
Community Chorus
Vocal ensemble opportunities for teens and adults. The program focuses on choral technique, musical interpretation, and collaborative performance. Regular concerts showcase diverse repertoire ranging from classical to contemporary works in our historic performance space.
Summer Programs
Intensive summer music and theatre programs for skill development. Offerings include instrumental camps, musical theatre workshops, and specialized instruction tracks. Designed to maintain artistic engagement during school breaks while providing performance opportunities for families.
People
Lisa Scarlett
Theatre Arts Director
With decades of experience in community theatre, Lisa Scarlett leads our drama programs and produces multiple annual performances. Her expertise spans directing, playwriting, and technical theatre production for diverse audiences.
Tom Hojnacki
Music Director
Seasoned musician and educator Tom Hojnacki oversees our music instruction programs. He coordinates faculty development and maintains curriculum standards across both instrumental and vocal instruction disciplines.
Carolyn Hoey
Development Director
Carolyn Hoey manages fundraising initiatives and community partnerships. Her work ensures program sustainability through grants, sponsorships, and donor relations while expanding access to arts education.
Liz Colognesi
Communications Director
Liz Colognesi coordinates marketing efforts and community engagement. She develops outreach strategies to promote programs and maintains communication channels with students, families, and supporters.
Corbin Calloway
Registrar
Corbin Calloway manages enrollment and administrative operations. He ensures smooth program registration and maintains student records while providing front-line support to participants.
Questions
What performing arts programs do you offer for children?
We provide early childhood music classes, private music lessons, and theatre programs for children aged birth through teenagers. Programs emphasize creativity, skill development, and performance opportunities in a supportive environment.
Are there adult arts education opportunities available?
Yes, we offer private music instruction and community chorus participation for adults. Our programs accommodate all skill levels and provide ongoing artistic development for mature learners.
What is your location and facilities like?
We operate from the historic Grafton Townhouse at One Grafton Common. Our restored space includes teaching studios and performance venues that serve as central gathering places for community arts activities.
How can I support Apple Tree Arts?
You can support us through tuition payments, financial donations, corporate sponsorships, or volunteer assistance. Visit our website to explore giving options and partnership opportunities that sustain our programs.
What makes your programs unique compared to other arts schools?
Our programs combine technical skill development with community engagement, emphasizing accessibility for all ages and abilities. We maintain a historic venue while offering contemporary approaches to arts education and performance.
Reviews (5)
Steve Lotterman
Aug 23, 2021
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Apple Tree Arts has offered me the opportunity to share my singing in the community chorus for several years. In addition my daughter was able to improve her flute playing skills with the private lessons Apple Tree offers.
Paul Scarlett
Aug 10, 2021
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The poise and confidence my children developed through Apple Tree Arts' theater programs are lifelong attributes that will continue to positively impact them for the rest of their lives. Public speaking? No problem!
Angelo Mirabile
Feb 18, 2019
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The 144 art pieces, on display was spactular. The venue was outstanding but a glass of wine for $9.00 was way over the top. Really.come on guys! I realize this event was the first one and might I add very well done. Well coordinated by talented people. The finger food was acceptable and a good varity. Work on that wine price! I could have purchased a bottle!
Jacob Castiglione
May 24, 2018
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Nice community center with fun adult programs and excellent community support and participation. Join for entertainment and fellowship or enjoy the concerts and performances by neighbors and friends.
Erinn Wall
Apr 24, 2014
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We have used Apple Tree Arts for our children for the last 8 years. We love their program and have used it from ages 2 up through private lessons. Miss Jan is wonderful with children - all my kids just love her and we are excited that our youngest is going to start her first class with Jan this fall. Our middle child takes keyboard and our oldest is now taking private piano lessons and they are both doing very well.
The new building is wonderful and will continue to improve as funding comes along to rehabilitate the space. It is a huge improvement over the old facilities and we are excited to continue to be part of the ATA family.
The new building is wonderful and will continue to improve as funding comes along to rehabilitate the space. It is a huge improvement over the old facilities and we are excited to continue to be part of the ATA family.
