School is back in session, but the fun times of summer don’t have to stop. Whether it’s a new post-class activity to enliven your child’s weekly routine, or a class to enrich their learning, you can find it here. South Pas has a multitude of offerings, services, and activities catered towards kids.
Music Lessons
In-person or online, one-on-one or in a group up to six… South Pasadena Arts & Music Academy (SPAMA) was created to be a place where anyone, no matter their age, experience, or interests could come to receive the gift of music. Instruction is offered for instruments ranging from piano, cello, violin, guitar, and drums to more unique ones including ukulele, oboe, and banjo. Songwriting, music theory, and voice lessons are also popular offerings at SPAMA.
“Although we do enormously appreciate the dedication and sheer determination that it takes to be a virtuoso or professional musician, we understand that not all music lovers necessarily dream so grandly; not everyone has the same motivation for learning or takes the same musical path. Does this mean then that this sacred gift of music is off-limits for most people? We never thought so. And we’ve spent a great deal of our lives proving that music is for every adult and child who desires to open themselves to it. We’ve seen it change people’s lives and SPAMA was opened to give experienced, passionate and dedicated music instructors an opportunity to bring that gift to as many people as possible.”
803 Fremont Ave. South Pasadena, CA 91030
(626) 808-4031
Click here to book an intro lesson
Michael Campagna is a South Pasadena based guitar and songwriting teacher. As the previous Creative Director for the South Pasadena Music Center for 15 years, Campagna works well with students of all ages, levels and situations. He prides himself on getting students up and playing quickly and describes his teaching style as endeavoring to learn how the student best learns. He wants to help students find what’s in their heart and be a catalyst for awakening that, rather than impart any particular philosophy or method on them. Michael also works as a professional songwriter, performer and digital artist. His accomplishments have ranged from playing with the industrial band Psychic TV to co-writing songs for well-known R&B singers like Chaka Khan, Jennifer Holiday, and Maxine Nightingale.
Fully vaccinated, Michael is available for private lessons in the comfort of your home, or for online sessions via FaceTime for intermediate and advanced learners.
(626) 644-3084
Math Tutoring & Homework Help
At Mathnasium South Pasadena, a math-only learning center, students in K-8 are taught math in ways that make sense to them. If your child is falling behind in their math class at school, needs help tackling homework, or wants to brush up on their knowledge before for an upcoming test, this is an excellent resource. The team leads with a unique and encouraging approach that truly helps kids thrive and learn. A free assessment and trial is offered to begin the program, and after that, the accomodating weekday and weekend schedule (for both in-person and at-home learners) offers flexibility for each student and their families.
1109 Fair Oaks Avenue, South Pasadena CA 91030
(626) 532-7587
https://www.mathnasium.com/southpasadena
Art Classes
ART / WORK / PLACE’s mission is to provide art education that uniquely exceeds any other arts program available. Students are provided a strong foundation of fine art principles while encouraging their creativity. Programs are crafted for specific age groups:
“Mini Makers 3-5” introduces students to new materials, imaginative art projects and creative activities through a blend of group activities and individual exploration.
“Youth One 6-8” encourages your child to think like an artist while exploring materials and methods. The focus is on progress and creativity, not perfection.
“Youth Two 9-18” is customizable and is broken down into five sections: Study, Explore, Create, Observe, and Imagine. Each section represents an important aspect of fine art training. When students begin classes, they start a journey that not only builds skills, but also introduce possibilities.
1414 Fair Oaks Avenue, Suite 1B, South Pasadena, CA, 91030
(626) 578-5626
http://www.myartworkplace.com/
Click here to book an introductory lesson
Theatre Programs
With an approach that includes acting, singing, and dancing, Upstage students learn to speak more clearly, move more easily, and act with confidence. After school and in-school enrichment programs and premier musical theatre programs and classes for kids and teens are available. Upcoming productions include Legally Blonde Jr. and Once Upon A Mattress.
For questions, contact Tara Kawakami: (626) 399-3826
https://www.upstageschools.com/
Young Stars Theatre‘s year-round program is a community theatre project primarily for actors ages 18 and under. It is designed to give these younger actors an opportunity to perform roles they might not otherwise have access to, and to allow them to learn their craft in a supportive environment while performing for live audiences. The upcoming show is a production of Frozen Jr. and first-timers are encouraged to audition. If this your first time auditioning for YST (or for anything!), don’t worry, they will help you have your best audition!
1000 Fremont Ave. South Pasadena, CA 91030
(626) 269-3609
https://www.youngstarstheatre.org/
Child Development
Professional Child Development Associates is a non-profit organization that offers a range of multidisciplinary screening, evaluation, therapy, and specialized services for children, birth through 21 years of age, and their families, when there are any concerns or problems in development, behavior, or social relationships at home, school, or in the community. PCDA’s multi-disciplinary team includes professionals from the fields of social work, psychology, marriage and family therapy, occupational therapy, speech language pathology, dietetics, music therapy, art therapy, specialists in child development, and parents of children with special needs. Services are provided at their Pasadena office, several satellite locations, a child’s home or school, and in other agencies within greater Los Angeles County.
620 North Lake Avenue Pasadena, CA 91101
(626) 793-7350
