Wharton Institute for the Performing Arts Launches Lifelong Learning

    BERKELEY HEIGHTS, NJ, September 30, 2021 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Wharton Institute for the Performing Arts launches a new division of study with its Lifelong Learning program as part of the 2021-22 season. In response to the growing community need for more and better opportunities to improve quality of life and outlets to stay fulfilled and connected throughout one's lifetime, Wharton Arts is offering in-person and online group classes as well as private and semi-private music lessons for adults of all ability levels.

The Lifelong Learning program will not only further the organization's mission to offer accessible, high quality performing arts education that sparks personal growth and builds inclusive communities, but looks to help ease fears often associated with the challenge of learning new skills, regardless of age. Taught by Wharton's esteemed Performing Arts School faculty, this program is considered invaluable to adults seeking vital social participation and sustained growth and happiness. Wharton Arts offers private instruction in all instruments and voice and an array of group classes.

Said Artistic Director Helen H. Cha-Pyo, "Playing an instrument is not only good for your mind but also good for your emotional well-being, and it's never too late to start. Whether you choose to take voice lessons, join a harp circle, or learn to play in a band, I believe our lives are enriched by actively participating in making music."

"It is well known and acknowledged that the ability to continue learning at any age is extremely important for one's overall mental health," said Peter H. Gistelinck, Executive Director at the Wharton Institute for the Performing Arts. "And as it relates to Wharton's new five-year strategic plan, we are extremely excited to offer this new learning opportunity that will continue to grow and expand over the years to come."

For a limited time, a special $50 discount is available for adults enrolling in Wharton's Lifelong Learning program. For more information, visit WhartonArts.org/lifelong-learning.

The Wharton Institute for the Performing Arts' mission is to offer accessible, high quality performing arts education that sparks personal growth and builds inclusive communities.

Wharton is New Jersey's largest independent non-profit community performing arts education center serving over 1,500 students through a range of classes and ensembles including the 15 ensembles of the New Jersey Youth Symphony, which serve 500 students in grades 3 – 12 by audition. Beginning with Pathways classes for young children, Wharton offers private lessons, group classes, and ensembles for all ages and all abilities at the Performing Arts School. With the belief in the positive and unifying influence of music and the performing arts and that arts education should be accessible to all people regardless of their ability to pay, Wharton teaches all instruments and voice and has a robust musical theater program. Based in Paterson, New Jersey, the Paterson Music Project is an El Sistema-inspired program of the Wharton Institute for the Performing Arts that uses music as a vehicle for social change by empowering and inspiring children through the community experience of ensemble learning and playing.

Wharton Institute for the Performing Arts is located in Berkeley Heights, New Providence and Paterson, NJ and reaches students from 10 counties. All of Wharton's extraordinary faculty members and conductors hold degrees in their teaching specialty and have been vetted and trained to enable our students to achieve their personal best.

# # #