To offer a wide range of engaging, affordable, high-quality classes to curious adults, in a welcoming community that sparks creativity, exploration, and growth.
Who We Are
Established in 1870, Cambridge Center for Adult Education is a non-profit organization located in the heart of Harvard Square. We provide exceptional hands-on multidisciplinary educational classes, from art and cooking, to theater and life & wellness, to languages and literature. We welcome students from all walks of life to join us to expand your worldview, develop your professional skill set, take up a new hobby, or simply to have fun and make new friends in a community of life-long learners.
Diverse Classes
Fun and Supportive Atmosphere
Welcoming Community
Knowledgeable Instructors
Central Location
We are committed to inclusion. At CCAE, we strive to create a welcoming environment where everyone feels respected, supported, and valued. We celebrate diversity and value the unique perspectives that each person brings. Our commitment to inclusion is at the heart of who we are and how we work.
Catalog Directory
Wednesday, November 5,
Monday, January 12, 2026
Monday–Thursday: 9am–8pm
Friday: 9am–7pm
Saturday–Sunday*: 9am–4pm
*Closed on Sundays if no classes are running. Office hours are subject to change. See ccae.org for more details.
HOLIDAYS
CCAE will be closed and no classes will be held on:
Martin Luther King Jr. Day: Monday, January 19, 2026
Presidents’ Day: Monday, February 16, 2026
CONNECT WITH US
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CLASS FORMAT
All classes are In-Person unless marked by the following icons:
Food & Wine
COOKING
BASIC CULINARY SKILLS & TECHNIQUES
Dagmar Smith | Chef, Graduate: Cambridge School of Culinary Arts
This class is for students who want to develop classic cooking skills that will help them understand recipes as well as how to confidently improvise in the kitchen. The class covers essential knife skills, cuts of meat, where to shop, and kitchen equipment. The first two nights will emphasize knife skills. Each night of this hands-on cooking class, students will make a complete meal from appetizer to dessert. Recipes will include a diverse range of cuisines with increasing complexity to give students confidence and comfortability in the kitchen.
COURSE CODE: BCST
Sec. 01: 6 Thursdays, 6-9pm. Begins Jan. 8 | $495
Sec. 02: 6 Thursdays, 6-9pm. Begins Feb. 26 | $495
FUNDAMENTAL TECHNIQUES: SOUPS & STOCKS
Malcolm Jackson | Recipe Developer, Culinary Instructor
Understanding how to make a good stock is a critical skill in the kitchen, not only for good soups, but for any number of dishes. This class covers both meat based and vegetarian based stocks. We’ll learn how to make an incredible tomato soup, a leek and potato soup, and a seasonal meat and vegetable based soup utilizing the meat stock made in class.
COURSE CODE: STOK
Sec. 01: Monday, 6-9pm. Jan. 26 | $100
“The instructor thoughtfully planned the evening with a terrific balance of information, hands-on learning, and working together. The results were delicious!”
– LAURA B., REGIONAL AMERICAN CUISINE: THE MID-ATLANTIC
GLUTEN-FREE & ALLERGY-FRIENDLY COOKING
John Peredina | Culinary Instructor, Owner of ChefCraft LLC
Learn to cook gluten-free and allergy-friendly meals without sacrificing flavor! In this fun three-hour class, you'll make gluten-free bread rolls, fresh pasta with dairy-free pesto, chicken and veggie stir-fry, and a rich flourless chocolate cake. You will leave with new tips, tricks, and hands-on practice!
COURSE CODE: GFAF
Sec. 01: Wednesday, 6-9pm. Jan. 28 | $115
HEARTY WINTER VEGETARIAN MEALS
Denise Blumenthal & Jennifer Pearce | Culinary Instructors
As the temperatures drop and the nights grow longer, it’s the perfect time to cozy up in the kitchen and fill your home with the comforting aromas of winter cooking. In this hands-on class, we’ll explore hearty, flavorful vegetarian dishes-from a savory appetizer and a wildly popular bean stew to a bright winter salad with dates, avocado, and citrus, plus a fresh twist on roasted root vegetables. These easy-to-make recipes will keep you nourished through the coldest months-and maybe all year long. Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian, a curious beginner, or somewhere in between, come hungry and ready to cook.
COURSE CODE: HWVM
Sec. 01: 1 Saturday, 1-4pm. Feb. 7 | $115
THE COST OF TUITION COVERS ALL FOOD AND BEVERAGES FEES FOR IN-PERSON CLASSES.
COOKING WITH LOW TEMPERATURES: REVERSE SEARING, SOUS VIDE, AND MORE
Malcolm Jackson | Recipe Developer, Culinary Instructor
Delve into the art of precision cooking with this class on low temperature methods and sous vide techniques. Learn the fundamentals of using and mastering the immersion circulator for sous vide cooking, where temperatures can be set with incredible accuracy. Discover the secrets behind reverse searing thick-cut beef or pork to achieve a perfectly cooked interior, and a crisp, flavorful exterior. From delicate fish filets and vibrant vegetables to silky hollandaise sauces, uncover how sous vide can transform your culinary creations with unparalleled consistency and flavor. Perfect for beginners and enthusiasts alike.
COURSE CODE: LOWT
Sec. 01: Monday, 6-9pm. Feb. 23 | $115
KITCHEN CLASH: MYSTERY BASKET EDITION
John Peredina | Culinary Instructor, Owner of ChefCraft LLC
Ever dreamed of competing on your favorite cooking show?
Ready to cook under pressure? In this thrilling class you will split up into teams and compete to create standout dishes using surprise ingredients. With 90 minutes to cook, a pantry of essentials, and guidance from pro chefs, it’s all about creativity, teamwork, and fun. Prizes, tasting, and bragging rights included!
COURSE CODE: KCMB
Sec. 01: 1 Friday, 6-9pm. Mar. 6 | $115
BRUNCH MASTERCLASS: EGGS BENEDICT
Elisha Eisen | Graduate, The Culinary Institute of America
Master the art of this beloved brunch classic to wow your guests or treat yourself. Learn to poach eggs, whisk a silky hollandaise, and bring everything together into a perfect plate. Gain practical kitchen skills you can use well beyond breakfast.
COURSE CODE: EGGB
Sec. 01: Wednesday, 6-9pm. Mar. 11 | $105
BASIC KNIFE SKILLS
Malcolm Jackson | Recipe Developer, Culinary Instructor
Honing your knife skills is the most important way to finesse your artistry in the kitchen. Through a combination of demonstration and class practice, you will learn how to chop, dice, and slice like a pro. The instructor will demonstrate cutting techniques for a variety of different vegetables and students will practice with guidance from the instructor. You’ll also learn about sharpening your knife, the many different types of knives and their applications, as well as general knife care. At the end of the night we’ll make a meal which showcases all the cuts including seasonally appropriate vegetables, entrée, and dessert.
COURSE CODE: KNIF
Sec. 01: Monday, 6-9pm. Mar. 23 | $115
COOKING WITH AI: TRADITION MEETS TECHNOLOGY
John Peredina | Culinary Instructor, Owner of ChefCraft LLC
A fun and innovative class that compares AI-generated recipes with traditional favorites from cookbooks, magazines, and grandma’s kitchen. We will split into teams to cook AI-generated recipes and classic favorites such as: bruschetta; chicken pasta with honey lemon cream versus chicken alfredo; and chocolate avocado chili pudding versus grandma’s chocolate cake or cannoli. Taste, judge, and laugh as you explore new skills and flavors in this interactive class!
COURSE CODE: COAI
Sec. 01: Wednesday, 6-9pm. Mar. 18 | $115
INTRODUCTION TO COFFEE TASTING
Tyler Wood | Coffee Educator, George Howell Coffee
In this class, expert staff from George Howell Coffee will guide students through the “cupping” process, the industry-standard method for tasting and evaluating coffee quality. Together, we’ll explore the world of coffee origins by cupping selections from the key growing regions from which we source: Central America, South America, and Africa. We’ll delve into the concept of terroir and how each region is unique in its flavor and ecology.
COURSE CODE: ITCT
Sec. 01: Saturday, 10am-12pm. Jan. 17 | $55
HOME ESPRESSO BREWING
Tyler Wood | Coffee Educator, George Howell Coffee
In this class, experts from George Howell Coffee will guide students through everything involved in setting up a home espresso bar. We'll start by exploring the essential equipment and what to consider when shopping for home gear. Next, we'll demonstrate how to prepare a proper espresso shot, covering key brewing and extraction fundamentals. After mastering the shot, students will learn how to steam milk for various drinks and practice pouring basic latte art.
COURSE CODE: ESPR
Sec. 01: Saturday, 10am-12pm. Feb. 7 | $90
REGIONAL AMERICAN CUISINE: PACIFIC NORTHWEST
Sheri Boyden | Nutritionist and Culinary Instructor
By the mid-1800s America stretched from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean, and the Pacific Northwest, a region with a wealth of Indigenous food resources, was a desirable place to settle. However, this region that includes the states of Oregon, Washington, and Alaska did not find its distinctive culinary style until recently. Come cook alongside Sheri; together we will make Seared Halibut with Brussels Sprout Hash, Wild Mushroom Bread Pudding, and an Apple Galette. We will toast our success with a retro-cool cocktail from the 1960’s, Trader Vic’s ‘Eye of the (Space) Needle’s, Panorama Punch! As with Sheri’s other classes, there will be an appetizer to enjoy while we cook together.
COURSE CODE: RPNW
Sec. 01: Tuesday, 6-9pm. Jan. 27 | $115
REGIONAL AMERICAN CUISINE: HAWAI’I
Sheri Boyden | Nutritionist and Culinary Instructor
The first Hawai’ians, Polynesian colonists, lived for nearly 1,500 years untouched by any other settler group and their traditional cuisine reflects that. But then, over a span of only 120 years, that food culture was influenced by seven major settler groups leading to a cuisine that utilizes specialty ingredients, that has multicultural cooking techniques and attitude that is Hawai’ian cuisine of today! In celebration of this festive time of year, we will be making party fare, with heavy pupus or appetizers, like Kim Chee Dip, Crispy Gau Gee with Shoyu Mustard, and Pan Sushi Dynamite-an ingenious way to feed a crowd sushi. Our evening will also include a Hawaiian-inspired cocktail and end on a sweet note with Macadamia Nut Cream Tarts.
COURSE CODE: RACH
Sec. 01: Tuesday, 6-9pm. Mar. 17 | $115
SANTA FE KITCHEN
John Peredina | Culinary Instructor, Owner of ChefCraft LLC
Dive into the vibrant flavors of Santa Fe, New Mexico in this hands-on class! Learn to make green chile stew, blue corn enchiladas, calabacitas, and sweet biscochitos cookies. Discover the fusion of Native American, Mexican, and Spanish traditions while roasting chiles, assembling dishes, and baking treats. Enjoy tasting your creations and exploring bold Southwestern spices!
COURSE CODE: SFEK
Sec. 01: 1 Friday, 6-9pm. Apr. 3 | $115
MAKING MOZZARELLA
Maria Salgueiro | Cheese Making Instructor
Mozzarella is a beloved fresh cheese from the Naples region of Italy. As complex as this cheese seems, with its pasta filata texture, it is surprisingly easy to make! Experience mozzarella-making from milk to cheese (with a secret shortcut to ensure that you can recreate it at home) and impress your tribe. We’ll also learn how to enjoy this cheese with some snack and wine pairings.
COURSE CODE: MOZZ
Sec. 01: 1 Saturday, 1-3pm. Mar. 7 | $105
SAY CHEESE! A HANDS-ON CHARCUTERIE BOARD MAKING EXPERIENCE
Jacob Lavoie | Food & Wine Program Director
Learn how to create a stunning and delicious cheese board that’s perfect for entertaining or a cozy night in. This hands-on class will guide you through selecting the right cheeses, charcuterie, and tasty accompaniments, plus tips for artful arrangement and even wine pairing ideas. Let’s build a board that’s as beautiful as it is delicious, just in time for your next gathering!
COURSE CODE: CBME
Sec. 01: Monday, 6-8pm. Mar. 16 | $95
PERFECTING PIZZA: FROM DOUGH TO DELICIOUS
John Peredina | Culinary Instructor, Owner of ChefCraft LLC
Master the art of crafting delicious pizzas from scratch! In just three hours, you'll learn to mix and knead dough, make a classic tomato sauce, prepare fresh toppings, and bake the perfect pie. This class is hands-on, fun, and full of flavor. Let’s get our aprons on, ovens hot, and get cooking!
COURSE CODE: PPDD
Sec. 01: 1 Friday, 6-9pm. Jan. 23 | $100
SIMPLY SICILIAN COOKING
John Peredina | Culinary Instructor, Owner of ChefCraft LLC
Transport your taste buds to Sicily in this interactive three-hour class! You'll make classic caponata, handmade busiate pasta with Trapanese pesto, savory chicken alla cacciatora, and finish with creamy cannoli cups. A delicious journey through bold, rustic Sicilian flavors!
COURSE CODE: SISI
Sec. 01: 1 Friday, 6-9pm. Feb. 27 | $115 Rent our kitchen and find out
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PESTO MAKING: THE TRADITIONAL LIGURIAN WAY
Lucia Campo | Native Speaker, WSET Level 3 Certificate
Spring carries the scent of the sea, fresh basil, and just a hint of garlic. Imagine yourself in Italy, gazing at the Mediterranean Sea with a plate of linguine al pesto before you... and you made that pesto with your own hands! In this class, you'll learn to prepare it the traditional Ligurian way with fresh ingredients, mortar, and pestle, and discover how many aromas come alive. We will conclude by tasting our pesto with fresh bread and learning how to pair it with local wines.
COURSE CODE: PEST
Sec. 01: Tuesday, 5:30-7:30pm. Mar. 24 | $105
A MIDDLE EASTERN BRUNCH FEAST
Lala Thaddeus | Cooking Instructor & Food Writer
Arab cuisine is known for its colorful dinnertime meze spreads, but this region dishes out hearty breakfast and brunch spreads, too. Learn to make nationally beloved dishes like hummus, ful medemas (fava bean spread), and cilbir eggs in this traditional-meets-contemporary interactive cooking class. While waiting for everything to come together, we’ll have pita, za’atar, and cardamom tea to snack on. This class is suitable for vegetarians and vegans.
COURSE CODE: MEBR
Sec. 01: 1 Saturday, 11am-2pm. Feb. 21 | $105
MOROCCAN CUISINE
Ploy Khunisorn | Ploy’s Kitchen, ployskitchen.com
Discover the exotic and enticing cuisine of Morocco in this hands-on class. You will learn how to make Moroccan chicken tagine, couscous, Moroccan bread, and salad. We'll finish the class with Moroccan cookies, Ghriba. While cooking, we will talk about the variety of warm, aromatic, and complex Moroccan spices, including Ras el Hanout.
COURSE CODE: MRCC
Sec. 01: Sunday, 11am-2pm. Mar. 1 | $115
CELEBRATING BURNS NIGHT
Michael McComas | Clarion Graduate, Founder of The Mechanics Writ
Burns Night celebrates the birthday of the Scottish national poet, Robert Burns, on January 25. Fans and friends gather for Scottish food and libations, and to read poetry and sing songs by the poet. In this class, we will learn to make a Scottish supper and talk about traditions associated with the holiday. We will start with a soup, Toravaig House cheddar soup, followed by a dinner of haggis, tatties and neeps, and a dessert of cranachan, a whipped cream dish with honey, toasted oats, and Scotch whisky. Kilts and tartan optional but encouraged for the dinner!
COURSE CODE: BURN
Sec. 01: Wednesday, 6-9pm. Jan. 21 | $115
SCOTTISH COUNTRY FOOD
Michael McComas | Clarion Graduate, Founder of The Mechanics Writ
Scottish food tends to be hearty and simple: meat, root vegetables that will keep through the long winter months, and ingredients that can be boiled or baked easily. Arguably Scotland's most beloved contribution to Western cuisine, shortbread has only three ingredients, but done properly, it's a melt-in-yourmouth wonder. In this class, we will prepare a Scottish meal that follows these principles of making simple country food scrumptious. The menu will consist of a lamb and vegetable soup called Hotch Potch, a farmer's ‘on the go’ meat pie, traditional vegetable side dish called Rumbledethumps, and oatcakes for dessert.
COURSE CODE: SCOT
Sec. 01: 1 Saturday, 11am-2pm. Mar. 14 | $115
VEGETARIAN SPANISH TAPAS
Luis de Haro | Spanish Cuisine Expert, Chef Madrid, Spain is home to many vegetarian restaurants. Most tapas bars offer vegetarian tapas and some dishes are naturally vegetarian. In this class, we'll learn various types of vegetarian tapas including six-month-aged Manchego cheese with Cordoba quince, classic Tortilla Espanola-paisana with exotic vegetables, goat cheese tapa with caramelized onion, and Marinated Rioja piquillos. We'll also make the old-fashioned classic Pisto Manchego from the land of Don Quixote. Tapas will be served with authentic sangria. A classic and easy-tomake Spanish flan will finish our vegetarian parade.
COURSE CODE: VTPS
Sec. 01: 1 Friday, 6-9pm. Jan. 16 | $105
BARCELONA: DISCOVERING CATALONIAN FOOD
Luis de Haro | Spanish Cuisine Expert, Chef Barcelona, the bustling metropolis nestled in the Spanish region of Catalonia, is known in culinary circles as the capital of the Mediterranean diet. While Barcelona is famed for its award-winning restaurants, Chef Luis will give us an intimate look at the cuisine of a Barcelona household in this class. We'll begin the night with a Marcona almonds tapa and a glass of Catalonian cava. Next, we'll prepare pa amb tomaquet (tomato and garlic bread), botifarra amb mongetes (Catalan sausage with white beans), espinacas catalana (spinach with pine nuts and golden raisin) and a Barcelona seafood fideuà . We'll end the class with the quintessential Catalonian dessert, crema catalana.
COURSE CODE: BCEL
Sec. 01: 1 Friday, 6-9pm. Mar. 20 | $115
DIM SUM FOR BEGINNERS
Jade Li | Cooking Instructor and Chef, @yucancook
Dim sum is the perfect way to experience how diverse and flavorful Chinese cuisine can be. Dim sum includes snacks and small dishes of different flavors and textures along with tea over conversation. In this fun hands-on class, we'll talk about the history, etiquette, and classic dishes of dim sum. We'll make popular dim sum dishes from Jade's hometown including steamed spareribs with rice flour, pearl meatballs, a vegetable side dish, and a tomato egg drop soup.
COURSE CODE: DIMS
Sec. 01: Sunday, 12-3pm. Jan. 25 | $105
HOT POT FEAST
John Peredina | Culinary Instructor, Owner of ChefCraft LLC
Spice up your week in this beginner hot pot class! In this three-hour experience simmering with excitement, you'll make two flavorful broths (spicy Sichuan and mild aromatic), prep proteins and veggies, craft custom dipping sauces, and finish with a refreshing lychee and mango sago pudding. Cook, share, and savor together!
COURSE CODE: HOTP
Sec. 01: 1 Friday, 6-9pm. Jan. 30 | $125
CHINESE DUMPLINGS
Jade Li | Cooking Instructor and Chef, @yucancook
Join Jade for a traditional Chinese dumpling feast where we’ll pinch, squeeze, and pleat our way to a succulent and satisfying meal. We will make traditional boiled dumplings served with soy dipping sauces and pan-fry others for crispy potstickers. Using pork, Napa cabbage, Chinese chives, & seafood, we’ll make various traditional fillings from scratch. Enjoy a dumpling feast in this introductory class and take home the rest.
COURSE CODE: DMPL
Sec. 01: Sunday, 12-3pm. Feb. 1 | $105
ASIAN APPETIZER & TEA PAIRING
Ploy Khunisorn | Ploy’s Kitchen, ployskitchen.com
Join Ploy, a certified tea master, to explore the history, processing techniques, and culture of different artisan teas with food. In this class, you’ll explore the art of pairing teas with Asian appetizers and learn to balance flavors, enhance taste experiences, and discover the perfect tea selections to complement sweet and savory bites. We’ll prepare Asian appetizers, including Asian fresh rice rolls with peanut sauce, sweet sesame ginger beef, and pork meatballs, baked cream cheese scallion wontons, and coconut pudding. We’ll pair different types of tea with these delicious appetizers.
COURSE CODE: AATP
Sec. 01: Sunday, 11am-2pm. Feb. 8 | $115
HAND-PULLED NOODLES FROM SCRATCH
Jade Li | Cooking Instructor and Chef, @yucancook
Across China, there are many ways to make noodles, but the distinct, toothsome chew from fresh noodles cannot be beaten. Hand-pulled noodles, as the name suggests, are made with wheat dough that is rolled and stretched by hand into long strips and then cooked immediately after pulling. Chef Jade will guide you through all of the essential tips and techniques to create these comforting and craveable noodles at home. We'll load the noodles with flavor by turning them into a savory Chinese beef stew and spicy vegetarian dan dan noodles.
COURSE CODE: NODL
Sec. 01: Sunday, 12-3pm. Feb. 22 | $105
CHINESE STEAMED BAO
Jade Li | Cooking Instructor and Chef, @yucancook
Come see for yourself why steamed buns (bao) are such a popular staple in Chinese cuisine. We will use traditional steamers to make plain, savory, and sweet bao in a variety of shapes and sizes. We'll make the yeasted dough from scratch and turn them into delicious sweet and savory steamed buns including tofu and glass noodles bao, hanamaki spring onion and Sichuan pepper bao, and red bean paste bao. You'll learn different folding techniques and how to steam them.
COURSE CODE: BBAO
Sec. 01: Sunday, 12-3pm. Mar. 15 | $105
WINTER SPECIAL: INDIAN COMFORT FOOD
Neha Coureil | Indian Cooking Enthusiast
In Indian cuisine, one of the most comforting meals in the winter time is a bowl of hot dal and rice. In this class we will learn to make two kinds of dals : a hearty dal makhani and Gujarati dal along with steamed rice. All dishes are vegetarian and can be made vegan.
COURSE CODE: WSIC
Sec. 01: Saturday, 11am-2pm. Feb. 28 | $105
ROMANCE ON THE MENU
HOW TO BE A CHOCOLATE SOMMELIER
Victoria Kichuk | Professional Chocophile, cocoabeantown.com
There are over 400 different aromatic flavor profiles recognized in cacao, the bean we use to make chocolate, which is more than double what is available in wine. Most industrial, mass-produced chocolate, however, is made in a way that mutes these nuances in favor of being a sugar-forward experience. In this course, we will take you through the exercise of tasting chocolate like an expert, and help you to get started on your journey of exploring the subtleties of craft chocolate, with all of the layers of flavor that good chocolate makers are able to coax from those beautiful beans.
COURSE CODE: CSOM
Sec. 01: Thursday, 6-8pm. Feb. 5 | $90
DATE NIGHT: CREATE YOUR OWN CHOCOLATE BARS
Sophie Frazier | Baking Instructor, Graduate: Culinary Institute of Canada
Make a chocolate bar as unique as your love! Join us for a fun and interactive date night where couples can dive into the world of chocolate together. In this upbeat, hands-on class, you’ll learn about the origins of chocolate, how to temper it properly, and explore classic flavor pairings. Then, get creative as you design your own custom chocolate bars using a wide variety of mix-ins-from nuts and spices to dried fruit and crunchy surprises. You’ll each go home with your handcrafted creations. Tuition is per pair.
COURSE CODE: CHNT
Sec. 01: 1 Friday, 6-9pm. Feb. 6 | $170
FRENCH ROMANCE CUISINE
John Peredina | Culinary Instructor, Owner of ChefCraft LLC
Escape to the sun-drenched shores of Southern France with this immersive French cooking class that celebrates the vibrant flavors and timeless charm of Provençal cuisine. Under the guidance of Chef John, you'll learn to prepare a stunning multi-course menu inspired by the coastal towns of the French Riviera: Niçoise salad with seared tuna, poulet a la moutard, herbed socc, and lavender honey créme. Enjoy a romantic culinary journey with French wine pairings, beautiful presentation tips, and stories from the Riviera that will make each dish come alive. Perfect for couples, food lovers, and anyone seeking a taste of la belle vie.
