Private Lessons
Welcome to Asheville Junior Theater School of Music. We are excited to provide a comprehensive music education to singers in Asheville, NC. Our instructors also serve as technical coaches for private lessons, helping individuals and groups to reach their full potential. Whether you’re interested in performing in musicals, choir, learning an instrument or just improving your technique as a soloist, our instructors are here to meet your musical needs.
Policies
Payment is due at the time of service. Lessons will not be held for students with an unpaid balance for private lessons. Instructors have the right to discontinue lessons at any time.
Refunds: If an instructor must cancel a lesson, you will not be charged. Lessons canceled by students are refundable as long as the cancelation is not within 24 hours of the lesson time. Lesson payment is due in full if the student is a no-show.
Staff
Learn more about our skilled vocal and musical instructors before you book a lesson. But, you won’t be sorry! They are amazing musicians and teachers!
Melena Dillingham
Voice and Piano
Melena began playing piano at the age of 8. She served as an accompanist for her school’s choirs in middle school and began studying voice at age 13. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre and Piano Performance from Mars Hill University, and her Master Degree from The Ohio State University in Community and Educational Leadership. She has spent the last 20 years as a lessons instructor and professional musician. Some of her favorite musical theater highlights include playing The Witch in Into The Woods, Ruth in The Pirates of Penzance, and Michaela in Carmen. However, after having the pleasure of being hired as the Musical Director for a high school production of Pippin, she discovered her true passion is helping the next generation of young artists come into their own and discover the magical world of musical theater.
LITTLE WOMEN: Full-length Broadway version
LIttle Women will be our first theatrical production in our NEW Conservatory Program (Ages 13+)
Advanced Performance Track
The Conservatory Program is designed for dedicated TEEN and ADULT performers who are ready to take their craft to the next level. This program is for focused actors, singers, and dancers who want to train seriously, grow in technique, and perform alongside other highly committed artists.
Conservatory students participate in structured training across all three core disciplines:
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Acting: scene study, character development, emotional truth, and script analysis
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Singing: healthy vocal technique, musicality, ensemble blend, and audition repertoire building
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Dance: musical theatre styles, storytelling through movement, and technical foundations
Students in this program are expected to be actively growing their skills by enrolling in ongoing AJT classes in acting, voice, and dance throughout the season. Continued training is an essential part of the Conservatory experience and helps support the rigor of the rehearsal and performance process.
The Conservatory is a high-engagement track for performers who love theatre and are motivated to be challenged in a supportive yet rigorous environment. We welcome students who show maturity, focus, passion, and a genuine desire to grow.