COURSE CODE: FRRC
Sec. 01: Wednesday, 6-9pm. Feb. 11 | $115
GIFTS FROM THE KITCHEN: VALENTINE’S DAY
Sophie Frazier | Baking Instructor, Graduate: Culinary Institute of Canada
The way to your love's heart is through their stomach! In this fun, hands-on and sweet class, we'll create two heartfelt desserts perfect to woo your boo. We will do an assortment of heart-shaped fruit tarts and rich and chocolatey mini brownies. We will decorate and package your bakes so that they are gift-giving ready.
COURSE CODE: GKVD
Sec. 01: Tuesday, 6-9pm. Feb. 10 | $95
VALENTINE’S DAY DINNER IN SPAIN
Luis de Haro | Spanish Cuisine Expert, Chef
This Valentine's Day, we're bringing a taste of Spain to you! In Spain, there is no better way to show someone you appreciate them than with delicious food and a glass of something lovely. We will start with a few tapas and a glass of sparkling cava from Spain, followed by six-month-aged Manchego cheese with Cordoba quince. Our favorite color tonight is red with tomatoes in Antonia's Salmorejo (creamy gazpacho from Cordoba), and Spain's chorizo braised in red wine. will end with a seafood fideua (a Valencian paella-like dish with special pasta instead of rice). A decadent olive oil almond chocolate mousse will be our dessert
COURSE CODE: VSPN
Sec. 01: 1 Friday, 6-9pm. Feb. 13 | $115
ROMANCE IN RIO DE JANEIRO
John Peredina | Culinary Instructor, Owner of ChefCraft LLC
Transport yourself to the heart of Brazil with this vibrant cooking class inspired by the flavors and flair of this iconic city. You'll prepare dishes like moqueca baiana, pão de queijo, hearts of palm and mango salad, and decadent brigadeiro truffles, each bursting with tropical warmth and tradition. Perfect for couples or solo adventurers, this class blends bold flavors and sweet indulgence for a truly unforgettable culinary escape.
COURSE CODE: BRNT
Sec. 01: 1 Saturday, 11am-2pm. Feb. 14 | $115
MEET & MINGLE CHOCOLATE TASTING
Victoria Kichuk | Professional Chocophile, cocoabeantown.com
Join us at CCAE for an afternoon of chocolate tasting and connection! This isn't your typical meet-up. Research shows that people form bonds more easily when they share a new learning experience-and what better way to connect than through the joy of chocolate? At this event, you'll discover fascinating facts about craft chocolate while enjoying a series of guided tastings. As you savor each bite, you'll also rotate tables between rounds, giving you the chance to meet and mingle with new people throughout the afternoon. If a connection sparks, you'll have the opportunity to exchange contact information before the event wraps up. Everyone will leave with a deeper appreciation for chocolate, a few new connections, and a sweet treat to take home!
COURSE CODE: SIMI
Sec. 01: 1 Saturday, 3-5pm. Feb. 14 | $40
THAI STREET FOOD
Ploy Khunisorn | Ploy’s Kitchen, ployskitchen.com
The sights, sounds, and flavors of Thailand burst through its street food. Often called the street food capital of the world, Bangkok’s signature cuisine offers unique ingredients, cooking styles, and dish garnishes. Join Ploy, a native Thai, who will teach you how to make authentic recipes that Thai people cook in Thailand. We’ll start with Thai cucumber salad with ground chicken and peanuts and hot and spicy shrimp soup (tom yum). We’ll also make red curry with chicken from scratch, including red curry paste served with jasmine rice. We will finish the class with mango sticky rice.
COURSE CODE: AROI
Sec. 01: Sunday, 11am-2pm. Mar. 8 | $115
SUSHI ROLLS WITH TEMPURAS AND MISO SOUP!
Asako Judson | Baking and Cooking Instructor
Rolled sushi is easy to make and very popular. You can find pre-made sushi at many places, but homemade sushi is always more delicious and costs less. In this class, we will learn how to make rolled sushi in the easiest way. We will use avocado, cucumber, imitation crab sticks, deep-fried shrimp, and sweet potato for inside the sushi. We will also make California rolls using sesame seeds. In addition, we will prepare two types of miso soup: one with traditional dashi stock and one with vegetable stock. There is lots to learn and enjoy this class! Please bring containers for sushi and miso soup.
COURSE CODE: SRTM
Sec. 01: Sunday, 11am-2pm. Mar. 22 | $115
KOREAN COOKING
Ploy Khunisorn | Ploy’s Kitchen, ployskitchen.com
One of the most healthful of the Asian cuisines, delicious Korean cuisine features mainly vegetables and harmonized sauces. In this hands-on class, we will start with kimchi dumplings (mandu). We will also make Tteokbokki, stir-fried rice cakes and Jjajangmyeon, Korean noodles served with pork and bean sauce. We will finish the class with cinnamon, ginger, and pear tea.
COURSE CODE: KORK
Sec. 01: Sunday, 11am-2pm. Feb. 15 | $115
ROLL WITH BACON: HANDS-ON KOREAN KIMBAP & KIMCHI
Minji Park | Korean Native and Cooking Instructor
Bring your favorite Korean TV dishes to life in this fun, beginner-friendly cooking class. You’ll learn how to make bacon kimbap (Korean-style seaweed rice rolls), lettuce geotjeori (a fresh, quick kimchi), and a savory Korean dipping sauce. Along the way, you’ll discover how Korean kimbap differs from Japanese sushi, why geotjeori is a beloved shortcut in Korean kitchens, and how bold, balanced sauces elevate everyday meals. This relaxed, hands-on class is perfect for food lovers and K-culture fans alike. You’ll leave with your creations, recipe cards, and a deeper connection to Korean food and culture.
COURSE CODE: KIMB
Sec. 01: Sunday, 10am-12pm. Mar. 29 | $90
A WORLD OF DUMPLINGS
John Peredina | Culinary Instructor, Owner of ChefCraft LLC
Journey through global flavors in this diverse dumpling class! Learn to make Chinese jiaozi (pork & cabbage), Italian ravioli (ricotta & spinach), Polish pierogi (potato & cheese), and Japanese gyoza (vegetable). Each represents a unique culinary culture while sharing the joy of dumpling-making.
COURSE CODE: AWDU
Sec. 01: 1 Friday, 6-9pm. Mar. 27 | $115
INTRODUCTION TO SOURDOUGH BREAD BAKING
Victor Sheen | Baking Instructor, Sourdough Enthusiast
Discover the magic of turning flour, water, and salt into a crusty, flavorful loaf-no commercial yeast required. In this beginner-friendly class, you’ll learn the fundamentals of sourdough baking: how to care for a starter, mix and knead dough, master fermentation timing, and bake a loaf with that perfect open crumb and golden crust. We’ll cover common pitfalls, tips for success in a home kitchen, and the science that makes sourdough both delicious and digestible. During class, you’ll sample slices of freshly baked sourdough, still warm from the oven, so you can taste exactly what you’re working toward. You’ll leave with your own active starter, a step-by-step recipe, and the confidence to start baking at home.
COURSE CODE: SOUR
Sec. 01: Wednesday, 6-9pm. Jan. 14 | $95
LAMINATED DOUGHS: CROISSANTS
Sophie Frazier | Baking Instructor, Graduate: Culinary Institute of Canada
Croissants are one of the most popular breakfast pastries in the world. Come learn how to achieve perfect flaky, buttery croissants. This flaky delicacy consists of layer upon layer of yeast-leavened bread and butter that is served either plain or filled. In this hands-on class, we will make exquisite sweet and savory croissants. You will learn proper techniques for rolling, shaping, and baking laminated doughs. This class is designed to enhance your understanding of yeasted pastry making and elevate your skills to get creative for other types of croissants.
COURSE CODE: LADO
Sec. 01: 1 Saturday, 11am-2pm. Jan. 17 | $110
CELEBRITY CHEF MASTERCLASSES
Started in 2018, CCAE’s Celebrity Chef Masterclasses are a series of classes led by some of the best known area chefs who have taught their special dishes to an intimate group of students, all held in our state-of-the-art teaching kitchen. Past chefs have included Ana Sortun, Andy Husbands, Lydia Shire, Tracy Chang, Tony Maws, Joanne Chang, Jody Adams, Jeremy Sewell, Dave Punch, Robert Harris, Fred Csibi-Levin, Robert Sisca, Rachel and Tyler Sundet, Jimmy Dunne, Nick Deutmeyer, the crew from o ya and from Toro, and others.
BRAISING WITH CHEF ROBERT HARRIS OF SEASON TO TASTE
Robert Harris | Chef & Owner, Season To Taste
Join Chef Robert Harris of Season to Taste, the beloved Cambridge restaurant known for its fresh, local ingredients and welcoming atmosphere. In this hands-on cooking class, Chef Harris will guide you through the art of braising, a slow-cooking method that turns humble cuts into rich, flavorful dishes. Watch and learn as he prepares Braised Beef Brisket with Horseradish Gremolata, Cheddar Grits, and Braised Collard Greens, then sit down to enjoy the feast together.
COURSE CODE: MCRH
Sec. 01: Wednesday, 6-9pm. Begins Feb. 4 | $125
SOURDOUGH AND THE SOUL OF GREEK COOKERY WITH BAR VLAHA’S CHEF BRENDAN PELLEY
Brendan Pelley | Culinary Director, Xenia Hospitality Group
Bar Vlaha’s sourdough is the heart of the concept, baked daily and made to share. It is slow fermented, wood fired and made with generations of history of the Vlach people. It’s history, it’s home, it’s Vlach. Psomi literally translates to bread, and symbolizes the historical and cultural significance of bread through the lens of the Vlach people. There are deep roots of bread in Greek culture, particularly among the Vlach since it is more than food, and a symbol of community, tradition and survival. It is also a symbol of home, family and warmth. The sourdough and spreads create the ultimate breadboard that is unforgettable for entertaining or as part of your own daily ritual.
COURSE CODE: MCBV
Sec. 01: Wednesday, 6-9pm. Begins Feb. 25 | $125
FLORAL BUTTERCREAM CAKE DECORATING FOR BEGINNERS
Asako Judson | Baking and Cooking Instructor
In this class, you will learn how to make roses and other pretty flowers with Italian meringue buttercream, using techniques inspired by Korean cake design. The class is beginner-friendly and a cake base will be ready for you to start decorating right away. With just a few simple tips, you'll see how easy it is to create elegant flowers and once you get the hang of it, your cake can look as beautiful as you want it to. Relax, have fun, and enjoy turning buttercream into your own edible art.
COURSE CODE: FBCD
Sec. 01: Sunday, 11am-2pm. Jan. 18 | $95
CRAFTING CARAMELS: FROM SUGAR TO SWEET TREATS
Sophie Frazier | Baking Instructor, Graduate: Culinary Institute of Canada
Discover the joy of crafting your own caramel confections in this fun, hands-on class! You’ll learn the full caramel-making process from cooking and flavoring to cutting, wrapping, and storing your sweet creations. We’ll explore different flavor variations and techniques to ensure your caramels turn out delicious every time. Each participant will leave with an assortment of hand-wrapped caramels to share (or keep all to yourself!).
COURSE CODE: CARM
Sec. 01: 1 Saturday, 11am-2pm. Jan. 24 | $95
PARISIAN MACARONS
Sophie Frazier | Baking Instructor, Graduate: Culinary Institute of Canada
French macarons are a delicious sweet treat with a reputation of being difficult to make. In this class you will dispel the mystery and learn how to make the popular Macaron with a buttercream filling. These delicate and colorful confections can be a sweet ending to a meal or just a snack on their own. You'll practice step-by-step techniques on how to make the macaron shells including whipping the meringue to the right consistency, perfecting the macaronage, piping and baking. You will then fill the cooled shells with your preferred filling of chocolate ganache or buttercream.
COURSE CODE: MACA
Sec. 01: 1 Saturday, 11am-2pm. Jan. 31 | $95
BRIOCHE BREAD BAKING
Sophie Frazier | Baking Instructor, Graduate: Culinary Institute of Canada
Perhaps the best-known French sweet dough, brioche, is as light as it is rich. We will address the careful scaling, vigorous kneading, shaping, and baking of an assortment of pastries including brioche à tête and braided bread. We’ll make the brioche dough from scratch, shape the dough and bake some brioche buns.
COURSE CODE: BRIO
Sec. 01: Tuesday, 6-9pm. Feb. 3 | $95
BASIC BAKING SKILLS & TECHNIQUES
Sophie Frazier | Baking Instructor, Graduate: Culinary Institute of Canada
Join us and explore the first steps of baking skills. In this hands-on class, students will learn about measuring, recipe reading tips, mixing methods, and decorating techniques. Throughout the course, we will be making increasingly complex bakes. Starting off with simple dinner rolls and chocolate chip cookies, until we have built up the skills to make a show stopping meringue tart! Students will come away from the class with an understanding of foundational French baking techniques and recipes.
COURSE CODE: MUFF
Sec. 01: 4 Tuesdays, 6-9pm. Begins Feb. 17 | $325
PARENT AND CHILD: CHOCOLATE ART
Linda Khachadurian | Edible Artist, LKSweetArt.com
Join Linda, a professional chocolate and sugar artist, who will guide you and your child as you make chocolate art of your choice such as chocolate baskets, message plaques, bunnies, and more. You and your child will leave the class with your own unique chocolate decorative pieces. We only use chocolate made from responsibly sourced cacao. Tuition is per one parent and one child.
COURSE CODE: KDCH
Sec. 01: 1 Friday, 6-8pm. Feb. 20 | $130
ARAB DESSERTS: KNEFEH AND BAKLAVA
Lala Thaddeus | Cooking Instructor & Food Writer
In this class, we'll make classic Middle Eastern baklava and Levantine knefeh, sweet treats fit for special occasions. Students will work with philo and katayif dough and learn how to avoid common mistakes while making these intimidating big desserts. We'll practice adding different fillings and making various shapes of baklava, which students will get to take home. We will eat warm, cheesy knefeh together in class, discuss Arab and Middle Eastern culture, and where to buy the best ingredients to make these festive desserts on your own.
COURSE CODE: ADKB
Sec. 01: Wednesday, 6-9pm. Mar. 4 | $95
BREADS OF ITALY
John Peredina | Culinary Instructor, Owner of ChefCraft LLC
Discover the art of Italian baking in this hands-on class! You'll make focaccia genovese, pane toscano, ciabatta, and grissini while exploring regional traditions and techniques. Bake, taste, and take home the flavors of Italy!
COURSE CODE: BRED
Sec. 01: 1 Saturday, 11am-2pm. Mar. 21 | $95
CRAFTING THE PERFECT CARROT CAKE
Sophie Frazier | Baking Instructor, Graduate: Culinary Institute of Canada
Join us to learn how to bake this classic cake flavor! In this class, we will cover how to bake, assemble and decorate the perfect carrot cake. We will make a cream cheese frosting that is silky and smooth and explore many different decorating techniques. You will leave with a completed cake at the end of the class.
COURSE CODE: CACA
Sec. 01: 1 Saturday, 11am-2pm. Mar. 28 | $95
CREATE YOUR OWN CHOCOLATE TRUFFLES
Sophie Frazier | Baking Instructor, Graduate: Culinary Institute of Canada
Indulge your sweet tooth and creativity in this hands-on chocolate truffle workshop! You’ll learn how to make silky ganache, temper chocolate like a pro, and craft beautiful, delicious truffles from start to finish. Explore a variety of fillings and coatings as you personalize your own gourmet creations. Perfect for chocolate lovers of all skill levels.
COURSE CODE: TRUF
Sec. 01: Tuesday, 6-9pm. Mar. 31 | $95
PARENT & CHILD EASTER COOKIES DECORATING
Sophie Frazier | Baking Instructor, Graduate: Culinary Institute of Canada
Why stop at just decorating the egg? Let’s decorate a variety of easter shapes in this cookie decorating class. This class is designed for one parent and one child team to learn how to make your own sugar cookies and royal icing. We will demonstrate a variety of techniques, which you will then use to create your own design on your cookies. You will go home with 10 decorated cookies and your own cookie dough for more fun at home. Tuition is per pair.
COURSE CODE: PCED
Sec. 01: 1 Saturday, 1-3pm. Apr. 4 | $130
WINE, BEER & SPIRITS
ZERO PROOF: WINE & BEER
Jacob Lavoie | Food & Wine Program Director
Learn how to taste and evaluate alcohol-free wines and beers using straightforward techniques. We'll be sampling a variety of non-alcoholic wines, beers, and specialty brews that you can tailor to suit your preferred palate. You'll come away from the class confident in selecting quality alcohol-free beverages for any occasion and how to appropriately stock your bar with the best non-alcoholic wine and beer options.
COURSE CODE: ZEWB
Sec. 01: Wednesday, 6-8pm. Jan. 14 | $90
ZERO PROOF: COCKTAILS
Krina Patel | Ed.D., Educator and Wine & Spirits Expert
Join in the fun of mixology while crafting mocktails from the ever-growing range of non-alcoholic spirits available to us. We will be making mocktails with a variety of NA spirits, syrups, juices, and botanical ingredients that you can customize to your liking. You'll come away from the class confident in mixing up some sophisticated alcohol-free cocktails at home and how to appropriately stock your bar with non-alcoholic essentials.
COURSE CODE: ZPCO
Sec. 01: Sunday, 2-4pm. Mar. 29 | $90
PUB CRAWL THROUGH ENGLAND, GERMANY, AND BELGIUM
Kris Butler | Exam-Certified Beer Judge
Take a virtual road trip to visit England, Germany, and Belgium to learn about each country's beer! While we taste, compare, and contrast a variety of beers, we'll talk about their dramatically different brewing traditions, each country's major historical beer styles, brewing histories, and cultural differences around drinking. Explore beers from around the world right from Harvard Square!
COURSE CODE: BROA
Sec. 01: Sunday, 2-4pm. Feb. 22 | $95
BEER TASTING: A BEGINNERS SAMPLER
Elisha Eisen | Graduate, The Culinary Institute of America
Curious about craft beer but not sure where to start? Sample a range of styles — from crisp lagers to hoppy IPAs to rich stouts — and learn to recognize their unique flavors. By the end, you’ll feel confident exploring the wide world of beer on your own.
COURSE CODE: BEER
Sec. 01: Wednesday, 6-8pm. Mar. 4 | $95
COCKTAILS & CONNECTIONS: SHAKE, STIR, AND SIP LIKE A PRO
Augusto Lino | General Manager, Noir Bar
Get ready to shake things up! In this lively, hands-on cocktail class, you’ll learn the art of crafting classic drinks — mixing, stirring, and shaking your way through timeless recipes with techniques you can easily recreate at home. You will experiment with a variety of spirits, gain confidence behind the bar, and discover tips for stocking your home bar — all while meeting new people and sharing a few laughs along the way.
COURSE CODE: MIXO
Sec. 01: Monday, 6-8pm. Jan. 12 | $95
TASTE THE TROPICS: THE ART OF ISLAND MIXOLOGY
Augusto Lino | General Manager, Noir Bar
Escape to the islands — no passport required! In this vibrant, handson class, you’ll explore the colorful world of tropical cocktails, from Cuba to Brazil, while uncovering the rich history behind Tiki culture. Learn to mix classics like the Jungle Bird and Hemingway’s favorite daiquiri, all with balanced flavors that are big on taste, not sugar. You’ll leave ready to bring that sunny, vacation vibe to any gathering — one perfectly mixed drink at a time.
COURSE CODE: TROP
Sec. 01: Tuesday, 6-8pm. Jan. 20 | $95
FROM CANE TO GLASS: EXPLORING RUM’S MANY STYLES
Elisha Eisen | Graduate, The Culinary Institute of America
Journey through the rich world of rum, from light and spiced to dark and aged varieties. Along the way, we’ll explore production methods, regional differences, and cocktail uses. Whether you’re a curious beginner or seasoned sipper, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for this versatile spirit.
COURSE CODE: RUMR
Sec. 01: Wednesday, 6-8pm. Feb. 18 | $95
COLD WEATHER COCKTAILS
Oliver McClung | Whiskey & Spirits Expert
With the changing of the seasons, comes our changes in appetite. Starting in autumn, continuing into the long New England winters, our tastes for food and drink evolve with the weather. Sunday roasts, pots of soup and other hearty fare demand cocktails made in the same way. Think hot drinks, mulling spices, coffee-based cocktails and dark spirits. From October to April, tiki takes a back seat to a class of drinks designed to fortify our spirits on long, cold nights. From Irish Coffees, to Penicillins, come explore the world of cold weather cocktails.
COURSE CODE: CWCK
Sec. 01: 1 Friday, 6-8pm. Feb. 20 | $95
JAPANESE WHISKY TASTING
Oliver McClung | Whiskey & Spirits Expert
Discover the rich traditions of distilling from Japan! A deep dive into the history of one of the fastest growing whisky traditions in the world, from pre-war origins to the modern day. A tasting from the most influential producers, accompanied by snacks, will give any discerning drinker the info they need to make informed orders at their favorite bar or restaurant!
COURSE CODE: JBRN
Sec. 01: Wednesday, 6-8pm. Mar. 11 | $95
THE HISTORY OF COCKTAILS THROUGH THE AGES
Elisha Eisen | Graduate, The Culinary Institute of America
Travel through time with a glass in hand as we explore the evolution of cocktails. From punch bowls to Prohibition favorites and modern mixology, tastings bring each era to life. Discover how culture, creativity, and history shaped what we drink today.
COURSE CODE: HCTA
Sec. 01: Wednesday, 6-8pm. Mar. 25 | $95
THE GREAT ITALIAN RED WINES
David Gansler | Ph.D., Dip. WSET
This course will open a window onto what many consider to be the world’s most interesting wine culture. We can all be grateful to the extremely mountainous nature of the Italian peninsula for creating geographically isolated areas and dozens of specific food and wine cultures. This class will consider four great Italian red wines and help connect them to their place and cuisine. How have the local cultivars, weather, geography, and cuisine contributed to the nature of each wine? Including the northern, central and southern regions and progressing in order of strength, the class will consider Valpolicella (the Veneto), Chianti (Tuscany), Barolo and Barbaresco (Piemonte), and Taurasi (Campania). The class will re-create La Vita Bella as appropriate snacks are served along with the wines.
COURSE CODE: GIRW
Sec. 01: Thursday, 6-8pm. Jan. 22 | $100
DISCOVER THE WINES OF SOUTH AMERICA
Miguel Escobar | Sommelier & Wine Manager, Ramsay’s Kitchen
Where did Wine Spectator's #1 Wine of 2024 originate from — Burgundy, Napa, Bordeaux? Surprise, it's from Chile! The 2021 Don Melchor Cabernet Sauvignon took the top spot, highlighting South America's rise in the wine world. Join us as we explore Chile's Maipo Valley, Argentina's Uco Valley, and the southern reaches of Patagonia. Discover the unique terroirs, bold varietals, and the incredible range of wines this exciting region has to offer.
COURSE CODE: DWSA
Sec. 01: Tuesday, 6-8pm. Jan. 27 | $100
SUN-SOAKED CROATIAN WINES: INTRODUCTION TO REGIONS AND VARIETIES
Croatia is widely known for its stunning archipelago in the Adriatic Sea, consisting of over 1,000 islands. But did you know that it has been growing vines since the time of the Ancient Greeks and has over 120 indigenous varieties? In this class we will explore four wine regions, learning about their geography, climate, and appellations. We will also taste many different varieties, distinct in aromas and flavors. From Graevina in the North to Malvasia and Teran from Istria, and Poip and Plavac Mali from Dalmatia, Croatian winemakers continue their ancient practices in producing internationally-acclaimed wines.
COURSE CODE: CROW
Sec. 01: Wednesday, 6-8pm. Feb. 4 | $100
THE STORY OF THE FORTIFIED WINES OF THE WORLD
David Gansler | Ph.D., Dip. WSET
Explore the rich history and bold flavors of fortified wines in this tasting-focused class. Made by adding spirit to wine, these unique styles come from just a few regions: Port from Portugal’s Douro Valley, Sherry from Jerez in Spain, Madeira from its namesake island, and Vin Doux Naturels from southern France. Each wine tells a story-shaped by dramatic landscapes, traditional methods like Madeira’s Canteiro aging, and deep ties to local cuisine. As we taste, we’ll discover how grapes, geography, and technique influence what’s in the glass.
COURSE CODE: SFWW
Sec. 01: Thursday, 6-8pm. Feb. 12 | $100
YOU NEED MORE CHAMPAGNE: THE ART OF THE FINEST BUBBLES
Lucia Campo | Native Speaker, WSET Level 3 Certificate
In this deliciously-sparkling class, we'll explore what makes Champagne so unique by diving into the rich history behind the world's most iconic and luxurious sparkling wine, and the traditional methods to produce it that have been used for centuries. Guided by a Certified Champagne Specialist, you'll taste four distinct styles of Champagne: a classic Non-Vintage, an elegant Blanc de Blancs, a characterful Rosé, and a rare Vintage bottle. As you sip, you'll gain the tools to understand and appreciate the complexity and nuance in each glass, and walk away with a deeper knowledge of one of France's most prestigious wine regions. Whether you're a longtime bubble lover or a curious beginner, this class is your excuse to say it proudly: you need more Champagne!
COURSE CODE: CHMP
Sec. 01: 1 Friday, 5:30-7:30pm. Feb. 13 | $160
WINE TASTING: A BEGINNER’S SAMPLER
John Fiola | Diploma WSET, Certified Wine Educator
Uncertain as to the difference between Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc, Chianti and Cabernet, Burgundy and Barossa? Demystify the world of wine tasting and join us to learn how to distinguish between wine styles, grape varieties, and regions. We'll discuss how to buy wine at all price points, how to taste wine to get the most out of every glass, what makes a New World wine different from the same type of wine produced in France or Italy, and the best food pairings for different wine styles.
COURSE CODE: WSAM
Sec. 01: 2 Fridays, 6-8pm. Feb. 27 & Mar. 6 | $180
WEST COAST WINES
John Fiola | Diploma WSET, Certified Wine Educator
The West Coast is home to the most celebrated wine regions in the United States. From the foggy valleys of Oregon to the sun-drenched vineyards of California and the cool-climate hillsides of Washington, each state offers a distinct expression of American winemaking. In this tasting class, we’ll explore the unique terroirs and signature styles of wines from California, Oregon, and Washington discovering what makes West Coast wines so special.
COURSE CODE: WEST
Sec. 01: 1 Friday, 6-8pm. Mar. 13 | $100
INTRODUCTION TO AUSTRALIAN WINES: OLD-WORLD INFLUENCES, NEW-WORLD MENTALITY
Lydia Sharrad | Australian Native and WSET Level 3
Discover the exciting wine scene of Australia in this palate-pleasing class. From the sun-soaked vineyards in the Barossa Valley to the cool-climate innovations of Tasmania, Australia offers far more than just Shiraz. We’ll trace the country’s wine-making roots from its 19th century beginnings and some of the oldest continuously-producing commercial vines in the world, to its modern, trail-blazing producers putting Australia on the global wine map. Along the way, you’ll explore key wine regions, unique climate and geography, production styles, and (most importantly) taste a vibrant selection of wines that showcase Australia’s diversity and character. Join us for an Aussie journey that will expand your wine knowledge and delight your palate!
COURSE CODE: AUSW
Sec. 01: 1 Friday, 6-8pm. Mar. 20 | $100
World Languages
“Not
only was a native German speaker helpful with learning the language, Brigitte’s pedagogical preparation was brilliant.”
—CYNTHIA, DEUTSCH IM BILD: CONVERSATIONS ABOUT IMAGES IN THE WEIMAR REPUBLIC
CCAE offers in-person and online classes at beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels taught by highly-trained and experienced instructors. Communicative, learner-oriented teaching methods and the multicultural atmosphere facilitate not only language learning but also friendships with people from all over the world. We use the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) to assess students and establish learning goals (p. 22). To find the right level, attend our free online personal assessment days (p. 16) or contact Francesca Ferraris at languages@ccae.org. Please see p. 22 for level descriptions and visit ccae.org/classes/world-languages for our most up-to-date language classes. Many language classes require the purchase of a textbook. For online classes, we recommend purchasing the textbook before attending the first class.
ORIGIN AND CLASSIFICATION OF THE WORLD’S LANGUAGES
Pasquale G. Tatò | Linguist (formerly Harvard University)
Join us on a breathtaking tour of the world’s languages, their origins, and interconnected relationships. We will explore the world’s major language families, their distribution, and histories. The material covered in the course may vary depending on the students’ backgrounds and interests.
COURSE CODE: OCWL
Sec. 01: 8 Tuesdays, 6-7:30pm. Begins Jan. 27 | $260
ccae.org/classes/world-languages
AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE
Jude Grauso | Native Speaker
Learn the basics of sign language as a first step to developing receptive and expressive skills. You will learn commonly used signs, the basic grammatical rules of American Sign Language, and information about the deaf community.
BEGINNER LEVEL 1
COURSE CODE: ASB1
Sec. 01: 9 Fridays, 5:45-7:15pm. Begins Jan. 16 | $300
BEGINNER LEVEL 2
COURSE CODE: ASB2
Sec. 01: 9 Fridays, 4-5:30pm. Begins Jan. 16 | $300
BEGINNER LEVEL 3
COURSE CODE: ASB3
Sec. 01: 9 Saturdays, 11am-12:30pm. Begins Jan. 17 | $300
LEVANTINE ARABIC
Alaa Aldeen Kayali | Native Speaker
Arabic today exists in multiple overlapping yet distinct varieties. In published writing and formal contexts (e.g., articles, novels, religious texts, presentations of news or information), people use Modern Standard Arabic. At the same time, there are several different regional dialects that people use primarily in conversational and informal contexts (e.g., greetings, family and social life, daily communication, social media posts).
Levantine Arabic is the regional variety of Arabic used by speakers from Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, and Syria and is the native language to more than 44 million people. Furthermore, it is considered one of the most widely understood varieties across the Arabic-speaking world because of the large amount of media (songs, TV series, etc.) produced in it. Levantine Arabic shares with other varieties of Arabic many fundamental grammar structures and a large amount of vocabulary.
BEGINNER LEVEL 1
COURSE CODE: LAR1
Sec. 01: 9 Fridays, 4-5:30pm. Begins Jan. 16 | $300
BEGINNER LEVEL 4
COURSE CODE: LAR4
Sec. 01: 9 Fridays, 5:45-7:15pm. Begins Jan. 16 | $300
BRAZILIAN PORTUGUESE
Kamilla Esteves Silva, Alexia Penney | Native Speakers Portuguese, the native language of Brazil, is spoken by approximately 180 million people around the world, including one million in Massachusetts! This series of engaging classes emphasizes spoken production and interaction.
Expand your vocabulary and fluency in this relaxed and fun class for students with at least 60 hours of instruction (or equivalent). We will practice expressing ourselves comfortably, discussing current events, and engaging fully in Brazilian Portuguese’s cultural context.
SHORT STORY, IMPERIALISM, AND VIOLENCE IN LUSO-BRAZILIAN LITERATURE
Joao Marcos Copertino Pereira | Native Speaker
Few issues are more central to Portuguese and Brazilian literature of the 19th century than imperialism and colonialism. In this course, we will explore short stories by renowned writers who examined the consequences of the imperial shaping of the world at the end of the 19th century. Our exploration will focus on England’s significant influence on South Atlantic politics, as well as on the aftermath of Portugal’s empire and the early stages of the exploration of Asian territories. All short stories will be provided in both Portuguese and English. This class is recommended for intermediate and advanced students of Portuguese.
COURSE CODE: BPSH
Sec. 01: 6 Wednesdays, 6-7:30pm. Begins Jan. 28 | $200
PORTUGUESE FOR SPANISH SPEAKERS
Kamilla Esteves Silva | Native Speaker
Portuguese and Spanish are both Romance languages, closely related in vocabulary and grammar. For speakers of Spanish, it can be a challenge to study Portuguese because of this close linguistic relationship. This class is for advanced and native speakers of Spanish who would like a quick, solid introduction to Brazilian Portuguese.
COURSE CODE: BPSP
Sec. 01: 9 Tuesdays, 7:45-9:15pm. Begins Jan. 13 | $300
CHINESE
Jin Cooper | Native Speaker and Author, Notes on Economics from Harvard
Mandarin Chinese has more native speakers than any other language. As Mandarin’s popularity increases among language learners, give yourself an advantage with an experienced and enthusiastic instructor.
BEGINNER LEVEL 1
COURSE CODE: CMB1
Sec. 01: 9 Thursdays, 5:30-7pm. Begins Jan. 15 | $300
BEGINNER LEVEL 2
COURSE CODE: CMB2
Sec. 01: 9 Thursdays, 7:15-8:45pm. Begins Jan. 15 | $300
BEGINNER LEVEL 3
COURSE CODE: CMB3
Sec. 01: 9 Mondays, 7:15-8:45pm. Begins Jan. 12 | $300
No class Jan. 19 & Feb. 16
HIGH BEGINNER/LOW INTERMEDIATE
COURSE CODE: CMLI
Sec. 01: 9 Tuesdays, 5:30-7pm. Begins Jan. 13 | $300
READING AND CONVERSATION
This course assumes that students have completed at least 110 hours of Chinese class time, or eight terms at CCAE. It expects students to recognize many of the characters of Yong Ho’s two textbooks. It uses Pinyin infrequently and only for new vocabulary. It will assign students to read short stories from the Graded Chinese Reader 500 words: Selected Abridged Chinese Contemporary Mini-stories (ISBN 978-7-5138-0345-8). The class time will be divided between reading some passages aloud and answering discussion questions in Chinese, as well as covering certain vocabulary usage and grammar points relevant to the stories.
COURSE CODE: CMRC
Sec. 01: 9 Tuesdays, 7:15-8:45pm. Begins Jan. 13 | $300
LEARN CHINESE CHARACTERS THROUGH THE THEORY OF CHINESE MEDICINE
This course is designed for students who are interested in learning the theory underlying Chinese medicine and can recognize at least 300-500 Chinese characters. The course material will be based on an interpretation of the Inner Canon of the Yellow Emperor. No textbook needed. Students should have had at least 3 years of Chinese lessons at the CCAE, or 140 hours in-class learning time.
COURSE CODE: CMCM
Sec. 01: 9 Mondays, 5:30-7pm. Begins Jan. 12 | $300
French is the official language of 29 countries. It has a long history as an international language of literature and scientific standards and is a primary or second language of many international organizations. French has been called one of the three most useful languages for business by Bloomberg Businessweek. Join their ranks in this series of engaging classes, emphasizing spoken production and interaction.
BEGINNER LEVEL 1
COURSE CODE: FRB1
Sec. 01: 9 Mondays, 10:30am-12pm. Begins Jan. 16 | $300 | Britta Pejic No class Feb. 20
Sec. 02: 9 Mondays, 7:45-9:15pm. Begins Jan. 12 | $300 | Elodie Bordry No class Jan. 19 & Feb. 16 & 23
BEGINNER LEVEL 2
COURSE CODE: FRB2
Sec. 01: 9 Wednesdays, 10:30am-12pm. Begins Jan. 14 | $300 | Britta Pejic No class Feb. 18
Sec. 02: 9 Thursdays, 7:45-9:15pm. Begins Jan. 15 | $300 | Elodie Bordry No class Feb. 26
Sec. 01: 8 Mondays, 5-6:30pm. Begins Jan. 12 | $270 | Neha Coureil No class Feb. 2, 9 & 16
REFRESHER: HIGH BEGINNER
Review essential grammar, spruce up your pronunciation, and practice basic conversation skills in this fun and efficient refresher class. Conversation, listening, and reading activities will enhance your skills and get you in the French mood. For students who have at least attended our Beginner Level 1-4 or equivalent (CEFR A2) and would like to review before taking the next step.
COURSE CODE: FRR4
Sec. 01: 9 Wednesdays, 12:30-2pm. Begins Jan. 14 | $300 | Britta Pejic No class Feb. 18
BEGINNER CONVERSATION
This class is for students who have completed our four beginner levels or the equivalent and are comfortable using the present and have some knowledge of passé composé and imparfait. Reinforce your basic knowledge of the structure of French, develop fluency with the past tenses, acquire new vocabulary, learn about culture, and practice with lively activities and conversations.
COURSE CODE: FRCB
Sec. 01: 9 Mondays, 4:30-6pm. Begins Jan. 12 | $300 | Elodie Bordry No class Jan. 19 & Feb. 16 & 23
REFRESHER: LOW INTERMEDIATE
This class is for students who completed at least four beginner levels or equivalent and have a knowledge of French comparable to the syllabus covered in the textbook Alter Ego +1 and the first three lessons of Alter Ego +2. Students will continue to work on their reading, speaking, and listening skills, as well as review and apply basic and more complex grammar including the past tenses and the subjonctif. The course will also include fun activities like songs and games to learn more about French culture and amplify vocabulary.
COURSE CODE: FRBI
Sec. 01: 8 Wednesdays, 10:30am-12pm. Jan. 14 | $270 | Neha Coureil No class Feb. 4, 11 & 18
INTERMEDIATE CONVERSATION
You are pretty comfortable in everyday situations and in applying your solid knowledge of the basics of French. Now it’s time to practice expressing yourself in more complex situations, to voice opinions and share points of views with your classmates, to increase your vocabulary and engage fully in the cultural context of French.
COURSE CODE: FRIC
Sec. 01: 9 Mondays, 6:10-7:40pm. Begins Jan. 12 | $300 | Elodie Bordry No class Jan. 19 & Feb. 16 & 23
FUN FRENCH TRIVIA AFTERNOON
Elodie Bordry | Native Speaker
Take up the challenge and take part in a French trivia afternoon in the heart of Harvard Square. Topics include sports, science, literature, cinema, history, and geography. Come and test your knowledge of French and enjoy a glass of wine, all in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. To make the most of this afternoon, your French must be good enough to understand and respond in French.
COURSE CODE: FRTR
Sec. 01: Saturday, 2-4pm. Jan. 31 | $50
PRACTICE THROUGH GAMES, ACTIVITIES AND CULTURAL EXPLORATIONS FOR INTERMEDIATE LEARNERS
Britta Pejic | French Instructor
This class is an opportunity to brush up on your French speaking skills all while having fun! We will enjoy games, trivia, songs, and other practice activities. We will watch short films and other interactive videos that are great prompts for class discussion en français. Some language review will be provided to help build confidence in speaking. Vous allez vous amuser!
In addition to remembering the different endings for verbs according to their subjects and to the tense that is used, as a French speaker you also have to know when to use the Subjonctif mode. In this class, students will learn how to recognize situations where the Subjonctif is required and how it is formed. They will practice their listening skills and learn some new vocabulary and who knows, perhaps even some songs! This class is recommended for students at low intermediate level and above (CEFR A2+ and above).
COURSE CODE: FSBA
Sec. 01: 3 Fridays, 4:30-6pm. Begins Mar. 6 | $100
Free Personal Online Assessment Day
Need help with finding the right class for you? Register for our free online assessment day on Zoom for Spanish, French, Italian and German.
Wednesday, December 10, 6-7:30pm Tuesday, January 6, 6-7:30pm Wednesday, January 7, 9:30-11am
For an online self-assessment, visit ccae.org/languagelevels. Contact Francesca Ferraris at languages@ccae.org or 617-547-6789 ext. 112 for more details.
GERMAN
Petra Bittner, Brigitte Buehler-Probst, Francesca Ferraris | Native Speakers
Claire Sehringer | German Instructor
The German language boasts about 120 million native speakers. It is the most widely spoken native language in the European Union. The German-speaking countries are ranked fifth in terms of annual publication of new books, with one tenth of all books (including e-books) in the world being published in German language. Count yourself among its learners in this series of engaging classes, emphasizing spoken production and interaction.
BEGINNER LEVEL 1
COURSE CODE: GRB1
Sec. 01: 9 Wednesdays, 6-7:30pm. Begins Jan. 14 | $300
Looking for an opportunity to practice your German and learn something new? We will do some reading, a little bit of writing, and lots of speaking. Each week we will tackle one topic, reviewing useful vocabulary and phrases. Topics can include German artists, visiting museums, shopping in Germany, planning a trip, talking about family, and more. We will also read a short book or some short articles in German, and if there is student interest, we will even do short student presentations.
This class is for low intermediate level students with a solid knowledge of basic structures of German, and who would like to apply and practice this knowledge inspired by short stories about everyday situations. Along the way, you will learn some grammar, pick up new vocabulary, improve your speaking, writing and reading skills and deepen your understanding of German culture. Required book: Learn German With Stories: Café in Berlin — 10 Short Stories For Beginners (ISBN: 978-1492399490).
COURSE CODE: GESI
Sec. 01: 4 Wednesdays, 6-7:30pm. Begins Feb. 25 | $135 | Petra Bittner
INTERMEDIATE THROUGH DETECTIVE STORIES: ZUM BÄRENHAUS
This class is for intermediate level students with a solid knowledge of basic and some complex structures of German and would like to apply and practice this knowledge inspired by short stories. Along the way, you will learn some grammar, pick up new vocabulary, improve your speaking, writing and reading skills, and deepen your understanding of German culture. A corpse is found in the local zoo’s panda enclosure. How did it get there? Was it an accident or murder? Can you help Kommissar Baumgart and his colleague Katharina Momsen solve this case? Required book: Zum Bärenhaus (ISBN: 978-1489571847).
COURSE CODE: GIZB
Sec. 01: 9 Thursdays, 6-7:30pm. Begins Jan. 22 | $300 | Petra Bittner
Improve your German by solidifying your understanding of sentence structure, verb tenses and conjugation, cases and prepositions (accusative or dative), as well as subordinate clauses. We will dive into texts and exercises to help you feel more comfortable and confident with your German grammar. An advantageous class for any high beginner or low intermediate student who wants to enjoy German more.
COURSE CODE: GRGA
Sec. 01: 6 Wednesdays, 6-7:30pm. Begins Jan. 14 | $200
LIEBES — UND LIEBLINGSGEDICHTE DER DEUTSCHEN
Petra Bittner | Native Speaker
Große deutsche Autoren beschreiben in ihren Gedichten die Liebe und das Leben. In diesem Kurs lesen und diskutieren wir Texte aus zwei Jahrhunderten. Im ersten Teil des Kurses arbeiten wir mit Texten von berühmten Autoren des 19. Jahrhunderts wie Johann Wolfgang Goethe, Theodor Fontane, Theodor Storm und Wilhelm Busch. Im zweiten Teil besprechen wir Gedichte von Autorinnen und Autoren des 20. Jahrhunderts (zum Beispiel Mascha Kaleko und Sarah Kirsch). The class is recommended for students with a high intermediate level (CEFR B1+) and above.
COURSE CODE: GLLD
Sec. 01: 6 Mondays, 6-7:30pm. Begins Jan. 26 | $200
No class Feb. 16
THEATER SPIELEN: LEARNING GERMAN THROUGH THEATER
Brigitte Buehler-Probst | Native Speaker
The one-act play, as a form of reading theater, is tied to a long tradition of literary salons in Germany and Austria. Since the 18th century, one-act plays have been regarded as a space for experimentation beyond the official theater business, and sometimes took place in unconventional locations. Today, the playful and performative approach to dramatic texts is often used as a method for learning German, promising progress in areas such as speaking, vocabulary, reading skills, and phonetics. This course aims to read short (sometimes wellknown) dialogues in distributed roles, discuss the end of a story in the group, and/or rewrite the texts as desired. Disguises, masks, and the construction of stage sets are permitted, but not necessary. For students with an intermediate level (CEFR B1 and above). All materials will be provided during the course.
COURSE CODE: GETH
Sec. 01: 4 Wednesdays, 7 :45-9:15pm. Begins F eb. 11 | $135
“SHOW AND TELL” AUF DEUTSCH
Petra Bittner | Native Speaker
Sprechen Sie gern über Ihr Hobby, Ihre kreative Arbeit, Ihr Haustier oder schöne Reise Erlebnisse? Dann sind Sie in diesem Kurs herzlich willkommen! Wir zeigen und besprechen, was wir gern machen, sehen, hören, malen oder kochen. This class is recommended for students with an intermediate level (CEFR B1 and above)
COURSE CODE: GRSH
Sec. 01: 4 Tuesdays, 6-7:30pm. Begins Feb. 24 | $135
ITALIAN
Lucia Campo, Giovanni M. Palmarini | Native Speakers
Italian is spoken as native language by approximately 85 million people in Europe, Africa, the Americas, and Australia. Throughout the world it is the fifth most studied foreign language. Taught by experienced and educated instructors, these classes emphasize building vocabulary, solidifying grammar, and improving spoken interaction.
BEGINNER LEVEL 1
COURSE CODE: ITB1
Sec. 01: 9 Thursdays, 11am-12:30pm. Begins Jan. 15 | $300 | Lucia Campo
Sec. 02: 9 Thursdays, 7:45-9:15pm. Begins Jan. 15 | $300 | Giovanni M. Palmarini
BEGINNER LEVEL 2
COURSE CODE: ITB2
Sec. 01: 9 Thursdays, 6-7:30pm. Begins Jan. 15 | $300 | Giovanni M. Palmarini
BEGINNER LEVEL 3
COURSE CODE: ITB3
Sec. 01: 9 Mondays, 6-7:30pm. Begins Jan. 12 | $300 | Giovanni M. Palmarini
No class Jan. 19 & Feb. 16
Sec. 02: 9 Thursdays, 3-4:30pm. Begins Jan. 15 | $300 | Lucia Campo
BEGINNER LEVEL 4
COURSE CODE: ITB4
Sec. 01: 9 Thursdays, 1:15-2:45pm. Begins Jan. 15 | $300 | Lucia Campo
HIGH BEGINNER/LOW INTERMEDIATE
This level is for students who have had approx. 45 hours of classroom time in the language within the last 2 years, are familiar with frequently used expressions, have some knowledge of the past and future tense and are able to express themselves in everyday situations. Following the guidelines of the Common European Framework of Reference, students at this level will learn to identify the main points of clear standard speech. They will learn to describe experiences and events, express wishes, and give reasons and explanations for likes and dislikes. This class will cover lesson 11-13 of the textbook New Italian Espresso
COURSE CODE: ITLI
Sec. 01: 9 Thursdays, 9:15-10:45am. Begins Jan. 15 | $300 | Lucia Campo BEGINNER CONVERSATION
This class is for students who have completed four beginner levels or the equivalent, are comfortable with using the present tense, and have some knowledge of passato prossimo and imperfetto. Reinforce your basic knowledge of the structure of Italian, develop fluency with the past tenses, acquire new vocabulary, learn about culture, and practice with lively activities and conversations.
COURSE CODE: ITBC
Sec. 01: 9 Mondays, 7:45-9:15pm. Begins Jan. 12 | $300 | Giovanni M. Palmarini
No class Jan. 19 & Feb. 16
Sec. 02: 9 Tuesdays, 11:15-12:45am. Begins Jan. 13 | $300 | Giovanni M. Palmarini
CCAE Invites You to a BILINGUAL BOOK PRESENTATION AND READING
A Necklace of Ears / Collar de orejas by Alberto Roblest
Friday, February 6, 7-8:30pm
DUE CHIACCHIERE E UN CAFFÈ: ADVANCED ITALIAN CONVERSATION
Giovanni M. Palmarini | Native Speaker
Immagina di essere seduto al bar di una piazza italiana, immagina di bere il tuo caffè e di gustare un cornetto mentre chiacchieri in italiano con le persone sedute ai tavoli vicini. Immagina di immergerti nella cultura e nello stile di vita italiani anche solo per un giorno alla settimana. This class is recommended for advanced students.
COURSE CODE: ITCC
Sec. 01: 9 Tuesdays, 9:30-11am. Begins Jan. 13 | $300
ADVANCED CONVERSATIONS: COSA BOLLE IN PENTOLA?
Alessandra Greco | Native Speaker
This class explores the deep connection and Cultural Significance of food in Italian Culture through literature, music, and cinema. This class is recommended for advanced students.
COURSE CODE: ITBP
Sec. 01: 4 Thursdays, 6-8pm. Begins Jan. 15 | $180
CINEFORUM ITALIANO
Federica Fausto | Native Speaker
Durante due incontri guarderemo insieme un film italiano e discuteremo in seguito i temi affrontati e le questioni che il film solleva a proposito della società italiana. This class is recommended for high intermediate/advanced students.
2026: AN INTRODUCTION TO ITALIAN WINES OF THE WINTER OLYMPICS AND LANGUAGE
Lucia Campo | Native Speaker, WSET Level 3 Certificate
On February 6 we will celebrate the opening ceremony of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano! Imagine steep slopes, crisp mountain air, breathtaking landscapes, and warm alpine hospitality. As athletes conquer the mountains, we’ll celebrate with wines from high-altitude vineyards, exploring their unique flavors and aromas. While tasting, you’ll learn a bit of Italian and hear stories of dedication, resilience, and the spirit of Italy’s mountains. Tuition includes wine.
COURSE CODE: ITSO
Sec. 01: 2 Fridays, 5-6:30pm. Feb. 6 & 20 | $90
UN SORSO ITALIANO MILANO-CORTINA
2026:
CONVERSAZIONE SUI VINI DELLE OLIMPIADI INVERNALI
Lucia Campo | Native Speaker, WSET Level 3 Certificate
Il 6 Febbraio si aprono a Milano i Giochi Olimpici Invernali 2026! Immagina la velocità delle gare, i paesaggi mozzafiato, le tradizioni antiche delle montagne, e la calda accoglienza dell’inverno alpino. Mentre gli atleti si sfidano in velocità e resistenza, noi celebriamo la bellezza della montagna con i suoi vini unici, dalla Valtellina alle Dolomiti.This class is recommended for high intermediate/advanced students (CEFR B1+ and above). Tuition includes wine.
This review class focuses on reinforcing students' understanding and correct usage of the two main past tenses in Italian: passato prossimo and imperfetto. Students will have plenty of opportunities to practice and become confident in using these tenses with useful and fun activities. Recommended for high beginner and intermediate students (CEFR A2 and above).
COURSE CODE: PAIM
Sec. 01: 3 Friday s, 4:15-5:45pm. Begins F eb. 27 | $ 1 00
CANTIAMO
VALENTINE'S EDITION: ITALIAN THROUGH LOVE SONGS
Giovanni M. Palmarini | Native Speaker
Questo corso dedicato alle canzoni d'amore italiane vi permetterà di migliorare la grammatica, il vocabolario e la vostra abilità di ascolto divertendovi! Recommended for low intermediate students and above (CEFR A2+ and above).
COURSE CODE: C AVA
Sec. 01: 3 Friday s, 6-8pm. Begins F eb. 27 | $ 1 35
APERITIVO LETTERARIO: ITALIAN BOOK CLUB
Elena Lori | Native Speaker
Enamored with Italy and the country’s literature, history, and culture? Come to share some classic literature, novels, and contemporary fiction with a glass of wine! We will discuss the novel L’anniversario by Andrea Bajani. This poignant novel received the prestigious Premio Strega award in 2025.. Required reading before the class: L’anniversario by Andrea Bajani. Intermediate level (CEFR B1 and above) required.
COURSE CODE: APLI
Sec. 01: Friday, 6-8pm. Mar. 27 | $50
JAPANESE
Tomoko Takagi | Native Speaker
Japanese is spoken by more than 125 million people around the world-primarily by the inhabitants of Japan, but also by populations of Japanese origin in Hawaii, as well as in North and South America. Nearly 4 million people around the world study Japanese; Japanese is an agglutinative language whose origins are not clearly established. The writing system consists of two syllabaries (Hiragana and Katakana) and the Chinese Kanji characters.
BEGINNER LEVEL 1
COURSE CODE: JPB1
Sec. 01: 9 Fridays, 4:10-5:40pm. Begins Jan. 16 | $300
BEGINNER LEVEL 2
COURSE CODE: JPB2
Sec. 01: 9 Fridays, 2:30-4pm. Begins Jan. 16 | $300
BEGINNER LEVEL 4
COURSE CODE: JPB4
Sec. 01: 9 Wednesdays, 6:15-7:45pm. Begins Jan. 14 | $300
BEGINNER CONVERSATION (BEGINNER LEVEL 6)
This class is for students who have completed Beginner Levels 1 through 5/6 or the equivalent. Students should be familiar with Hiragana and Katakana, as well as basic verb conjugations (masu-form, te-form, and short form) and adjective conjugations. The primary focus will be on developing conversational fluency through activities such as dialogues, presentations, and role-plays. The Genki I textbook will be used supplementally for review and grammar support (a copy will be provided in class).
COURSE CODE: JPBC
Sec. 01: 9 Thursdays, 6:30-8pm. Begins Jan. 15 | $300
KOREAN
Hyunyong Jeon, Jungah Lee, Minji Park | Native Speakers
Korean belongs to the Ural-Altaic family of languages and is spoken by approximately 100 million people in South Korea, North Korea, China, Japan, and the US. Due to Korea’s increasing economic and political importance in North-East Asia, Korean is growing increasingly popular around the world as a foreign language. The “Korean Wave” has become an influential global phenomenon since the start of the 21st century, heavily impacting the contemporary cultures, music, film, and television industries, and behavioral aspects of various people throughout the world.
BEGINNER LEVEL 1
COURSE CODE: KOB1
Sec. 01: 9 Tuesdays, 5:30-7pm. Begins Jan. 13 | $300 | Minji Park Sec. 02: 9 Wednesdays, 6-7:30pm. Begins Jan. 14 | $300 | Jungah Lee
BEGINNER LEVEL 2
COURSE CODE: KOB2
Sec. 01: 9 Tuesdays, 7:15-8:45pm. Begins Jan. 13 | $300 | Minji Park Sec. 02: 9 Wednesdays, 7:45-9:15pm. Begins Jan. 14 | $300 | Jungah Lee
BEGINNER LEVEL 4
COURSE CODE: KOB4
Sec. 01: 9 Mondays, 7:45-9:15pm. Begins Jan. 12 | $300 | Hyunyong Jeon No class Jan. 19 & Feb. 16
HIGH BEGINNER/LOW INTERMEDIATE
COURSE CODE: KOHB
Sec. 01: 9 Mondays, 6-7:30pm. Begins Jan. 12 | $300 | Hyunyong Jeon No class Jan. 19 & Feb. 16
LOW INTERMEDIATE
COURSE CODE: KOLI
Sec. 01: 9 Mondays, 7:45-9:15pm. Begins Jan. 12 | $300 | Jungah Lee No class Jan. 19 & Feb. 16
INTERMEDIATE
COURSE CODE: KOIN
Sec. 01: 9 Mondays, 6-7:30pm. Begins Jan. 12 | $300 | Jungah Lee No class Jan. 19 & Feb. 16
HANGEUL: LEARN THE KOREAN ALPHABET IN 2 HOURS!
Minji Park | Korean Instructor
Can you really learn to read Korean in just two hours? It sounds impossible — but with Hangeul, it’s absolutely doable! In this fun, one-day workshop, Korean instructor Minji Park introduces the basics of Hangeul, the Korean alphabet, in a way that’s easy and approachable for total beginners. With a background in education and a love for sharing Korean culture, Minji creates a welcoming space for learners of all backgrounds. Participants will write their own names in Korean and read familiar words from K-pop and K-dramas-like BTS and Squid Game. A printed workbook and mini certificate are included. No experience needed!
COURSE CODE: KOHA
Sec. 01: Sunday, 1-3:30pm. Mar. 29 | $70
YOU MAY ALSO BE INTERESTED IN OUR KOREAN COOKING CLASSES ON PAGE 9
POLISH
Edward Mitukiewicz | Native Speaker
Polish is a West-Slavic language, the official language of Poland and one of the official languages of the European Union. After numerous waves of emigration since the beginning of the 19th century around 10 million people speak Polish around the world in addition to the approximately 38 million of speakers who reside in Poland. One of the largest diaspora communities is located in the US where Polish is spoken by 3.5 million people. Join them with a patient and experienced instructor who can guide you through this unique and interesting language.
BEGINNER LEVEL 2
COURSE CODE: PLB2
Sec. 01: 8 Mondays, 5:30-7pm. Begins Jan. 26 | $270 No class Feb. 16
BEGINNER LEVEL 4
COURSE CODE: PLB4
Sec. 01: 8 Mondays, 7:15-8:45pm. Begins Jan. 26 | $270 No class Feb. 16
RUSSIAN
Katya Maher | Native Speaker
Russian is the largest native language in Europe, with 144 million native speakers in Russia, Ukraine, Belarus and is also widely spoken in Central Asia. Russian is the eighth most spoken language in the world by number of native speakers and the seventh by total number of speakers. Our experienced instructor, Katya Maher, will make you familiar with how to read and write the Cyrillic alphabet and everything else you need to communicate in this language.
BEGINNER LEVEL 1+
Beginner Level 1+ is for students who have attended our Beginner Level 1 class or equivalent (13 hours of classroom instruction). Students at this level are familiar with the Cyrillic alphabet and should have a basic knowledge of the verb conjugation in present tense and the prepositional case of the nouns. Students will continue to practice identifying common words concerning themselves and their families, read basic vocabulary, ask and answer simple questions in areas of immediate need, and use simple phrases and sentences to describe familiar people and places.
COURSE CODE: RB1+
Sec. 01: 9 Tuesdays, 7:45-9:15pm. Begins Jan. 13 | $300
BEGINNER LEVEL 2
COURSE CODE: RUB2
Sec. 01: 9 Tuesdays, 6-7:30pm. Begins Jan. 13 | $300
BEGINNER LEVEL 3
COURSE CODE: RUB3
Sec. 01: 9 Thursdays, 7:45-9:15pm. Begins Jan. 15 | $300
INTERMEDIATE CONVERSATION AND GRAMMAR
This conversation class is intended for people who already have a fairly large vocabulary and enough grammar to have a conversation in Russian. Such people usually are interested in keeping their Russian from getting rusty. Each lesson, we review some grammar features, but most of the time is spent in conversation. Also, for homework, in addition to some grammar exercises, the students get a text to read which we may discuss in class the following week.
COURSE CODE: RUIC
Sec. 01: 9 Thursdays, 6-7:30pm. Begins Jan. 15 | $300
SPANISH
Eva Ferreras, Alberto Roblest, Laia Roset Roig, Andrea Smith, Luz Elena Zuluaga | Native Speakers
Spoken in Europe, the Americas, Africa, and Asia, Spanish has the second largest number of native speakers in the world. It is also the second most studied language in the world, and the third most used language on the internet. Make Spanish your second language with our first-rate instructors.
BEGINNER LEVEL 1
COURSE CODE: SPB1
Sec. 01: 9 Tuesdays, 9:15-10:45am. Begins Jan. 13 | $300 | Eva Ferreras No class Feb. 17
Sec. 02: 9 Tuesdays, 6-7:30pm. Begins Jan. 13 | $300 |Andrea Smith
Sec. 03: 9 Wednesdays, 7:45-9:15pm. Begins Jan. 14 | $300 | Eva Ferreras No class Feb. 18
Sec. 04: 7 Saturdays, 12:30-2:30pm. Begins Jan. 24 | $310 | Luz Elena Zuluaga
BEGINNER LEVEL 2
COURSE CODE: SPB2
Sec. 01: 9 Tuesdays, 9:15-10:45am. Begins Jan. 13 | $300 | Luz Elena Zuluaga
Sec. 02: 9 Wednesdays, 7:45-9:15pm. Begins Jan. 14 | $300 | Andrea Smith
Sec. 03: 7 Saturdays, 10am-12pm. Begins Jan. 24 | $310 | Luz Elena Zuluaga
BEGINNER LEVEL 3
COURSE CODE: SPB3
Sec. 01: 9 Thursdays, 6-7:30pm. Begins Jan. 15 | $300 | Alberto Roblest
BEGINNER LEVEL 4
COURSE CODE: SPB4
Sec. 01: 9 Wednesdays, 6-7:30pm. Begins Jan. 14 | $300 | Andrea Smith
REFRESHER HIGH BEGINNER
This class is dedicated to reviewing the content of Beginner Level 1-4. It is designed for students who have completed Spanish Beginner Level 4 or equivalent in the past and would like to revisit and practice the basics of Spanish with the goal of mastering everyday conversations.
COURSE CODE: SREH
Sec. 01: 9 Wednesdays, 6-7:30pm. Begins Jan. 14 | $300 | Laia Roset Roig HIGH BEGINNER/LOW INTERMEDIATE
This class is for students who completed four beginner levels or equivalent and have a knowledge of Spanish comparable to the entire textbook Aula Internacional 1 Plus. Starting with the first chapters of Aula Internacional 2 Plus students will continue to work on their speaking and listening skills, review and apply basic grammar including the past tense, and amplify their vocabulary.
COURSE CODE: SPHB
Sec. 01: 9 Tuesdays, 11am-12:30pm. Begins Jan. 13 | $300 | Luz Elena Zuluaga
Sec. 02: 9 Thursdays, 7:45-9:15pm. Begins Jan. 15 | $300 | Alberto Roblest
INTERMEDIATE CONVERSATION
You are pretty comfortable in everyday situations and in applying your solid knowledge of the basics of Spanish. Now it’s time to practice expressing yourself in more complex situations, to voice opinions, and share points of views with your classmates, to increase your vocabulary and engage fully in the cultural context of Spanish.
COURSE CODE: SPCO
Sec. 01: 9 Wednesdays, 6-7:30pm. Begins Jan. 14 | $300 | Eva Ferreras No class Feb. 18
HIGH INTERMEDIATE
This level is for students who have at least 100 hours of classroom time in the language within the last 3 years, can enter unprepared into conversation on topics that are familiar or of personal interest, and can describe their experiences, hopes, dreams, and ambitions. Students will start working with the textbook Aula Internacional 4 Plus
COURSE CODE: SPIH
Sec. 01: 9 Thursdays, 5:30-7pm. Begins Jan. 15 | $300 | Luz Elena Zuluaga
ARGENTINIAN CINEMA
Andrea Smith | Native Speaker Argentinian films were once hailed as some of the best in the world. The industry, however, went through a tumultuous time during Argentina’s dictatorship in the 70’s but resurfaced with great films and actors. One of those films winning an Oscar for Best Foreign Film in 2009. In this class we will show and discuss some of the best films in the last 20 years of Argentinian cinema. The class will be fully presented in Spanish. Advanced Spanish level is recommended.
COURSE CODE: ARCI
Sec. 01: 6 Tuesdays, 7:45-9:15pm. Begins Jan. 27 | $200
ADVANCED READING AND CONVERSATION: EL AMOR EN MARIO BENEDETTI
Luz Elena Zuluaga | Native Speaker
La poesía de este gran escritor renueva el lenguaje de los sentimientos, muchos de ellos están a flor de labio en la gente que los recuerda de memoria y los repite al oído de la persona que ama. Para Benedetti el amor es una fuerza que va más allá de la pasión, involucra la complejidad, el compromiso cotidiano y la justicia social. Déjate envolver por la magia del amor que Benedetti nos expresa en estos 5 poemas:Te quiero, Hagamos un trato, Táctica y estrategia, Todavía y Soledades. Este curso es apropiado para estudiantes con un nivel más o menos avanzado. This class is recommended for advanced students.
COURSE CODE: SPAM
Sec. 01: 4 Wednesdays, 6-7:30pm. Begins Feb. 4 | $135
READING, WATCHING, LISTENING AND DISCUSSING SPANISH MEDIA
Martha de la Vega | Native Speaker Newspapers, video, and radio are some of the best sources to immerse oneself into the culture of different countries and to learn more about current affairs. However, very often these sources tend to be a challenge for Spanish students. In this class we will read articles and watch videos from media of different Spanish-speaking regions. We will cover a range of different subjects and enjoy the cultural exposure. Students will enrich their vocabulary and practice their conversational skills. This class is recommended for advanced students.
COURSE CODE: SPRW
Sec. 01: 4 Tuesdays, 6-7:30pm. Begins Mar. 10 | $135
YOU MAY ALSO BE INTERESTED IN BILINGUAL BOOK PRESENTATION AND READING BY ALBERTO ROBLEST
I have achieved most of the goals of A2. I would like to...
High Intermediate Advanced B2
I have achieved most of the goals of B1. I would like to...
Understand phrases & the highest frequency vocabulary related to areas of most immediate personal relevance. Catch the main point in short, clear, simple messages & announcements.
Understand the main points of clear speech, & the main point in radio or TV programs on current events, or topics of personal or professional interest.
Understand extended speech & lectures & follow even complex lines of argument. Understand most TV news & current affairs programs.
Advanced C1
I have achieved most of the goals of B2. I would like to...
Understand extended speech even when it is not clearly structured & when relationships are only implied & not signaled explicitly. Follow television programs & films without too much effort.
Point out familiar names, words & simple sentences, such as on posters, notes or in catalogues.
Read very short, simple texts & find specific information in everyday material such as menus, advertisements, & short personal letters.
Ask & answer simple questions. Interact in a simple way with repetition & slow speech. Use simple phrases & sentences to describe familiar people.
Communicate in routine tasks & social interactions. Use a series of phrases & sentences to describe family, educational background & present work.
Understand texts with high frequency, everyday, or jobrelated language. Understand the description of events, feelings & wishes in personal letters.
Read articles & reports about contemporary problems in which the writers adopt particular attitudes or viewpoints. Understand contemporary literary prose.
Understand long & complex factual & literary texts, appreciating distinctions of style. Understand specialized articles & longer technical instructions.
Handle travel situations, enter unprepared into conversation on familiar topics, & connect phrases, give reasons & opinions, & describe plots of books or films.
Interact with fluency & spontaneity & explain a viewpoint & advantages & disadvantages of various options. Take an active part in discussions.
Write a short, simple postcard & fill in forms with personal details.
Use language flexibly & effectively for social & professional purposes. Present clear, detailed descriptions of complex subjects, integrating subthemes.
Write short notes, messages & personal letters relating to immediate needs.
Write simple texts on familiar or personal topics, such as letters describing personal experiences and impressions.
Write on a wide range of subjects, essay of support or against a topic, as well as personal letters highlighting the personal significance of events.
Write about complex subjects in a letter, an essay or a report, underlining what I consider to be the salient issues. Select style appropriate to the reader in mind.
English as a Second Language
“Steven’s explanations are clear and his lessons are directly applicable to real life, so you can start using what you’ve learned immediately after class.”
—IANA M., MAKE IT CLEAR: ADVANCED PRONUNCIATION IMPROVEMENT PRACTICE
CCAE offers in-person classes at beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels taught by highly-trained and experienced instructors. Communicative, learner-oriented teaching methods and the multicultural atmosphere facilitate not only language learning but also friendships with people from all over the world.
We use the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) to assess students and establish learning goals. To find the right level, attend our free online personal assessment days (p. 25) or contact Francesca Ferraris at languages@ccae.org. Please see p. 22 for level descriptions and visit ccae.org/classes/esl for our most up-to-date language classes.
ENGLISH INTEGRATED SKILLS CLASSES
Our integrated skills classes help students improve reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. At every level, students learn to interact in increasingly complex ways, from everyday to professional English. These classes require the purchase of a textbook.
ESL BEGINNER LEVELS 1 & 2
Sylwia Gierczak, Rosa Lopez, John O’Donnell | ESL Instructors
COURSE CODE: EBEG
Sec. 01: 8 Weeks, Mondays & Wednesdays, 11am-12:30pm. Begins Jan. 21 | $340 | Sylwia Gierczak No class Feb. 16
Sec. 02: 8 Weeks, Mondays & Wednesdays, 7:45-9:15pm. Begins Jan. 21 | $340 | John O’Donnell No class Feb. 16
Sec. 03: 8 Saturdays, 9:30am-12:30pm. Begins Jan. 24 | $340 | Rosa Lopez
ESL BEGINNER LEVELS 3 & 4
John O’Donnell | ESL Instructor
COURSE CODE: ENBE
Sec. 01: 8 Weeks, Mondays & Wednesdays, 9:15-10:45am. Begins Jan. 21 | $340 No class Feb. 16
PREPARATION FOR THE TOEFL (THE TEST OF ENGLISH AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE)
John O’Donnell | ESL Instructor
The TOEFL is the most widely used test to measure English fluency in the world. Thousands of academic institutions, government agencies, and professional associations require a good TOEFL score for admission or membership. In this class, students practice the four skill areas evaluated on the TOEFL (reading, listening, speaking and writing) using authentic test materials. Tips and strategies are shared to help students get the score they need for admission to their top universities. This course is also perfect for advanced-level students who may not be planning to take the TOEFL but wish to further develop their general English skills. We highly recommend attending one of our free online personal assessment days before enrolling in this class.
COURSE CODE: TOFL
Sec. 01: 8 Saturdays, 9:30am-12:30pm. Begins Jan. 24 | $340
ENGLISH SPECIFIC SKILLS CLASSES
INTERMEDIATE – CEFR B1
EARLY
BIRD:
CONVERSATION PRACTICE
THROUGH GAMES, ACTIVITIES, SONGS, AND MORE
Britta Pejic | ESL Instructor
Start the day off with some enjoyable practice activities, fun exercises, trivia, songs and learn other intriguing aspects of the English language. Learn new vocabulary and idiomatic expressions. We’ll help you brush up on grammar and spelling and you’ll improve pronunciation and comprehension skills. This class is for high beginner and intermediate level students.
This class is for intermediate-level students who want to improve their pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar while developing their conversational skills. Activities will include open discussions, debates, and presentations.
Improve your accent and acquire a communication edge in business that enhances professional relationships. Learn to hear and correct accented speech sounds that contribute to misunderstood speech. After reviewing why certain sounds are so troublesome, we will practice universally difficult sounds, using a technique that builds new habits of speech. Please bring a recording device to class, $40 for class materials, and a willingness to practice!
Steven Bloomberg | Communications Skills Developer
Develop conversational fluency, increase confidence, and learn that English grammar is not so complicated. We’ll take a deeper dive into grammar that you’ve already learned, learn about grammar that is less frequently used, and explore new words and expressions. We’ll also use ordinary, everyday topics, online media, and current events to provide context for grammar and new words and expressions. Grammar topics for review include hypothetical language, modal verb review, verb use, and more.
COURSE CODE: ENGR
Sec. 01: 5 Weeks, Mondays & Wednesdays, 7-9pm. Begins Jan. 21 | $315 No class Feb. 16
READ, DISCUSS, DEBATE!
Claire Sehringer | ESL Instructor
This class is for advanced ESL students who want to improve their vocabulary, comprehension, cultural understanding, and speaking confidence in a fun class based on reading and discussion. Students will be exposed to different English content including videos, articles, news topics, cartoons, and stories. The class format will include discussions, debates, and partner and group work, as well as individual and group presentations. Students are invited to suggest topics of interest.
COURSE CODE: ERDD
Sec. 01: 6 Thursdays, 10am-12pm. Begins Jan. 22 | $175
WRITING & GRAMMAR
John O’Donnell | ESL Instructor
If you have a good command of English, but find that your writing needs help, this is the class for you. We focus on vocabulary and word forms, grammar, punctuation, and practice. Verb tenses, sentence structure, paragraph building, and essay development are all part of the curriculum. Students will have a lot of opportunities to practice expressing themselves in written English. In this class, all major forms of writing will be covered, including letters (business and personal), journals, essays, and other forms that students find helpful. This class is great for any high intermediate or advanced student who wants to improve their written English and is especially recommended for students preparing for the TOEFL.
COURSE CODE: ENWA
Sec. 01: 8 Saturdays, 1-4pm. Begins Jan. 24 | $340
PICK UP THE PACE: SMOOTH ENGLISH TALKING
Steven Bloomberg | Communications Skills Developer
This course is for very advanced and fluent speakers. Learn how to practice English pronunciation to sound more natural, fluent, and faster. With step-by-step practice, you’ll find out how to increase your natural speech quality and pick up the pace of your speaking. This course highlights conversational contractions, standard contractions, connected speech, and the all-important schwa neutral vowel.
COURSE CODE: ENPP
Sec. 01: 5 Saturdays, 10am-12pm. Begins Feb. 28 | $175
MAKE IT CLEAR: ADVANCED PRONUNCIATION IMPROVEMENT PRACTICE
Steven Bloomberg | Communications Skills Developer
Come to this pronunciation class ready and willing to participate in speaking activities in order to practice, learn, and identify specific areas in which you can improve. You’ll also receive materials to guide you in your practice. This course takes an intonation-centered and holistic approach while also giving attention to specific pronunciation details and points that are useful for your progress.
COURSE CODE: ENIP
Sec. 01: 5 Weeks, Mondays & Wednesdays, 7-9pm. Begins Mar. 2 | $315
ENGLISH PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT CLASSES
SUCCESS STORIES FOR INTERVIEWS AND BUSINESS
Steven Bloomberg | Communications Skills Developer
Impress interviewers, customers, and colleagues with interview stories and business stories. Market your skills and promote your work effectively by talking about what you have done for employers, clients, or customers. This course is for developing and practicing your business success stories and for telling about yourself and your work. We’ll listen to each other and learn to improve together.
COURSE CODE: ENIN
Sec. 01: 5 Saturdays, 10am-12pm. Begins Jan. 24 | $175
THE POWER OF YOUR BUSINESS VOICE: PROMOTE YOURSELF AT WORK
Steven Bloomberg | Communications Skills Developer
Develop your vocal expression and vocal strength to be a more convincing communicator at work and in business. Unlock your power and project your real self at work when you speak with leadership, team members, cross-functional teams, and clients. Learn to use the power of your voice to promote yourself at work. We will participate in speaking practice activities and exercises, and receive coaching and guidance. We’ll also introduce and explore rhetoric as a way to create stronger and more convincing messages. For advanced ESL students.
COURSE CODE: ENPV
Sec. 01: 5 Saturdays, 1-3pm. Begins Jan. 24 | $175
CULTURAL AWARENESS FOR WORK AND BUSINESS COMMUNICATION IN THE US
Steven Bloomberg | Communications Skills Developer
Optimize your communication for work and business in the States by becoming aware of American communication culture. We’ll practice presentations, meetings, project updates, and more. Everyone will practice individually and in pairs or groups. You’ll receive coaching, suggestions, ideas, and tips to communicate more effectively, confidently, and competently. We’ll discuss your experiences and observations and how you can better adapt to maximize your success at work. Intercultural communication awareness can improve your communication skills at work. Topics include getting to the point, directness, tactful language, agreeing and disagreeing, information presentation, assertiveness, and more.
COURSE CODE: ECAB
Sec. 01: 5 Saturdays, 1-3pm. Begins Feb. 28 | $175
Free Personal Online Assessment Days
Need help with finding the right class for you? Register for one of our free online assessments on Zoom.
Thursday, December 11, 6-7:30pm
Monday, January 12, 6-7:30pm Wednesday, January 14, 9:30-11am
Contact Francesca Ferraris at languages@ccae.org or 617-547-6789 ext. 112 for any questions.
Need help finding the right class for you? Register for one of our free online assessments on Zoom: Thursday, December 11, 6-7:30pm Monday, J anuary 12, 6-7:30 pm Wednesday, January 14, 9:30-11am For an online self-assessment, visit ccae.org/language-levels , or contact Francesca Ferraris at languages@ccae.org or 617-547-6789 ext. 112.
Visit ccae.org to learn more about the classes, the instructors, and your level. Let us answer your questions and help you choose a class. Email us at languages@ccae.org or call 617-547-6789
CCAE offers financial assistance of 50% off tuition for qualifying adults of all ages. Some restrictions apply. See ccae.org/about/scholarships for details. If you have any questions, please contact our Student Services Manager at info@ccae.org
ENPV: The Power of Your Business Voice: Promote Yourself at Work 5 Saturdays, 1-3pm. Begins Jan. 24 | $175
ENPP: Pick Up the Pace: Smooth English Talking 5 Saturdays, 10am-12pmpm. Begins Feb. 28| $175
ECAB: Cultural Awareness for Work and Business Communication in the US 5 Saturdays, 1-3pm. Begins Feb. 28 | $175
All Classes are In-Person
Humanities
LITERATURE
THE JOURNEY WITHIN: EXPLORING AUGUSTINE’S CONFESSIONS
Elena Shabliy | Master of Liberal Arts, Ph.D., Tulane University
St. Augustine’s Confessions is an autobiographical work that stands as a foundation of the Western literary canon. St. Augustine, together with Ambrose, Jerome, and Pope Gregory the Great, is recognized as one of the four Great Latin Church Fathers and is honored as a Doctor of the Church. In this class, we will focus on Confessions, closely reading this spiritual masterpiece that has profoundly influenced world literature. St. Augustine’s influence transcends denominations: he is recognized as a saint in the Catholic Church, the Eastern Orthodox Church, the Lutheran tradition, and the Anglican Communion. His Confessions is one of the most influential works of Western spirituality, philosophy, and literature-a profound journey into the heart and mind of a searching soul. This course invites learners to engage with Augustine’s candid reflections on faith, doubt, love, and identity.
COURSE CODE: SINS
Sec. 01: 8 Wednesdays, 7:45-8:45pm. Begins Jan. 21 | $160
“The class helped me to understand, enjoy, and bring meaning on a deeper level to difficult readings.”
—PATRICIA W., EDGAR ALLAN POE’S SHORT STORIES
AN UNFINISHED STORY: THE BEST SHORT STORIES OF O . HENRY
Petra Bittner | Literature Instructor
Designed for the writer who is averse to rule following: experimental writing, hybrid forms, lyric, and braided essay. Explore these new (and yet ancient) forms of what we think of as the modern essay. This is a generative writing class where we will read examples from throughout history that have pushed the boundaries of narrative writing. We will create our own writing in class from prompts and exercises. The course will focus on experimenting with form and borrowing techniques from poetry, fiction, drama, and beyond to create genre-bending works.
COURSE CODE: UNIF
Sec. 01: 6 Wednesdays, 2-3:30pm. Begins Jan. 28 | $180
No class Feb. 11
Sec. 02: 6 Thursdays, 2-3:30pm. Begins Jan. 29 | $180
NEAR FUTURE DYSTOPIAS
Mary Dockray-Miller | Ph. D., Professor of English & Humanities
Kazuo Ishiguro’s 2021 novel Klara and the Sun and Celeste Ng’s 2022 novel Our Missing Hearts both draw on the extensive literary tradition of dystopia, defined as “an imagined world or society in which people lead wretched, dehumanized, fearful lives” (Merriam-Webster). However, that society is simultaneously propagandized as utopian or ideal. This class will engage in a close analysis of these two recent contributions to the genre, exploring how they deviate from and enrich the conventions of dystopian literature. Students should read Part One (pp. 1-45) of Klara and the Sun before the first-class meeting. Required texts: Kazuo Ishiguro, Klara and the Sun, paperback ISBN 9780593311295; Celeste Ng, Our Missing Hearts, paperback ISBN 9780593492666.
COURSE CODE: CELE
Sec. 01: 8 Thursdays, 10-11:30am. Begins Jan. 22 | $240
DICKENS SEMINAR: OUR MUTUAL FRIEND
Susan Glassman | Ph.D., English, University of Rhode Island
If you like to read about money, murder, and mayhem, Charles Dickens’s last complete novel, Our Mutual Friend, will appeal to you. The novel offers a powerful satire on the hypocrisies of Victorian society, championing the cause of the poor and critiquing moral corruption. Set against the backdrop of the Industrial Revolution, the novel explores themes of money, greed, class, and the corrupting influence of wealth through intricate plots and an estimated fifty significant characters and numerous minor figures. For the first class, please read Chapters 1 through 8 in Book the First in Charles. Dickens, Our Mutual Friend, ISBN 978-0140-43497-2
COURSE CODE: CRUP
Sec. 01: 8 Tuesdays, 10:30-11:45am. Begins Jan. 13 | $230
Sec. 02: 8 Tuesdays, 2-3:15pm. Begins Jan. 13 | $230
THE AMERICAN HUMORIST
Joshua Passell | Writer, Editor
When the literary luminaries took their seats at the celebrated Round Table of the Algonquin Hotel, it was, as President Kennedy said on a different occasion, “the most extraordinary collection of talent, of human knowledge, that has ever been gathered together… since Thomas Jefferson dined alone”. Robert Benchley, Dorothy Parker, George S. Kauffman, et al were the most celebrated wits and wags of their time — perhaps of all time. But who came before them, and who carried on their legacy of laughs? From Benjamin Franklin’s Poor Richard to Garrison Keillor’s Norwegian Bachelor Farmer, American humorists have harvested bumper crops of wry commentary over centuries. Is there a through line that links Irving, Twain, Rogers, Perelman, Allen, Ephron, Sedaris(-es), and other sardonic observers of the past and present American scene? Funny you should ask…
COURSE CODE: AMHU
Sec. 01: 6 Tuesdays, 4-5:30pm. Begins Jan. 27 | $170
PRISON LITERATURE IN THE ARAB WORLD
Sendus Majanni | Arabic Literature Instructor
Arabic prison writing is a growing corpus of literature consisting of poems, novels, short stories, plays, and autobiographies. When we speak of prison literature in the Arab world, we are talking about political prisoners and forcibly disappeared individuals under tyrannies. The course is intended to serve as an introduction to the growing genre of prison literature in the Arab world and how it mirrors the realities of Arab societies. We aim to examine three translated memoirs mainly and read through interviews, plays, and poetry when necessary. Our discussions will be supported by scholarship on prisons, prison literature, torture, and torturers in the Arab world. We will look at how the relationship with God, family, and the other is changing under torture, and in exile behind bars. We will explore how imprisonment and daily torture is influencing conceptions of forgiveness, hope, justice, governance, and religious practice. Through the autobiographies and the accounts on other prisoners’ social and political lives we will examine the social systems and the individual and collective selves emerging inside the prison.
COURSE CODE: PRAW
Sec. 01: 6 Fridays, 5-6:30pm. Begins Jan. 30 | $180
BRITISH CRIME CLASSICS: SLEEP NO MORE , BY P D JAMES
Olga Turcotte | Jungian Consultant and Instructor
When it comes to murder, almost no one tells it like the incomparable P. D. James, a veteran expert in delving into the dark psychological state and the twisted mind of the perpetrator. Join us to read and discuss some of Baroness James’ gripping stories, which focus so well on the macabre inner workings and the emotional complexities behind criminal and murderous acts.
COURSE CODE: PDJA
Sec. 01: 4 Thursdays, 1-2:30pm. Begins Mar. 5 | $120
PLAY READING BOOK CLUB INTENSIVE: TONY KUSHNER’S ANGELS IN AMERICA
Josh Platt | Dramaturg
American playwright Tony Kushner’s two-play epic Angels in America: A Gay Fantasia on National Themes turns 35 this coming May. In this intensive, we’ll read through and discuss both parts: Millennium Approaches and Perestroika. From the very premiere performance, Angels has meant many things to many people. The plays are both timeless and urgent. Several interlacing stories explore gay, Jewish, Mormon, and black identities, as iconic fictional characters like Prior Walter, Belize, and Hannah Pitt share the stage with real historical figures like Ethel Rosenberg and, notoriously, Roy Cohn. In the wake of Ali Abbasi’s film The Apprentice (2024), starring Sebastian Stan as a young Donald Trump and Jeremy Strong as his mentor Roy Cohn, Kushner’s version of Cohn has taken on a new meaning. Taken as a whole work, Angels tackles revelation, hope, self-loathing, justice, and, above all, the persistence of love in dark times.
COURSE CODE: PLA2
Sec. 01: Saturday & Sunday, 1-5pm. Mar. 28 & 29 | $150
WRITING
NONFICTION
BENDING GENRES: CREATIVE NON-FICTION WRITING
Fabia Oliveira | Writer
Designed for the writer who is averse to rule following: experimental writing, hybrid forms, lyric, and braided essay. Explore these new (and yet ancient) forms of what we think of as the modern essay. This is a generative writing class where we will read examples from throughout history that have pushed the boundaries of narrative writing. We will create our own writing in class from prompts and exercises. The course will focus on experimenting with form and borrowing techniques from poetry, fiction, drama, and beyond to create genre-bending works.
COURSE CODE: AVER
Sec. 01: 5 Tuesdays, 10am-12pm. Begins Jan. 13 | $200
MEMOIR, PERSONAL ESSAY & BEYOND:
CREATIVE NONFICTION CRASH COURSE
Olga Katsovskiy | Writer, Editor, Educator
Take this class to learn about one of the most exciting fields of writing in contemporary literature. To write compelling true stories (nonfiction), you need to familiarize yourself with the basics of imaginative writing (creative), including character, voice, exposition, plot, imagery, and detail. We will read memoir excerpts, essays, flash, and micro-essays to gain a deeper appreciation of this innovative genre. Class includes guided writing prompts with discussion.
COURSE CODE: BEON
Sec. 01: Saturday, 10am-12:30pm. Jan. 17 | $75
WRITING IN CURVES: NONFICTION WORKSHOP
Olga Katsovskiy | Writer, Editor, Educator
We will write personal essays, drawing inspiration from life’s ups and downs and the vast landscape of in-betweens. Each week will focus on elements of craft, examining creative nonfiction works to identify strengths and strategies for revision. We will explore topics fundamental to compelling essays, such as persona, narrative voice, and story arcs. Students can develop one essay or new essays or memoir chapters each week, with the opportunity to share.
COURSE CODE: CURV
Sec. 01: 8 Mondays, 6-7:30pm. Begins Jan. 26 | $265 No class Feb.16
IN SHORT: THE ART OF FLASH ESSAY
Olga Katsovskiy | Writer, Editor, Educator
Compelling flash essays capture dramatic moments in our lives, which leave lasting impressions like a shooting star or a meteor strike. Flash essays are concise and contain profound revelations. This writing-intensive course will give you a deeper appreciation of this innovative genre. We will experiment with story structure, drawing inspiration from narrative and hermit crab essays, and launch into our own. Everyone will have an opportunity to share and receive feedback.
COURSE CODE: GLOW
Sec. 01: 8 Wednesdays, 7-8:30pm. Begins Jan. 14 | $265
FICTION
BEGINNERS’ WRITING: FIRST DRAFT
Christina Fang | Writer
This beginner’s writing class will teach us to lean into the mess of writing first drafts. Getting that first draft together is difficult and frustrating for first-time writers and seasoned authors, leaving you with a jumble of words and thoughts. But second drafts only happen once the first is complete. Over this course, you will be given writing and reading assignments that will help you explore some key elements of what makes a good story: characters, dialogue, and details. All are welcome in this class, whether you’re returning to writing after a long hiatus or this is your first time getting pen to paper for creative work. Above all, this class is about finding joy in writing.
COURSE CODE: BASE
Sec. 01: 8 Thursdays, 10-11:30am. Begins Jan. 15 | $240
INTRODUCTION TO CREATIVE WRITING
Thomas Meek | Writer
Leap into creative writing with in-class writing assignments and takehome prompts to help trigger the creative process. Reading assignments of the masters — Hemingway, O’Connor, and Salinger, to name a few — and contemporary literature will illustrate craft, style, and technical elements. This participatory and supportive environment is designed to help the student find their inner voice. Be prepared to share your work and provide constructive feedback. Beginners are welcome.
COURSE CODE: ICRW
Sec. 01: 8 Mondays, 5:30-7:30pm. Begins Jan. 12 | $320
No class Jan. 19 & Feb. 16
DEVELOP A SHORT STORY
Margaret Ferguson | Writer
This course focuses on crafting the short story from premise to page. Our weekly meetings will be organized around story elements, including structure, plot, character, point of view, setting, scene, and dialogue. Through writing exercises, discussions, and readings, a seed of an idea will become a full-fledged short story. We will conclude the course in workshops to refine content. This class is for beginning and intermediate fiction writers.
COURSE CODE: SHST
Sec. 01: 5 Mondays, 6-7:30pm. Begins Jan. 26 | $150
No class Feb. 16
Need a Scholarship?
CCAE offers a scholarship assistance—50% off tuition. Some restrictions apply.
You can download guidelines and an application form at ccae.org/about/scholarships. If you have any questions please contact our Student Services Coordinator at info@ccae.org.
POETRY
HAIKU: TO SEE WHAT’S REALLY THERE
Jeanne Martin | Ed. D., Teacher Poet and Retreat Leader
Haiku is a poetry form without metaphor or simile. Instead, it uses concrete images to convey that “a-ah” moment of heightened awareness, common to the influences of Samurai and Buddhist traditions. In this way, haiku — simple but complex — enables us to write about our direct, immediate experience as we learn, according to Haiku Master Matsuo Basho, to “see what’s really there. “In this course, we will take a close look at the form and structure of the haiku poem: its economy of language, use of juxtaposition, and its short phrases. Then we will try our hands at writing haiku using easy, fun prompts that bring us to the detail of the present moment. All are welcome to this supportive and fun course.
COURSE CODE: AAHA
Sec. 01: Sunday, 1-4pm. Jan. 18 | $75
POETRY WRITING WORKSHOP
Tom Daley | Educator
This poetry writing workshop is open to poets at all stages of their career, from those just starting to those with extensive experience in the craft. Each poet may submit a poem each week and receive a collegial critique that highlights the poem’s successes and suggests areas for improvement. Optional weekly exercises will be based on close readings of the poetry of the English poet, A. E. Housman. The readings are devised by the instructor, who has over 20 years of experience leading writing workshops.
COURSE CODE: PWWS
Sec. 01: 8 Tuesdays, 5:30-7:30pm. Begins Jan. 13 | $320
STAGE, SCREEN & MORE
PLAYWRIGHTS’ WORKSHOP
Peter Littlefield | Stage Director, Writer, and Dramaturg
You get an idea for a play. Now, how do you build it into a narrative? Moments grow into scenes, and the movement of scenes becomes a language in itself. The story is secondary to something more elusive: a dramatic world that is recognizable from our own lives. We are here to support you, whether you’re just beginning or writing a full-length play. We will read work, discuss problems, and use exercises to trigger observation and imagination.
COURSE CODE: PLWR
Sec. 01: 8 Thursdays, 7-9pm. Begins Jan. 15 | $350
WRITING FOR MOVIES, TV, THEATER, GAMES, AND SOCIAL MEDIA
Andrew Osborne | Screenwriter, baitshop.org
Whether you want to create movies, TV shows, plays, video games, comic books, or web videos, learn the basics of scriptwriting in a supportive environment. At the same time, you work towards the first, second, or even final draft of a solid ‘spec’ script. We’ll explore the three-act structure, industry-standard format, character, dialogue, and tips for surviving in the entertainment business and building your own audience.
COURSE CODE: REEN
Sec. 01: 8 Tuesdays, 7-9pm. Begins Jan. 13 | $320
HISTORY & CONTEMPORARY ISSUES
READINGS IN ISLAMIC LITERATURE AND ETHICS
Alaa Aldeen Kayali | MA in Theological Studies, Harvard Divinity School In this class, we will explore major themes of ethical thought as they emerge across Arabic literary corpus. Students will examine how ethical principles (akhlāq) and norms of conduct (ādāb) are articulated and debated in classical Arabic literature. Over seven weeks, we will focus on two interrelated concepts in Islamic thought: al-taqwā (God-consciousness) and al-kamāl (perfection). Readings will focus on ethical narratives in the Quran, theological writings, and mystical experiences by al-Jāḥiẓ (d. 869), al-Tanūkhī (d. 994), Badīʿ al-Zamān al-Hamaḏānī (d. 1008), al-Ghazālī (d. 1111), and Ibn Ṭufayl (d. 1185). Students are expected to read approximately 15–20 pages of primary texts and scholarship each week in preparation for class discussions. The readings feature contributions by prominent scholars such as Wael Hallaq, Felicitas Opwis, and Muhammad Farouq. All readings will be available in English translation.
COURSE CODE: ISLE
Sec. 01: 7 Mondays, 5:30-7pm. Begins Jan. 12 | $195
No class Jan. 19 & Feb. 16
ADVANCING RACIAL JUSTICE: FROM LEARNING TO LEADING
Michelle Chalmers, Christina Horner | Co-Facilitators
Our country has yet to address and repair the destruction of centuries of enslavement and segregation. Now, white nationalism and anti-DEI backlash are in resurgence. We all have a role to play in responding to that — and it’s not “saviorism.” For 25 years, this intensive workshop has gathered small groups to build our antiracist analysis of ourselves and our society, practice speaking up about it, and take concrete actions to challenge its impacts within our workplaces, neighborhoods, and wherever we have influence. You’ll leave with new skills, a new support system, and a clearer vision for bringing justice to your world.
This five-session workshop welcomes participants of all identities. Please note: Attendance at the five sessions and completion of all assignments are expected. Each participant will receive a phone call from one of the facilitators prior to the start of this program to review these expectations.
COURSE CODE: ARAJ
Sec. 01: 5 Thursdays, 6-8pm. Begins Jan. 15 | $175
THE TURKS AND THEIR EMPIRE
Allan Converse | Ph.D. in Comparative History, Brandeis University
How did a little-known nation of horse nomads cross Eurasia to create a great empire which endured for centuries and spanned three continents? This course follows the history of the Turks from their ancient origins in eastern Central Asia through the peak of the Ottoman Empire in the 15th and 16th centuries and on to World War I and the founding of the modern Turkish republic in 1922.
COURSE CODE: OTTO
Sec. 01: 6 Wednesdays, 3:30-5:30pm. Begins Jan. 21 | $225
THE FUTURE OF THE CONSTITUTION
Joshua Frank | Local Educator
Using excerpts from Jill Lepore’s new book, We the People as a guide, we will explore the uncertain future of the Constitution and the equality, freedom, rights, security, and order it has come to promise for all. How did we get here? What happened to that promise? What exactly is the “originalism” that has been cited in a generation of decisions by the Roberts Court? Does the Constitution need to be amended? What are the competing visions of the future of the Constitution? Can any of these visions repair the fraying of the promise the Constitution has come to represent? This class will build on themes explored in two previous courses, The Pulse of Democracy and Where Did Your Rights Go? Required book: We the People by Jill Lepore.
COURSE CODE: FUCO
Sec. 01: 5 Thursdays, 3:30-5:30pm. Begins Jan. 22 | $190
ORIGIN AND CLASSIFICATION OF THE WORLD’S LANGUAGES
Pasquale G. Tatò | Native Speaker and Professional Linguist
Join us on a breathtaking tour of the world’s languages, their origins, and interconnected relationships. We will explore the world’s major language families, their distribution, and histories. The material covered in the course may vary depending on the students’ backgrounds and interests.
COURSE CODE: OCWL
Sec. 01: 8 Tuesdays, 6-7:30pm. Begins Jan. 27 | $260
BOOKS IN THE FIFTEENTH CENTURY: MANUSCRIPTS AND THE RISE OF THE PRINTING PRESS
Rebecca Bramlett | MA in Social Sciences, University of Chicago; MLIS, University of Florida
The invention of the printing press c.1450 was revolutionary for European book production. However, the transition from medieval manuscript to printed book was not linear. In this class, we’ll analyze digitized examples of fifteenth-century books to discover the clues historians can find in the physical object. We’ll learn about book production in 15th-century Europe, and discuss the impact of the printing press on European intellectual and cultural history. Readings provided.
COURSE CODE: BO15
Sec. 01: 6 Thursdays, 6:30-8pm. Begins Jan. 29 | $170
FEMINIST THOUGHT OF THE MIDDLE EAST
Sendus Majanni | Arabic Literature Instructor
This course introduces key voices in Middle Eastern feminist thought from the early twentieth century to the present through readings from Egypt, Morocco, Lebanon, Turkey, and Iran. We will explore how women intellectuals, writers, and philosophers have challenged social and religious norms, reinterpreted sacred texts, and theorized liberation in the face of colonialism, patriarchy, and modernity. Through close reading and discussion, we will consider how these thinkers respond to conditions specific to their histories yet deeply connected to global feminist concerns. Themes include the intersection of feminism and faith, the colonial encounter, sexual politics, legal reform, and the intellectual labor of women in constructing ethical and political agency. The course invites thoughtful, open discussion grounded in close engagement with the texts rather than survey or advocacy.
COURSE CODE: MEFE
Sec. 01: 6 Mondays, 6-7:30pm. Begins Feb. 2 | $170
No class Feb. 16
MAJOR THEMES IN NATIVE AMERICAN HISTORY: POLITICS, KINSHIP, RELIGION, AND ART
Rafael Abrahams | Ph.D. candidate in History, Brandeis University
Native American history is a field that spans thousands of years, vast geographies, and countless subcultures. In this course, we will begin to explore the history of the Indigenous peoples of the present-day United States through four major entry points: politics in peace and war, kinship and family structures, religion and cosmology, and art and aesthetic expression. We will try to discuss Native history on its own terms, paying close attention to the biases we’ve inherited from our positionality in a settler-colonial society and the ways we are beholden to Western intellectual frameworks. This course will offer more questions than answers, but represents a great starting point for people curious about Native American communities, their interactions with European colonialism, and their survival into the present day.
COURSE CODE: NAHI
Sec. 01: 4 Wednesdays, 3-5pm. Begins Feb. 4 | $150
The state’s natural interest is to reduce crime by prosecuting criminals. However, the state has sometimes been known to aid and abet criminals, or at least look the other way. Usually, this is because the state can’t carry out its mission by any other means. We’ll examine four examples: Colonel Thomas Blood (1618-1671), who planned to steal the Crown Jewels of England; Captain William Kidd (1645-1701), who sailed with a commission to hunt pirates, not be one; Jonathan Wilde (1682-1725), the vigilante “Thief-Taker General”; and Sir Francis Dashwood (1708-1781), aspiring politician and leading spirit of the Hellfire Club. Each served the government and himself, sometimes at the same time! Notes, chronologies, and a bibliography will be supplied.
COURSE CODE: BKWD
Sec. 01: 5 Thursdays, 3-5pm. Begins Feb. 5 | $150
ALLYSHIP WITH TRANS PEOPLE
Quinn Gutman | Trans Activist
Whether you know someone who’s transgender and want to be a better ally to them, or you heard about trans people on the news and want to know what’s going on, this class is for you. We will discuss gender, practice viewing people in an objective way, proper etiquette when interacting with a trans person, and using the right pronouns. We will also discuss gender affirming care, trans history, and how to combat transphobia.
COURSE CODE: ALLY
Sec. 01: 3 Sundays, 4-5pm. Begins Feb. 8 | $60
TRACING HISTORY ALONG MASSACHUSETTS’ SOUTH COAST
Elizabeth Merrick | Author
The South Coast of Massachusetts (not to be confused with Boston’s suburban South Shore) stretches for 30 miles along beautiful Buzzards Bay. From the start of the Cape Cod Canal to the Rhode Island border, its communities are rich in history and are all just an easy day trip from Boston. In this class, we’ll trace Massachusetts history through an illustrated discussion of diverse historic sites on and near the South Coast. The region ranges from former industrial powerhouses to picturesque small towns, and it all relates back to the waterways that make the South Coast an appealing destination today. The class will provide historical insight and some great ideas for close-to-home trips focused on history and heritage.
COURSE CODE: SCOA
Sec. 01: Thursday, 3-4:30pm. Feb. 12 | $40
DEATH ON THE ROUTE COLONIALE 4: FRANCE IN VIETNAM, 1950
Allan Converse | Ph.D. in Comparative History, Brandeis University
In the years after World War II, France attempted to re-establish its colonial control in Vietnam in the face of opposition from the Communist Vietminh. The turning point in this struggle came in 1950, when 4,000 French troops were surrounded and overwhelmed by Vietminh forces in the jungles along Route Coloniale 4. Though little known in America today, this French defeat determined the future course of events in Southeast Asia and contributed to America’s decision to intervene in Vietnam.
COURSE CODE: COL4
Sec. 01: 5 Mondays, 3:30-5:30pm. Begins Feb. 23 | $190
AMERICAN DYSTOPIA: BACK TO THE FUTURE
Joshua Frank | Local Educator
Resist against censorship, surveillance, and totalitarianism with literature. In this course we will explore several seminal dystopian visions of modern society to better understand the forces that seem to be pulling America apart. We will explore themes in Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451, George Orwell’s Nineteen Eighty-Four, Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale and in the television series Severance. Can these dark visions of the future navigate the difficulties the American present? The instructor will provide reading material.
COURSE CODE: AMDY
Sec. 01: 5 Thursdays, 3:30-5:30pm. Begins Feb. 26 | $190
EXPLORING HISTORIC HOUSE MUSEUMS IN GREATER BOSTON
Elizabeth Merrick | Author
Join Elizabeth Merrick on a journey to explore the hidden gems of Greater Boston’s historic house museums through a slide show and discussion. Come away with an exciting array of options for local excursions into the past. Students in the class will also receive a copy of the instructor Elizabeth Merrick’s book, Be There Then: A Guide to Exploring Greater Boston’s Historic House Museums.
COURSE CODE: HBOS
Sec. 01: Thursday, 3-4:30pm. Feb. 26 | $40
STONE AGE SCIENCE
Joshua Passell | Writer, editor
How smart were the ancients? Pit your wits against theirs. Using reason and observation, the collective brain of the class will try to solve a riddle of the natural world every week. No consulting the internet, no copying the Neanderthal sitting next to you. Previous study of science is not required; it’s even discouraged. Just a hive of curious minds compressing centuries of discovery into 90 minutes of revelation. When a problem does stump our Neolithic minds, we may allow a Newtonian model (itself based on observation and reason) to move forward. Only when time or inspiration expires will the truth, as we understand it today, be revealed.
COURSE CODE: STAG
Sec. 01: 4 Thursdays, 4-5:30pm. Begins Mar. 4 | $115
READING AND UNDERSTANDING SUPREME COURT DECISIONS: A LAYMAN’S GUIDE
Brian Bixby | Ph.D. in History, UMass Amherst
Of the three main branches of the Federal Government, the Supreme Court’s role tends to be the least understood. We’ll look at several recent controversial Supreme Court decisions to understand where to find them, how they are structured, and how to read and understand them while considering the legal tensions shaping those decisions. Notes and copies of some decisions will be provided.
This workshop, led by our partner Cambridge Volunteers, is designed for individuals or groups who want to participate in the vast and varied local nonprofit landscape through volunteerism. We will discuss the search and application process, how you can make a good match, and then highlight future opportunities, both one-time and longer-term options at the program or board level. Staff from several agencies will drop in. Attendees are encouraged to share relevant first-hand experiences, but we will move along at a pace.
On February 26, in recognition of Black Lives Matter Day, workshop attendees will meet staff from several of Cambridge's BIPOC-led agencies, who will make brief presentations and field your questions.
COURSE CODE: VLNT
Sec. 01: Thursday, 12-1pm. Jan. 29 | Free Sec. 02: Thursday, 12-1pm. Feb. 26 | Free
BOARD MEMBER BASICS
Kavish Gandhi | Co-Chair, Board of Directors, Cambridge Volunteers
This workshop, led by our partner Cambridge Volunteers, explores board roles, responsibilities, and the advantages of diverse leadership, for individuals who are considering board membership for the first time. The workshop is a conversation rather than a didactic exercise, intended to provoke reflection on individual experience, skills and goals, and finding a good match.
COURSE CODE: VLBO
Sec. 01: Thursday, 5-6pm. Mar. 12 | Free
ART HISTORY
ART IN PARIS: 1900-1940
Susan Glassman | Ph.D., English, University of Rhode Island
Between 1900 and 1940, Paris drew artists from all over the world and became a center for creative activity. Known as the School of Paris, these included both French and émigré artists such as Picasso, Soutine, Miro, Chagall, Giacometti, Modigliani, and many other important artists working in Paris. We will also discuss major movements of art and the artists’ relationship with the historical and social background of their time. At each session, we will view works by three or four artists and learn interesting facts about their lives, the characteristics of their art, and their contributions to art history.
COURSE CODE: APRS
Sec. 01: 7 Fridays, 2-3:45pm. Begins Jan. 16 | $235
MODERN & CONTEMPORARY AFRICAN ART
Colleen Foran | Ph.D. Candidate, Art History, Boston University
Art from Africa has long been at the center of artistic innovation but is rarely given its due. This course introduces the impact of classical African art on the development of modernism before diving into the growing field of modern & contemporary art from the African continent. It also examines global currents that connected African artists to their peers in the diaspora to forge political solidarities and new aesthetic traditions. Discover more about how artists used that creativity to fight back against colonialism, racism, and apartheid. Meet great modernist masters like Ibrahim El-Salahi and Bertina Lopes, as well as contemporary artists attracting the biggest buzz (and auction prices) like El Anatsui and Wangechi Mutu. Join us to explore in depth the themes driving the artworld, including the expanded field of portraiture, Afrofuturism, and globalization.
COURSE CODE: MCAA
Sec. 01: 6 Tuesdays, 6-7:30pm. Begins Feb. 3 | $170
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE ITALIAN RENAISSANCE
Amy Golahny | Professor of Art History Emerita, Lycoming College
This three-week course looks at various artists working in Italy around 1500. This is a look at Titian, Michelangelo and artists around them, involving their various approaches to the nude, antiquity, and mythology.
COURSE CODE: HITR
Sec. 01: 3 Thursdays, 3-5pm. Begins Feb. 5 | $120
HOW TO TALK ABOUT ART
Samantha Joyce | Curator
Art can feel intimidating if you haven’t studied it, but it doesn’t have to be. This four-week class provides simple and engaging strategies to help you feel more confident discussing art. Each week, we’ll explore a different approach: looking closely, making meaning, and connecting to the artwork personally. In the final session, we’ll visit a museum chosen by the group to put these skills into practice together.
COURSE CODE: HTAA
Sec. 01: 6 Tuesdays, 6-7:30pm. Begins Feb. 17 | $145
SCIENCE & NATURE
COSMIC TIME MACHINE: 13 BILLION YEARS OF THE UNIVERSE
Laurel White | Ph.D. Candidate in Astrophysics, MIT
Our Milky Way Galaxy is on a collision course headed straight for our neighbor, Andromeda, but this won't be the first time we've encountered another galaxy. How can we tell? We will explore the diverse ways in which astronomical observations serve as windows into different eras of cosmic history. From a microscopic primordial plasma to the vast cosmic web we see today, we will discuss the evolution of our universe and answer fundamental questions about its past, present, and future. No prior knowledge of astronomy is necessary!
COURSE CODE: SOEU
Sec. 01: 8 Mondays, 7:45-9:15pm. Begins Jan. 12 | $240 No class Jan. 19 & Feb. 16
RENEWABLE ENERGY FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
Elena Shabliy | Master of Liberal Arts and a Ph.D. from Tulane University
This class will provide students with a foundational yet comprehensive understanding of key renewable energy technologies, including wind, solar, hydropower, geothermal, and bioenergy. We will explore how these technologies function, their economic and environmental benefits, and the barriers to their adoption in various parts of the world. Adopting a global perspective, the course will employ a variety of instructional methods, such as lectures, discussions, and interactive case studies. We will examine major energy challenges such as climate change and energy security. Through both global and local case studies, students will gain an appreciation and understanding of the complexity and urgency of the energy transition. No prior knowledge of renewable energy is necessary!
COURSE CODE: RNEW
Sec. 01: 8 Thursdays, 7:45-9:15pm. Begins Jan. 15 | $240
READY, SET, GO ELECTRIC: AN INTRODUCTION TO ELECTRIC VEHICLES
Jonathan Held | MEM, Yale School of Environment
This class is for anyone interested in learning about electric vehicles, whether you’re ready to make the switch from a gas car or are just beginning to consider whether an EV may be right for you. We’ll discuss the benefits of EVs; differences between plug-in hybrid and fully-electric models; tips for charging at home and on the go; and government incentives for new and previously-owned EVs.
COURSE CODE: EVEV
Sec. 01: Tuesday, 6:30-8pm. Jan. 20 | $35
Sec. 02: Thursday, 6:30-8pm. Mar. 19 | $35
A CRASH COURSE IN ASTRONOMY
Anna Fehr | Ph.D. Candidate Harvard University
From exoplanets to exploding stars, and dark energy to the Big Bang, this course offers a front-row seat to the most fascinating phenomena in the universe. You’ll understand how astronomers have decoded the secrets of the night sky and learn about the mysteries of the universe that we cannot yet explain. Course topics include our solar system, the life cycle of stars, compact objects, galaxies, dark matter, cosmology, and how astronomical instruments work. Two course sessions will be interactive stargazing nights with a portable telescope and binoculars.
COURSE CODE: ACCA
Sec. 01: 10 Thursdays, 7:45-9:15pm. Begins Jan. 22 | $270
STIR A MEMORY, SHARE A MEMORY: AROMAS
Krina Patel | Ed.D., Educator and Wine & Spirits Expert
In this hands-on sensory workshop designed to create community and connection, we will learn about the interplay of aromas and memories. Smells travel directly to the limbic system, the region of the brain directly connected to emotions and memories. We will learn about this connection between aromas and emotions, engage our sense of smell by identifying and exploring aromas, and sharing our memories. You’ll come away from the class learning about how to think with the senses and ways to build your very own smell system.
COURSE CODE: MEMA
Sec. 01: Sunday, 2-4pm. Mar. 22 | $45
Support CCAE with a Gift Today
Cambridge Center for Adult Education has long been a beacon of learning in Cambridge. Even with its rich and storied history, CCAE needs your support today.
A donation to CCAE maintains:
› Scholarships for under-resourced students
› Our two beautiful historic buildings in Harvard Square
› Beloved public programs like the Blacksmith House Poetry Series
› Expert faculty and staff who create, facilitate, and execute the inspiring, relevant cirricula foundational to who we are. ccae.org/donate
BLACKSMITH HOUSE POETRY SERIES WINTER 2026
All readings take place in-person on Mondays at 8pm. Admission is $5 at the door. Visit ccae.org/blacksmithpoetry for more information.
November
Danielle Jones reads from her debut collection, Hunger, with Selma Asotić whose first book is Say Fire.
December
Martín Espada reads from his new collection, Jailbreak of Sparrows, with Pádraig Ó Tuama, whose latest book is Kitchen Hymns
Henri Cole reads from his new book, The Other Love, with William Logan, whose most recent collection is Rift of Light
The award-winning Blacksmith House Poetry Series is named after the Blacksmith House at 56 Brattle Street. This was the site of the village smithy and backdrop for the spreading chestnut tree — subjects of Longfellow’s 1839 poem “The Village Blacksmith.”
Andrea Cohen Director
Ron Spaletta & Daniel Grover Assistants to the Director
Gail Mazur Founding Director
The Blacksmith House Poetry Series is supported in part by a generous community of poets, as well as The PonsoldMotherwell Charitable Trust, Cambridge Arts Council, and Massachusetts Cultural Council. We appreciate our donors’ continued commitment to uplift Cambridge Center for Adult Education and our local cultural programming right at the heart of Harvard Square.
Visual Arts & Crafts
“I got a new hobby! This was the first class that I signed up for and I am just so thrilled by how much I enjoyed it.”
—STUDENT FEEDBACK FOR IINTRO TO CROCHET
PAINTING
BEGINNER OIL PAINTING: THE PORTRAIT
Jeremy Durling | Artist, jeremydurling.com
In this engaging beginner oil painting course participants will explore the art of portraiture, learning foundational techniques to capture the essence of their subjects. Through demonstration and step-by-step instruction, students will explore the properties of oil paints, color mixing, and brushwork while focusing on composition, lighting, and facial proportions. All work will be done from direct observation of a model.
COURSE CODE: BOPP
Sec. 01: 8 Mondays, 5:30-7:30pm. Begins Jan. 12
No class Jan. 19 & Feb. 16 | $535
ABSTRACT ART: CONTEMPORARY APPROACHES
Emma MacLeod | Artist
Fun, innovative, and challenging, abstract painting is an exciting way to express yourself. This course will begin by teaching the fundamentals of design, composition, and color. Throughout the course, we will examine recent developments in the world of abstract art, including the paintings of artists like Amy Sillman, Paul Kremer, Nicole Eisenman, and more. We’ll work on a variety of fun projects and you will go home with the skills to tackle your own abstract paintings! Open to all levels.
COURSE CODE: ABSA
Sec. 01: 8 Mondays, 5:30-7:30pm. Begins Jan. 12
No class Jan. 19 & Feb. 16 | $320
BEGINNER OIL PAINTING
Amanda Hill | Artist Muralist, abhill.com
Join us for an introduction to the materials and mechanics of oil painting as well as the fundamentals of visual language. You will learn about composition, drawing, values, and colors while working from still-life and other projects. No experience is necessary.
COURSE CODE: PAPP
Sec. 01: 8 Tuesdays, 2-5pm. Begins Jan. 13 | $505
Sec. 02: 8 Tuesdays, 6-9pm. Begins Jan. 13 | $505
PAINTING THE LANDSCAPE
Anthony Riccardi | Artist
Every landscape includes many complex shapes and textures. In this class, learn to develop your perceptions of five different zones inside the landscape space: through, between, within, below, and above. Traveling through these zones, you will learn the fundamentals of landscape painting techniques. We’ll also discuss various artists and their works to explore the many ways the landscape may be interpreted. Acrylic and watercolor paint media will be used; no oils, please. Class meets indoors.
COURSE CODE: PLSC
Sec. 01: 10 Wednesdays, 10am-12:30pm. Begins Jan. 14 | $475
Many of our art classes require students to purchase materials. A link to the supply list can be found in the class description on our website at ccae.org.
CCAE Studio School offers a group of coordinated classes that focuses on perceptual drawing and oil painting. We are interested in helping students develop skills that enable them to record and interpret, analyze and express. We are geared towards painting and drawing from life, stressing the importance of spatial relationships and careful observation. For more information, visit ccae.org/studio-school.
THE FIGURE: PAINTING IN COLOR
Brett Gamache | Artist & Art Instructor, brettgamache.com
Join us for a course in anatomy, color, and composition. With a focus on accurate observation, color theory, and anatomical structure, you’ll work to build the figure from simplified concept to a complex rendering while honing your direct observational skills with a live model.
COURSE CODE: PFIC
Sec. 01: 8 Mondays, 10am-1pm. Begins Jan. 12 No class Jan. 19 & Feb. 16 | $550
STUDIO SCHOOL DRAWING
Brett Gamache | Artist & Art Instructor, brettgamache.com
This drawing class will use a combination of the figure and still life elements for understanding basic drawing concepts such as line, form in space, spatial relationships, light and dark, gesture, and composition. Beginners will be welcomed and continuing students will also be challenged. Some classes might also include interior drawing and landscape.
COURSE CODE: IDRW
Sec. 01: 8 Mondays, 1:30-4:30pm. Begins Jan. 15 No class Jan. 19 & Feb. 16 | $550
THE LANDSCAPE IN OILS
Adam Adkison | Artist, adamadkison.com
During this six week course, you will be guided through a series of landscapes using photographic references from start to finish. Utilizing two decades of experience Adam will cover various techniques from block-ins, to composition and balance, observational measurement and putting in details that make a painting sing. In depth demonstrations will guide the process followed by personal feedback for students as they work. Come learn some new skills, find comradery, and discover how to craft extraordinary landscapes.
COURSE CODE: LSCP
Sec. 01: 6 Wednesdays, 1-4pm. Begins Jan. 14 | $400
LONG POSE STUDIO SCHOOL DRAWING
Jason Polins | Artist, jasonpolins.com
In this 8-session figure drawing class, students will explore the art of long-pose drawing, developing focus and patience through two 4-week studies of a single pose. We’ll discuss materials, process, and gentle strategies to help you build confidence and create a finished, expressive drawing at your own pace.
COURSE CODE: LDRW
Sec. 01: 8 Thursdays, 2-5pm. Begins Jan. 15 | $550
COLOR THEORY WORKSHOP
Amanda Hill | Artist Muralist, abhill.com
This three-day color theory workshop will provide an exploration of color. Lessons will cover fundamental principles like hue, value, and saturation, and explore color mixing, symbolism, and the role of color in art and design. Open to students of all levels.
COURSE CODE: AHCT
Sec. 01: 3 Saturdays, 10am-2pm. Begins Feb. 7 | $250
INTENSIVE DRAWING BOOT CAMP
Brett Gamache | Artist & Art Instructor, brettgamache.com
In this bootcamp, participants will experience five hours of intensive drawing. The instructor will guide you through drawing fundamentals and thorough observation. Beginning with rudimentary exercises of “seeing” and “recording,” you will move through carefully prescribed steps to the point where you can produce quality drawings with your newly acquired skills. We will work with live models most of the time.
COURSE CODE: BOOT
Sec. 01: Sunday, 10am-3pm. Begins Jan. 25 | $145
Sec. 02: Sunday, 10am-3pm. Begins Feb. 22 | $145
Sec. 03: Sunday, 10am-3pm. Begins Mar. 29 | $145
PORTRAIT INTENSIVE WORKSHOP
Amanda Hill | Artist Muralist, abhill.com
Working with a live model, the class will focus on accurately depicting the face and head, including understanding relative proportions and facial structure while honing your understanding of color theory, value, and composition. This two-day intensive workshop is appropriate for both beginner and advanced students.
COURSE CODE: AHPW
Sec. 01: 1 Sunday, 1 Saturday, 10am-2pm. Feb.28 & Mar. 1 | $185
FIGURE INTENSIVE WORKSHOP
Amanda Hill | Artist Muralist, abhill.com
This two-day workshop is designed to help students develop their understanding of anatomy, posing, and gestures. We will be working with live, nude models. This course is appropriate for both beginners and advanced students.
COURSE CODE: AHFW
Sec. 01: 1 Sunday, 1 Saturday, 10am-2pm. Mar. 7 & 8 | $185
MINIATURE AND GILDING
Nayera Majedi | Artist
To study Persian painting is to enter into a rich culture that produced major epics, sophisticated art and architecture, exquisite miniatures, and Sufi poets such as Rumi, Hafez, and Ferdusi. This nine week program is designed to provide you the fundamentals of Persian art (miniature & gilding) with a focus on the Safavid Period and the Isfahan school of art. Through our examination of works by Persian Masters of the 17th century we discuss what it took to create such works of art with regard to composition, subject, perspective, lines, lights, and colors. With guidance of the instructor through in-class demonstrations, students will choose features to fashion their own piece of Miniature Painting in Isfahan style. This class is appropriate for both advanced artists and beginners.
COURSE CODE: MIGI
Sec. 01: 9 Wednesdays, 5:30-7:30pm. Begins Jan. 14 | $360
GEOMETRIC PATTERNS & ARABESQUE
Nayera Majedi | Artist
“Illumination“ describes the art of decorating manuscripts through the application of gold or silver giving the impression that the page had been literally illuminated. The repetitive, symmetrical, geometric patterns often make use of plant motifs, called Arabesque. These patterns are often used to represent nature and objects through a more spiritual lens, not their physical and material qualities and are used in many forms of arts, like architecture, weaving, ceramics, woodworking, and book covers. In this course participants, with the guidance of the instructor through in-class demonstration, will choose features to fashion their own piece of arabesque illumination. This class is appropriate for both beginners and advanced artists.
COURSE CODE: GPAI
Sec. 01: 9 Wednesdays, 7:45-9:45pm. Begins Jan. 14 | $360
This introductory class is designed to provide a supportive and encouraging environment for beginners to learn the fundamentals of acrylic painting. You will learn about composition, light and shadow, and other key visual concepts while also learning how to mix colors, apply paint to different surfaces, and create texture and depth that will help in creating dynamic and engaging works of art. No experience is necessary.
COURSE CODE: BACY
Sec. 01: 8 Thursdays, 5:30-7:30pm. Begins Jan. 15 | $335
Sec. 02: 8 Thursdays, 7:45-9:45pm. Begins Jan. 15 | $335
PAINTING THE FIGURE WITH COLOR
David Andrus | Artist, davidandrus.weebly.com
This class will focus on the use of vibrant color to create dynamic oil paintings from the live model that go beyond just copying. We will work with an increasing awareness of form and structure as well as looking at examples of past and present artists for inspiration. Please bring a canvas to the first class. Some figure drawing experience would be helpful.
COURSE CODE: PAIO
Sec. 01: 8 Fridays, 6-9pm. Begins Feb. 6 | $535
MINDFULNESS & INTUITIVE ART
Jhilam Sanyal | Artist
Art as a mindfulness practice and the act of intuitively painting or drawing is a practice accessible to all regardless of art experience or skill. This class will introduce mindfulness practices utilizing art for stress relief, establishing a connection with your heart and innate creativity, and incorporating creative practice into your daily life. The class will focus on mindfulness and art as process rather than a finished product or the technical aspects of art. Activities will include guided meditations and instructor led exercises to aid the student in discovering their own, unique natural creativity. Students will also have the opportunity to use their own art supplies and experiment with mediums of their choice. No art experience required
COURSE CODE: MDIA
Sec. 01: Saturday, 10am-12pm. Begins Mar. 14 | $65
DRAWING
DRAWING WITH COLOR
Ellen Stutman | Artist, ellenstutman.com
We usually think of drawing in terms of lines. In this class, we’ll focus on colors and shapes to help us understand and draw what we see. We will learn about color mixing, using warm and cool colors, and differences in values to create volume, separating objects, and creating space. We’ll concentrate on the strength that color gives to our drawing, using your choice of pastels, oil pastels, or colored pencils. Some drawing experience is useful but not necessary.
COURSE CODE: COLO
Sec. 01: 10 Tuesdays, 5:30-7:30pm. Begins Jan. 13 | $380
ANIMAL ILLUSTRATION
Michelle Stevens | Artist, michellestevensart.com
In this class we will learn to render all different types of fauna by exploring the various details, textures, and patterns of the animal kingdom. Reference material will be used in the classroom including anatomical drawings, nature photography, field guides, and the instructor’s own artwork. We will explore different colors and textures of scales, feathers, antlers, horns, and fur and will focus on both realistic and expressive rendering of animals using examples from fine art to tribal renderings. All levels are welcome.
COURSE CODE: ILLA
Sec. 01: 8 Tuesdays, 7:45-9:45pm. Begins Jan. 13 | $335
DRAWING WITH THE FIGURE
Jeremy Durling | Artist, jeremydurling.com
This course will explore figurative drawing as an artistic practice. We will begin with a study of construction and proportion and move into capturing a sense of gesture and light. All classes will be held with a live nude model. Appropriate for both the advanced artist or the beginner.
COURSE CODE: DRFH
Sec. 01: 8 Wednesdays, 5:30-7:30pm. Begins Jan. 14 | $355
DRAWING IN BARS
Bryan Ramey | Artist, artbyramey.com
Come sketch with us at a different Cambridge pub every week. Students will draw elements of the scene with portable mediums of their choice. Your charge is to draw from real life outside of the studio, and to capture the tone, gesture, and movement around you. The end goal is to improve your drawing ability and to become more comfortable drawing in public. All skill levels and drawing styles are welcome. Drinking is optional. Drawing is not. BYO materials.
COURSE CODE: DBAR
Sec. 01: 5 Wednesdays, 7:45-9:45pm. Begins Jan. 14 | $175
Sec. 02: 5 Wednesdays, 7:45-9:45pm. Begins Feb. 25 | $175
ANATOMY FOR ARTISTS:
HEAD, NECK, HANDS & FEET
Mark Lefkowitz | Certified Medical Illustrator
Drawing the head and neck, hands and feet can be challenging when what exists under the skin remains a mystery. We will study the muscles, bones and soft tissue of these three areas using a skeleton, anatomy references and my own reference drawings. We’ll then apply that knowledge to drawing from figure models. My approach to drawing these areas incorporates demos and exercises to create more dynamic and dimensional drawings, including the study of proportion and key anatomic landmarks. Although previous figure drawing experience is helpful, participants of all levels are welcome.
COURSE CODE: HNHF
Sec. 01: 8 Wednesdays, 7:45-9:45pm. Begins Jan. 14 | $295
FIGURE DRAWING ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE BRAIN
Eric Bornstein | Kripalu-Certified Yoga Instructor, M.L.A., Harvard
A figure drawing is more than a collection of body parts. Capture the essence of your subject accurately with systematic practice of objective perceptual drawing skills. We will work with pencil and charcoal to organize the visual information that illuminates your subject’s unique configuration. Classes focus on gaining a familiarity with the materials, issues of composition, and the attainment of the right ambiance to render effective works. There will be a live model in the class.
COURSE CODE: FDRB
Sec. 01: 8 Thursdays, 5:30-7:30pm. Begins Jan. 15 | $355
BEGINNER DRAWING
Geoffrey Halverson, Jason Polins | Artists
This carefully-planned series of exercises will introduce the beginner to the following elements of observational drawing: perspective, composition, light values, and contour. Students will begin by learning how to accurately measure and observe objects and the world around them. Classes will include instructor demonstrations and exercises in contour drawing, tonal drawing, and gesture drawing with plenty of time to practice in class and receive feedback from the instructor.
Sec. 02: 8 Thursdays, 5:30-7:30pm. Begins Jan. 15 | $335 Jason Polins
OPEN STUDIO FIGURE DRAWING
The open studio provides time and space for artists to draw from a live model. Each week, the model will hold a series of short poses ranging from 1 to 20 minutes. This is a great opportunity to draw from live models in the medium of your choice. There is no instructor present, but there will be a studio monitor.
COURSE CODE: STUD
Sec. 01: Tuesday, 7:45-9:45pm. Jan. 20
Sec. 03: Tuesday, 7:45-9:45pm. Feb. 10
Sec. 01: Tuesday, 7:45-9:45pm. Mar. 3
Sec. 01: Tuesday, 7:45-9:45pm. Mar. 24
OPEN FIGURE DRAWING: ALTERNATIVE MODEL
Come and work from a unique live model amongst friends and fellow artists on a weekend morning. Each session, a model from either drag community, burlesque, circus or some other alternative, performance or artistic space will be present to act as inspiration for your creative practice. Bring whatever medium you wish to use and a love of creative community. Poses will range from short form up to twenty mins in length. There is no instructor for his course but there will be a studio monitor present.
COURSE CODE: STDA
Please see our website for more information
WATERCOLOR
WATERCOLOR, PEN & INK ILLUSTRATION
Bryan Ramey | Artist, artbyramey.com
Learn to marry the fluid, luminous quality of watercolor with the expression of hand-drawn pen and ink lines in order to create detailed illustrations with personality. Students will learn and experiment with a variety of techniques for using watercolor and pen and ink together and will choose one style for one or more developed pieces.
COURSE CODE: WPIN
Sec. 01: 8 Tuesdays, 5:30-7:30pm. Begins Jan. 13 | $335
WATERCOLOR
Anthony Riccardi | Artist
Watercolor is a translucent medium that sinks into the fiber of a sheet of paper, releasing the light from the surface. Watercolor dries fast, enabling one to work quickly with freshness and spontaneity. In this class, we will address the fundamentals of watercolor painting, with an emphasis on exploration and personal expression.
COURSE CODE: WATE
Sec. 01: 10 Wednesdays, 1-3pm. Begins Jan. 14 | $475
BOTANICAL WATERCOLORS: PAINTING THE FLOWER
Adam Adkison | Artist, adamadkison.com
The fragile beauty of flowers and the vibrancy of watercolors go handin-hand. In this class, the instructor will guide you through painting several types of flowers from start to finish. Lessons include color mixing, brush work, and step-by-step instruction, along with tips and tricks for watercolor that you can use for a lifetime. Explore the finer details of nature in color, light, and form. All levels from beginners to advanced are welcome. Tuition includes a $15 materials fee to cover the cost of flowers.
COURSE CODE: WAFL
Sec. 01: 6 Thursdays, 10am-12pm. Begins Jan. 15 | $255
Adam Adkinson
STILL LIFE IN WATERCOLOR
Adam Adkison | Artist, adamadkison.com
Join Adam as he guides you through the world of still life in watercolor. Learn the composition concepts still life and how to use value, color theory, lines, and movement throughout the painting. References will include a variety of different objects such as fruits, vegetables, pottery, glass, reflections, flowers, and more. Students will gain understanding in how to set up their own still life. Join us in the discovery of new skills while having fun!
COURSE CODE: SLWC
Sec. 01: 6 Thursdays, 1-3pm. Begins Jan. 15 | $240
LANDSCAPES IN WATERCOLOR
Adam Adkison | Artist, adamadkison.com
In this six-week class Adam will show how to use watercolors to create a variety of landscapes. He will break it down into easy to understand methods with demonstrations and individual instruction. You will learn different tips to create the different elements in landscapes including trees, mountains, water, and more. Also you’ll learn the importance of creating depth in your landscapes. All levels from beginners to advanced are welcome.
COURSE CODE: LSIW
Sec. 01: 6 Fridays, 12-2pm. Begins Jan. 16 | $240
BUILDINGS IN INK AND WATERCOLOR
Adam Adkison | Artist, adamadkison.com
Join Adam as you create different types of architecture, first using waterproof ink and then layering over with washes of watercolor. Adam will give a short demonstration before each class, talking about varying techniques needed and showing how to perform them. This term we will be focused on the castles of Europe. Each class Adam will bring images of buildings from around the world to work from, but you are welcome to work from your own images. All levels of skill from beginner to advanced are welcome.
COURSE CODE: BIWA
Sec. 01: 6 Fridays, 3-5pm. Begins Jan. 16 | $240
CLOUDSCAPES IN WATERCOLOR
Adam Adkison | Artist, adamadkison.com
In this one-day workshop students will learn to create spectacular, emotive, moody skies that will set the tone of your landscapes in watercolor. Explore incorporating clouds into the composition of larger pieces as well as painting techniques to create a variety of cloud types. Several demonstrations will be performed and will be chock-full of information to help you create the landscapes you desire. This is designed for a wide range of watercolor skill levels from beginners to advanced artists.
COURSE CODE: CLSC
Sec. 01: 1 Saturday, 10am-4pm. Feb. 28 | $120
Need a Scholarship?
CCAE offers a scholarship assistance—50% off tuition. Some restrictions apply.
You can download guidelines and an application form at ccae.org/about/scholarships. If you have any questions please contact our Student Services Coordinator at info@ccae.org.
INTERMEDIATE WATERCOLOR, PEN & INK ILLUSTRATION
Bryan Ramey | Artist, artbyramey.com
In this continuation of watercolor and ink exploration, students will work from observational study to hone more advanced techniques. This includes reflective surfaces, glowing effects, figures, and alternative surfaces. This short form intermediate course is designed to push students both creatively and technically while building artistic shorthand and illustrative skills.
Prerequisite: Watercolor, Pen & Ink (WPIN).
COURSE CODE: WPII
Sec. 01: 3 Tuesdays, 5:30-8pm. Begins Mar. 17 | $150
PRINTMAKING & PAPER ART
RELIEF PRINTMAKING
Hope Howard | Artist, hhowardart.com
Screenprinting, or silkscreen as it’s sometimes called, is a versatile print process perfect for both bold designs and soft painterly prints. In this class, students will learn the basics of screen printing at home, including using various forms of resist, printing on fabric, and creating a DIY exposure unit for making detailed stencils from printed transparencies. Over the course of eight weeks, students will find inspiration in contemporary printmakers and learn through demonstration, hands-on work time, and opportunities for feedback from the class.
COURSE CODE: RLFP
Sec. 01: 8 Mondays, 6-8:30pm. Begins Jan. 12 | $380
Sec. 02: 8 Thursdays, 10am-12:30pm. Begins Jan. 15 | $380
INTRODUCTION TO SCREENPRINTING
Hope Howard | Artist, hhowardart.com
Screenprinting, or silkscreen as it’s sometimes called, is a versatile print process perfect for both bold designs and soft painterly prints. In this class, students will learn the basics of screen printing at home, including using various forms of resist, printing on fabric, and creating a DIY exposure unit for making detailed stencils from printed transparencies. Over the course of eight weeks, students will find inspiration in contemporary printmakers and learn through demonstration, hands-on work time, and opportunities for feedback from the class.
COURSE CODE: SLKS
Sec. 01: 8 Tuesdays, 6-8:30pm. Begins Jan. 13 | $380
INTRODUCTION TO BOOKBINDING
Liticia Avery | Artist, lendahanddesigns.com
The four-week course will provide students an introduction to various types of bookbinding techniques and terminology. We will begin with simple folded structures and simple stitch books, building skills to assemble more complicated stitched structures. This course is a great way to familiarize yourself with bookbinding and is perfect for those who are curious about the craft.
COURSE CODE: BKMK
Sec. 01: 4 Wednesdays, 5:30-8:30pm. Begins Jan. 14 | $235.
MONOTYPE PRINTMAKING THREE WAYS: INSPIRATION AND BASIC TECHNIQUES
Laura Sheffield and Susan Rice | Artists
Learn from the best this winter in CCAE’s dedicated printmaking studio! Explore how to use the printing press with plates and paper, and explore other mediums such as watercolor, crayons, and Japanese nori paste. We will source inspiration from demonstrations, slides, and art books, and discuss various monotype techniques. Students will receive guidance and feedback as Laurie Sheffield leads the first four sessions and Susan Rice joins Laurie for the final two classes.
COURSE CODE: PRIM
Sec. 01: 6 Fridays, 10am-1pm. Begins Jan. 16 | $340
LAYERS: ADDING DEPTH & STYLE WITH COLLAGE
Jennifer Plym | Artist, jplymart.com
Unlock new levels of creativity and self-expression in your art! Rather than methodically planning a piece, weekly exercises oriented towards Right Brain processing will allow you to uncover and discover new ideas, layers, and style. Happy accidents along the way will lend an innovative spark to your final piece(s).
COURSE CODE: COLL
Sec. 01: 8 Fridays, 5:30-7:30pm. Begins Jan. 16 | $305
LONG & LINK STITCH
Liticia Avery | Artist, lendahanddesigns.com
Explore the world of bookbinding in this one-day workshop! We’ll talk about materials and get hands-on with putting it all together. By the end, you’ll walk away with your own open-spined bound book using the long & link stitch techniques, and the skills to keep exploring the world of bookbinding on your own. Let’s get down to business and create something awesome!
Join us for a beginner pottery class to learn how to make bowls on the pottery wheel. Finish by decorating with food-safe glazes. This is a beginner-focused class, materials, tools, and firings are included. We will be working in stoneware (cone 6) clay and food safe glazes. Each session is three hours: two hours of instruction followed by one hour studio practice time. This class is offered in partnership with Commonwealth Clayworks, an ADA-compliant facility.
COURSE CODE: PWMB
Sec. 01: 4 Tuesdays, 10am-1pm. Begins Jan. 6 | $330
INTRODUCTION TO WOODWORKING: SPOONS & STOOLS
Isaac Gerwith | Woodworker, isaacgewirth.com
In this 10-week workshop, we will explore the fundamentals of woodworking with various tools. Students will first explore a purely subtractive method with spoon carving and later focus on an additive approach by building a milk stool. Woodworker Isaac Gerwith will guide students through the entire creation process, from selecting wood to finishing, while allowing ample opportunity for creativity in design. By the end of the class, students will have completed their two projects and gained the confidence to take on more woodworking endeavors! Students should expect to spend $50-$100 on materials.
COURSE CODE: WKSS
Sec. 01: 10 Mondays, 2-5pm. Begins Sep. 15 No Class Jan. 19 & Feb. 16 | $660
Sec. 02: 10 Mondays, 6-9pm. Begins Sep. 15 No Class Jan. 19 & Feb. 16 | $660
WOOD CARVING WITH SMALL TOOLS
Dan Paret | Woodworker, planesimplebox.com
Through a series of demonstrations and discussion, you will be introduced to a variety of wood carving techniques and styles, all of which can be carved with a modest set of small wood carving tools. Each class will include demonstrations and an opportunity to begin carving and ask questions. We will approach this introduction with equal parts levity and seriousness, and before long you will be on your way. New and continuing students are encouraged to participate, and the mix enriches the experience. Please contact the instructor with any questions: danparet@gmail.com
COURSE CODE: HTDC
Sec. 01: 5 Tuesdays, 6-9pm. Begins Jan. 13 | $330
Sec. 02: 5 Saturdays, 12-3pm. Begins Jan. 17 | $330
INTRODUCTION TO SCULPTURAL HAND CARVING
Isaac Gerwith | Woodworker, isaacgewirth.com
Learn the fundamentals of hand-carving wood through a series of small sculptural projects that explore form, color, and texture. Students will gain experience with tool use, sharpening, clamping, and finishing while working with kiln-dried hardwood to create small sculptures, wall hangings, or toys. Designed for beginners, this course emphasizes creative exploration, safe technique, and developing a toolkit to continue carving beyond the class. A materials fee of $35 to be paid directly to the instructor on the first day of class.
COURSE CODE: WSHC
Sec. 01: 5 Wednesdays, 10am-1pm. Begins Jan. 14 | $330
INTRODUCTION TO WOODWORKING: BUILD A BOX
Carl Spagnoli | Woodworker
Build the foundational shape for any construction: a box! Students will become familiar with typical woodworking tools, the basics of joinery, and various construction techniques. We will discuss different types of wood and what factors go into your choice of material. We will also discuss different types of joints, and both the structural and aesthetic reasons you may want to use one joint method over another. Students should plan on spending around $40 on materials.
COURSE CODE: WKBX
Sec. 01: 8 Wednesdays, 6-9pm. Begins Jan. 14 | $505
INTRODUCTION TO WOODWORKING: THE SHAKER TABLE
Carl Spagnoli | Woodworker
Develop knowledge, respect, and skill with hand tools and power tools through completing individual woodworking projects. In order to introduce various tools, woods, joinery, and sound construction techniques, we will create a Shaker-style table (or another modest project with instructor approval) and begin to understand the finer details of woodworking. Students will provide their own materials, which will be discussed in first class. CCAE provides tools but students will be encouraged to buy some hand tools of their own (e.g., chisels, handsaw, combination square) and practice the art of maintaining them. The table project can be tailored to each student’s existing woodworking knowledge and experience, so all are welcome.
COURSE CODE: WKST
Sec. 01: 8 Thursdays, 2-5pm. Begins Jan. 15 | $505
Sec. 02: 8 Thursdays, 6-9pm. Begins Jan. 15 | $505
WOODWORKING OPEN SHOP
Carl Spagnoli | Woodworker
In this open shop, students have time and space to complete modest projects of their choosing under the guidance of an instructor. Refine your knowledge about tools, woods, joinery, and tool sharpening with both hand tools and a range of power tools. Students should plan on spending $50–$150 on materials depending on the scope of their projects. It is recommended that students have taken an Introduction to Woodworking class at CCAE, or have previous woodworking experience.
COURSE CODE: WKCA
Sec. 01: 8 Fridays, 6-9pm. Begins Jan. 16 | $505
ADVANCED WOOD CARVING WITH SMALL TOOLS
Dan Paret | Woodworker, planesimplebox.com
In this class we will build on the carving lessons introduced in the Wood Carving with Small Tools. Choosing from sample projects or designs of our own making, we will continue to explore wood carving in a supportive environment. Prerequisite: Wood Carving with Small Tools or permission of the instructor. Please contact the instructor with any questions: danparet@gmail.com.
COURSE CODE: HTDC
Sec. 01: 5 Tuesdays, 6-9pm. Begins Feb. 17 | $315
Sec. 02: 5 Saturdays, 1:30-4:30pm. Begins Feb. 21 | $315
INTRODUCTION TO WOODWORKING: HERB PLANTER BOX
Isaac Gerwith | Woodworker, isaacgewirth.com
Craft a planter box perfectly sized for a small collection of herbs making a perfect addition to any kitchen. Students will learn basic woodworking techniques such as milling and half-lap joinery as they use hand and power tools to construct their planter. By the end of the course, each student will leave with a finished planter ready for the growing season! Students should expect to spend roughly $40 on materials.
COURSE CODE: WKHB
Sec. 01: 5 Wednesdays, 10am-1pm. Begins Feb. 25 | $330
EXPLORING CASTING TECHNIQUES
William Lenard | Sculptor, williamlenard.com
Through this entry level course, participants will be introduced to different types of mold-making such as alginate, melamine board, and silicone-based molds. The class will focus on concrete as the main material, but participants will have the opportunity to explore other casting materials such as plaster and wax. Participants will make their own one-off and reusable molds to cast various objects. This class is great for those who are interested in learning new casting techniques and exploring different materials. This course will introduce basic woodworking and wood shop training during the melamine board mold making demonstration.
COURSE CODE: SCLP
Sec. 01: 5 Saturdays, 10a-1pm. Begins Feb. 28 | $300
JEWELRY
BEGINNING JEWELRY
Laura Jaklitsch | Metalsmith, laurajaklitsch.com
In this multi-week class, beginning jewelry students will learn to design and fabricate their own handcrafted jewelry. Students will learn how to texture, file, form, solder, sand, and polish as they make different projects, which may include a ring, bangles, and bezel-setting a stone. All materials will be provided. There is a $50 materials fee payable to the instructor on the first day of class.
COURSE CODE: JEBE
Sec. 01: 7 Tuesdays, 6-9pm. Begins Jan. 12 | $455
Sec. 02: 7 Fridays, 10am-1pm. Begins Jan. 16 | $455
ADVANCED STUDIO JEWELRY
Laurie Savage | Metalsmith
If you have taken ten or more intermediate/advanced-level jewelry classes or have a similar experience, join us to polish your skills to the highest level. You’ll enjoy open studio time in which to create the jewelry of your own design with direction from the instructor. There is no materials fee; please bring the materials you intend to use. Enrollment in this class is allowed only with permission from the instructor; email us your request at info@ccae.org and include your experience. The instructor will reply to you directly.
COURSE CODE: JEWA
Sec. 01: 9 Wednesdays, 6-9pm. Begins Jan. 14 No class Feb. 11 & Mar. 18 | $510
INTERMEDIATE JEWELRY
Laura Jaklitsch | Metalsmith, laurajaklitsch.com
For students who have completed our multi-week Beginning Jewelry class, or have taken three or more single-session beginner jewelry classes, join us to further your design and fabrication skills. You will undertake more challenging projects while learning how to customize them, these may include a hollow ring project, prong setting, and tube setting a stone. All materials will be provided and there is a $50 materials fee payable to the instructor on the first day of class.
COURSE CODE: JWIN
Sec. 01: 8 Thursdays, 6-9pm. Begins Jan. 15 | $455
BEGINNING JEWELRY: STERLING SILVER BAND RING
Laurie Savage | Metalsmith
Beginning jewelry making students will learn the fundamental techniques for designing and fabricating a sterling silver textured band ring. Students will learn how to texture, file, form, solder, sand, and polish the ring. All materials will be provided, including sterling silver, copper (for practicing techniques), saw blades, solder, and sandpaper. A materials fee of $45 is payable to the instructor on the day of the class.
COURSE CODE: JEWR
Sec. 01: 1 Friday, 5:30-9:30pm. Jan. 16 | $100
Sec. 02: 1 Friday, 5:30-9:30pm. Feb. 27 | $100
BEGINNING JEWELRY: BANGLE BRACELETS
Laurie Savage | Metalsmith
Beginner jewelry making students can continue learning in this workshop which focuses on creating a set of three textured bangle bracelets, one each in sterling silver, bronze, and copper. Students will learn to further develop their fabrication skills, including measurement, texturing, filing, forming, soldering, and tumbler finishing. All materials will be provided, including sterling silver, bronze, and copper (in different shaped wires), saw blades, solder, and sandpaper. A materials fee of $45 is payable to the instructor on the day of the class.
COURSE CODE: JEBB
Sec. 01: 1 Friday, 5:30-9:30pm. Jan. 23 | $105
Sec. 02: 1 Friday, 5:30-9:30pm. Mar. 6 | $105
BEGINNING JEWELRY: STERLING SILVER PENDANT WITH BEZEL-SET STONE
Laurie Savage | Metalsmith
Beginning jewelry making students can continue learning in this workshop which focuses on creating a sterling silver pendant with a bezel-set cabochon stone. Students will develop their fabrication skills, including drilling, sawing, piercing, filing, multiple soldering techniques, making jump rings, satin finishing, and setting the stone. All materials will be provided: sterling silver sheet and wire, copper (for practice), cabochon stone, saw blades, solder, and sandpaper. A materials fee of $45 is payable to the instructor on the day of the class.
COURSE CODE: JEPD
Sec. 01: 1 Friday, 5:30-9:30pm. Jan. 30 | $105
Sec. 02: 1 Friday, 5:30-9:30pm. Mar. 13 | $105
BEGINNING JEWELRY: EARRINGS
Laurie Savage | Metalsmith
Beginning jewelrymaking students will learn different techniques for designing and fabricating six pairs of earrings. Students will learn how to form, file, solder, texturize and shape both freeform and geometric designs. All materials will be provided, including sterling silver, copper (for practicing techniques), solder, and sandpaper. A materials fee of $45 is payable to the instructor on the day of the class.
COURSE CODE: JEER
Sec. 01: 1 Friday, 5:30-9:30pm. Feb. 20 | $105
INTERMEDIATE OPEN STUDIO JEWELRY
Laura Jaklitsch | Metalsmith, laurajaklitsch.com
Bring your sketches and ideas for an intermediate jewelry project to this class and we will make them a reality! This guided open studio style class is for students who have taken both Beginning and Intermediate Jewelry or equivalent. A $25 material fee will be collected the first day of class for basic materials that will be provided (such as sawblades, sandpaper, and solder in addition to brass and copper sheet and wire.) Please bring any sterling silver that you intend to use.
COURSE CODE: IOSJ
Sec. 01: 4 Tuesdays, 6-9pm. Begins Mar. 10 | $225
STERLING SILVER HANDMAID CHAIN WORKSHOP
Laura Jaklitsch | Metalsmith, laurajaklitsch.com
In this Intermediate workshop over two days, students will learn how to form and solder links to make their own handmade chain in sterling silver. We'll practice several different types of chain in copper, and then students will be able to make a chain bracelet with a handmade clasp or chain earrings in sterling silver. This class requires some experience with soldering such as the Beginning Jewelry class or workshops. All materials will be provided. A materials fee of $50 is due to the instructor on the first day of class.
COURSE CODE: JWSN
Sec. 01: 4 Thursdays, 6-9pm. Begins Mar. 12 | $225
OPEN STUDIO METALSMITHING AND JEWELRY
Laurie Savage | Metalsmith
If you are or have been a metalsmithing or a jewelry student, join us to work independently on projects of your own design with direction from the instructor. Intermediate-level experience is required. Please bring the materials you intend to use. If you have any questions, please email info@ccae.org before the first class and we will have the instructor reply to you directly.
COURSE CODE: OPMT
Sec. 01: Sunday, 10am-4pm. Begins Jan. 11 | $105
Sec. 02: Sunday, 10am-4pm. Begins Jan. 25 | $105
Sec. 03: Sunday, 10am-4pm. Begins Feb. 1 | $105
Sec. 04: Sunday, 10am-4pm. Begins Feb. 22 | $105
Sec. 05: Sunday, 10am-4pm. Begins Mar. 8 | $105
Sec. 06: Sunday, 10am-4pm. Begins Mar. 29 | $105
GLASS
STAINED GLASS DESIGN
Michel L’Huillier | Stained Glass and Fusing Artist
Using the copper foil method, create a stained glass panel (up to 1.5 square feet). Learn to develop your ideas into quick sketches and then into a full-scale design. From there, play with shapes, colors, and textures to bring your design to life. Learn to cut glass accurately, foil, and solder. Class tuition includes a $145 materials fee.
Michel L’Huillier | Stained Glass and Fusing Artist
In this three-hour workshop, you will learn the basics of glass fusing while having fun playing with glass shapes, colors, and textures. Students will design and create their own sushi set: including a big square plate or long channel plate, two individual 6” x 6” dishes, and one small 3” x 3” dipping sauce dish. A $145 materials fee is included in the tuition. Additional dishes can be made at an extra cost, payable to the instructor during class. Please note: Students must wear closed-toed shoes; safety glasses will be provided. The instructor will fire the pieces in his own kiln. They will be available at CCAE within two weeks.
COURSE CODE: GFSS
Sec. 01: Sunday, 1-4pm. Jan. 25 | $235
YOU MAY ALSO BE INTERESTED IN SUSHI ROLLS WITH TEMPURAS AND MISO SOUP! ON PAGE 8
SEDER PLATE
Michel L’Huillier | Stained Glass and Fusing Artist
In this three-hour workshop students will learn the basics of glass fusing while designing and creating a large Seder plate (13” in diameter) with glass sheets, frits and powders, stringers, confetti and copper inclusions. Then, decorate with the traditional Passover letters and the six edible items of the Passover celebration. The instructor will fire these creations in his kiln and then slump them over a special mold to give the plate its traditional shape. The Seder plates will be available within two weeks. Students must wear closed-toe shoes. Safety glasses will be provided.
COURSE CODE: SEDE
Sec. 01: Sunday, 10am-1pm. Mar. 8 | $230
TACK FUSING: LANDSCAPES & BOUQUETS
Michel L’Huillier | Stained Glass and Fusing Artist
In this two-hour glass fusing workshop you will learn the basics of glass fusing by creating one tile (8” x 11”) that will be kiln-fired at 1400 degrees — a low temperature that allows the glass elements of your design to stay three-dimensional. Create a composition with powders, frit, confetti, copper, stringers, and glass ribbons. Landscapes and flowers are popular sources of inspiration, but students are welcome to explore other ideas. The instructor will fire the creations in his own kiln. A $95.00 materials fee per student will be included in the tuition. The workshop is open to adults and teenagers accompanied by a participating adult. No previous glass experience is necessary.
COURSE CODE: TACK
Sec. 01: Sunday, 2-4pm. Mar. 8 | $205
MULTIMEDIA & PHOTOGRAPHY
BEGINNERS GUIDE TO DRAWING IN PROCREATE
Maura McGonagle | Illustrator, doingartiguess.com
Join us for a beginner’s guide to the digital art program, Procreate. In this class we will go over the program tools and processes with the goal of understanding Procreate and its uses for beginners and professional artists alike.
COURSE CODE: PROC
Sec. 01: 6 Mondays, 5:30-7:30pm. Begins Jan. 12 | $230
STORY TELLING THROUGH VIDEO
Malachi Van Nice | Film Maker
In this course, students will learn the fundamentals of visual storytelling across various genres and mediums including narrative, experimental media, documentary, and home video. You will also learn the basic components that go into lighting, cinematography, and editing. Students can engage in this course at any level they desire, ranging from creating a short film from the ground up to improving home videos and footage created for social media.
COURSE CODE: SVID
Sec. 01: 10 Thursdays, 7:45-9:45pm. Begins Jan. 15 | $380
FIBER ARTS
BASIC SEWING: LEVEL 1
Elodie Bordry | Sewing Instructor
Learn the basics of sewing by completing small projects. You will learn basic sewing skills, including machine maintenance and how to build your sewing kit, as well as how to cut, take simple measurements, and choose fabric. This class is intended for beginners. Access to a machine is necessary, please bring your own to class.
COURSE CODE: SEWN
Sec. 01: 8 Wednesdays, 10am-12pm. Begins Jan. 14 | $335
Sec. 02: 8 Fridays, 5:30-7:30pm. Begins Jan. 16 | $335
BASIC SEWING: LEVEL 2
Elodie Bordry | Sewing Instructor
If you have already taken a sewing class or have experience with sewing and sewing machines, join us to consolidate your skills and tackle slightly more advanced techniques. Classes will be geared toward developing your sewing skill set, including interfacing, zippers, snaps, buttons, and other fasteners, as well as discovering commercial patterns. This class is not recommended for absolute beginners. Access to a machine is necessary, please bring your own to class.
COURSE CODE: SEWC
Sec. 01: 8 Thursdays, 5:30-7:30pm. Begins Jan. 15 | $335
No class Feb. 26
Sec. 01: 8 Tuesdays, 10am-12pm. Begins Jan. 13 | $335
No class Feb. 24
SEW YOUR TOILETRY BAG FOR INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY
Elodie Bordry | Sewing Instructor
Come and be ready to sew a toiletry bag! This three-hour workshop will enable you to create a useful toiletry bag: offer it to a very special woman or treat yourself! The instructor will provide the instructions and will guide you through the project. You will need a working sewing machine with accessories and your usual sewing supplies (scissors, rulers, etc.); all other materials will be provided. To take advantage of this workshop, you need to know how to use your sewing machine and have the basics of sewing. Level difficulty: stitching a zipper.
COURSE CODE: MARS
Sec. 01: 1 Sunday, 10am-1pm. Mar. 8 | $70
SEWN WITH LOVE: VALENTINE’S HEART POCKETS
Elodie Bordry | Sewing Instructor
Treat your friends and loved ones with handmade heart pockets to fill with candy or a sweet note! The instructor will provide the instructions and will guide you through the project. You will need a working sewing machine with accessories and your usual sewing supplies (scissors, rulers, etc.); all other materials will be provided. To take advantage of this workshop, you need to know how to use your sewing machine and have the basics of sewing. Level difficulty: stitching curves.
COURSE CODE: POCK
Sec. 01: 1 Saturday, 10am-12pm. Feb. 7 | $70
VISIBLE MENDING WORKSHOP:
REPAIRING MOTH HOLES
Jooe Kim | Knitting Instructor
Does your beloved sweater have a moth hole? In this class, you’ll learn the delightful art of visible mending. While repairing your garment, you’ll be creating a new design element using different colors and fibers. This is a great way to embrace slow fashion and sustainability. Bring a light to medium weight sweater with moth holes no larger than a dime. No prior sewing experience needed. All materials will be provided.
COURSE CODE: MOTW
Sec. 01: 1 Saturday, 10am-12:30pm. Jan. 24 | $75
KNITTING FOR BEGINNERS
Jooe Kim | Knitting Instructor
In this introductory course, we will practice the two foundational knitting stitches: knit and purl. Once comfortable with these stitches, students will learn and practice casting on, binding off, knitting in the round, and shaping techniques with increasing and decreasing stitches. Other topics include exploring different fibers and types of yarn, choosing materials wisely for different projects, and correcting common mistakes. With these newly acquired skills, students will be whipping up hats and scarves for themselves as well as for friends and family!
COURSE CODE: BKNT
Sec. 01: 8 Thursdays, 10am-12pm. Begins Jan. 15 | $320
KNITTING FOR ADVANCED BEGINNERS
Laura Broach | Knitting Instructor
This course is the next step for students who have completed the Knitting for Beginners class or for those who feel fairly comfortable knitting, purling, increasing, and decreasing. Our primary objective for this course will be learning and practicing the Magic Loop technique and knitting two or three accessories: a headband, a pair of mittens, and a triangular scarf. Students will review basic skills as needed, practice reading and following patterns, and learn to fix common mistakes. Knitting outside of class will be helpful to develop skills and to complete more projects.
COURSE CODE: AKNI
Sec. 01: 8 Tuesdays, 6-8pm. Begins Jan. 13 | $320
INTERMEDIATE KNITTING INTENSIVE: KNIT YOUR FIRST SOCKS
Laura Broach | Knitting Instructor
If you’re an intermediate knitter looking to tackle a more complex and exciting project, this course is for you! You’re already comfortable with knitting basics and the magic-loop technique, and you’re not afraid to knit back (or “tink”) a few stitches when necessary. You’ll learn all the tricks for making a pair of socks: heel flaps, turning the heel, picking up stitches, shaping with decreases (for the gusset), and finishing off the toe. Knitting outside of class will be necessary to keep up with the skills lessons in this advanced class. You’ll likely finish one sock in class, and be confident to knit its matching mate in no time!
COURSE CODE: SOCK
Sec. 01: 5 Tuesdays, 6-8pm, Begins Mar. 10 | $200
KNITTING YOUR FIRST SWEATER
Jooe Kim | Knitting Instructor
We will be knitting a pullover style top-down, seamless sweater. Students will select from one of three patterns. Each step of sweater knitting will be covered starting with gauge swatching and ending with blocking. Homework is assigned each week. Students with more knitting time outside class are likely to finish the sweater, others will be well on their way to finishing independently. This is a class for intermediate knitters. Prior experience with magic loop or DPNs is required.
COURSE CODE: KMFS
Sec. 01: 8 Thursdays, 2-4pm, Begins Jan. 15 | $320
INTRO TO CROCHET
Olivia Hochstadt | Fiber Artist
Come learn the basics of crochet, including how to chain, single-crochet, double-crochet, how to read a simple pattern, and more. By the end of the course, you will be well on your way to finishing your first project. Tips and tricks on picking yarn and reading patterns will be shared.
COURSE CODE: CRCT
Sec. 01: 6 Fridays, 6-8pm. Begins Jan. 16 | $240
INTRODUCTION TO DROP SPINNING
Olivia Hochstadt | Fiber Artist
Learn to spin yarn in the ancient, portable way — with a drop spindle! We will learn how to take wool and spin it into yarn through a manual process. At the end of class, you will have a handspun mini skein of yarn to take home! Fiber and extra drop spindles will be provided but please bring your own if you have them.
COURSE CODE: DROP
Sec. 01: 4 Fridays, 6-8pm. Begins Mar. 6 | $160
CROCHET IN 3D: MAKE A MUSHROOM KEYCHAIN
E.D. Fitzgerald | Crochet Instructor
Have you ever wanted to take your crochet from one-dimensional to two-dimensional? Looking to elevate your crocheting skills? In this workshop we will learn to make a cute crochet mushroom keychain! We will go over the basics of reading patterns, create a small amigurumi plush, and make it into keychains. Best suited for those with basic crochet skills. All materials will be provided.
COURSE CODE: CRO3
Sec. 01: 1 Saturday, 12:30-4pm. Jan. 31 | $100
INTRO TO QUILTING
Nora Sears | Fiber Artist
Learn the basics of quilting and develop the skills needed to create your own quilt. We will learn how to choose fabric, sew different quilt patterns, choose batting, and finish a small quilt in this class. Students must have access to a sewing machine to bring to class, and must have the ability to sew in a straight line.
COURSE CODE: QUIL
Sec. 01: 6 Wednesdays, 6-8pm. Begins Jan. 14 | $240
MAKE A MINI QUILT: INTRO TO ENGLISH PAPER PIECING
Darci Hanna | Fiber Artist
English Paper Piecing (EPP) is a hand-sewing technique developed in England in the early 1700s that can be used to make beautiful geometric patches, pouches, bags, and even full-size quilts. Portable and beginner friendly, it's a wonderful project that can be easily completed in small increments. The hand-stitching process is simple and meditative. It's also eco-friendly, using up small scraps that would otherwise be wasted to create completely unique textiles. In this workshop we’ll practice the basic techniques and create a coaster-sized mini patchwork quilt. All materials will be provided.
COURSE CODE: MINQ
Sec. 01: 1 Saturday, 10am-2pm. Mar. 21 | $100
EMBROIDER PAINTERLY PET PORTRAITS: FOR BEGINNERS AND EXPERTS!
Kendall Kulper | Embroidery Artist and Author
This class will give you the confidence and skills to stitch unique, painterly portraits of animals, whether you are a total beginner or an experienced embroiderer. We’ll start by going over embroidery basics: how to choose thread, fabric, and simple stitches. Then we’ll move onto pattern making and stitching outline drawings. Finally, you’ll learn how to use embroidery thread to “paint” beautiful, colorful, lifelike portraits. All students will begin by working off the same reference image, but you’ll also have the opportunity to work with the instructor to create your own unique animal portraits.
COURSE CODE: EPET
Sec. 01: 7 Mondays, 6-8pm. Begins Jan. 26 | $280
EMBROIDER FROM A PATTERN, ONE DAY WORKSHOP
Kendall Kulper | Embroidery Artist and Author
In this one-day workshop, learn how to embroider or pick up some new stitching skills using a pattern! Whether you are an embroidery beginner or expert, you’ll learn how to design, interpret, and use embroidery patterns to create beautiful pieces to hang in a hoop or dress up a piece of clothing. You’ll work with the instructor ahead of time to create your custom patterns and decide what to embroider. All other materials will be provided — just show up ready to stitch!
COURSE CODE: EMCL
Sec. 01: 1 Saturday, 12-4pm. Mar. 28 | $110
VALENTINE’S DAY CROSS-STITCH WORKSHOP
Florian Fial | Fiber Artist
Learn the basics of cross-stitching and create a gift for yourself or a loved one in this Valentine’s Day-themed introductory workshop. We’ll start by choosing your favorite pattern from a few preset options, selecting the necessary floss colors, and practicing cross-stitching. You will have the opportunity to ask questions and complete your design over the three-hour session. All materials will be provided.
COURSE CODE: CROS
Sec. 01: Sunday, 1-4pm. Begins Feb. 8 | $85
YOU MAY ALSO BE INTERESTED IN ROMANCE ON THE MENU: VALENTINE’S DAY COOKING CLASSES ON PAGE 7
STITCHED INDIGO SHIBORI WORKSHOP
Michelle Blanchette | Fiber Artist
Join us to learn about the traditional Japanese art form of stitched indigo shibori. We’ll use natural dye from the indigo plant and explore different stitch sizes and rhythms working in the single fabric layer, as well as pleats and folds to create unique patterns. You’ll learn traditional techniques, including ori-nui, mokume, maki-age, karamatsu, and maki-nui. We’ll use cotton tea towels, and students can bring other light-colored garments made of natural fibers. You will leave this workshop with not only your creations but a strong technique base and a passion for continuing to create with this traditional Japanese art form.
COURSE CODE: SHIW
Sec. 01: 1 Saturday, 10am-2pm. Feb. 14 | $130
INTRODUCTION TO NATURAL DYES
Katerina Annunziato | Fiber Artist
In this workshop participants learn fiber scouring, mordant application, and natural dyeing processes. Students learn how to prepare natural dyes using foraged and readily available materials. We follow chemical formulas to create rich color profiles. Additionally, the course provides reading materials to compliment the natural dyeing techniques used. Students learn shibori and resist dyeing to experiment with textile developments in this introductory summer workshop.
COURSE CODE: NDWR
Sec. 01: 1 Saturday, 10am-4pm. Feb. 21 | $170
Performing Arts
“The instructor leads with a supportive, constructive approach and I appreciate the friendly vibe of the class. A continuing joy!” —STUDENT FEEDBACK FOR VOICE WORKSHOP
DANCE
BEGINNER BALLET WITH SHANNON
Shannon Fitzgerald | Dancer
This is a perfect class for those getting started or revisiting ballet as an adult! This class will cover basic positions, steps, and terminology, with a focus on developing the student’s awareness of proper posture and body alignment. Students will learn standing barre work and center floor exercises to enhance strength, balance, and flexibility. Participants will also develop a sense of musical awareness and an appreciation for the quality of movement. Please wear comfortable dance clothing and ballet slippers. Street shoes are not acceptable. Prior dance experience is optional.
COURSE CODE: TWRL
Sec. 01: 8 Thursdays, 6-7:30pm. Begins Jan. 15 | $240
INTERMEDIATE BALLET WITH SHANNON
Shannon Fitzgerald | Dancer
This is a perfect class for those getting started or revisiting ballet as an adult! This class will cover basic positions, steps, and terminology, with a focus on developing the student’s awareness of proper posture and body alignment. Students will learn standing barre work and center floor exercises to enhance strength, balance, and flexibility. Participants will also develop a sense of musical awareness and an appreciation for the quality of movement. Please wear comfortable dance clothing and ballet slippers. Street shoes are not acceptable. Prior dance experience is optional. Instructor, Shannon Fitzgerald
COURSE CODE: BAL2
Sec. 01: 8 Thursdays, 7:45-9pm. Begins Jan. 15 | $200
BURLESQUE: THE BEAUTEASE WAY
Professional Burlesque Society PBS | Dance Instructor Burlesque is exciting, empowering, and a great form of exercise too! Suitable for performers of all shapes, sizes, and experience levels, this workshop for women only introduces the basic building blocks of vintage-style burlesque. You will learn dance moves and techniques for handling classic clothing elements such as gloves, boas, and stockings. Leave with everything you need to put on a burlesque performance of your very own, whether on stage or in private.
COURSE CODE: BURL
Sec. 01: 4 Sundays, 3-4:30pm. Begins Mar. 1 | $120
AFROCUBAN DANCE
Leonardo Rafael Penate Nevarro | Folk Dancer
In this Cuban Dance Workshop, we will learn individual and partner steps of the rhythms that make up the rumba genre, as well as the different orishas that comprise the Yoruba pantheon. In addition, we will explore small choreographies and delve into the history behind each dance.
COURSE CODE: AFRO
Sec. 01: 8 Mondays, 6-7:30pm. Begins Jan. 26 | $240
No class Feb. 16
SALSA-CASINO
Leonardo Rafael Penate Nevarro | Folk Dancer
Salsa-Casino is a style of Cuban salsa danced in pairs within a large circle. It often forms a larger group dance called Rueda de Casino, where dancers perform synchronized, called-out moves and partner swaps. We will learn the basic steps and all possible variations of individual, partner, and group movements, including the rueda de casino dance as it is performed in Cuba.
COURSE CODE: CUBE
Sec. 01: 8 Mondays, 7:15-9pm. Begins Jan. 26 | $280
No Class Feb. 16
DANCES FOR A ROMANTIC OCCASION
Jim Spellman | Dancer
We will learn the basic footwork of American-style waltz, foxtrot, tango, rumba, and merengue. Then, we will learn the joy of leading and following, dancing in partnership. The class will be easygoing and fun, with a complete review each week. Music will include such songs as “Moon River,” “Night and Day,” “Fernando’s Hideaway,” and “Perfida.”
COURSE CODE: DABA
Sec. 01: 2 Fridays, 7:30-9pm. Feb. 6 & 13 | $60
MUSIC
MUSIC APPRECIATION
DEMYSTIFYING THE SYMPHONY
Andrea La Rose | Composer
You’d love to attend more orchestra concerts, but can’t tell your symphonies from your symphonic poems? You love the sound and the power, but feel like you don’t know what’s going on? This class will help you fill in the details of how the music is structured and develop an awareness of your own personal feelings and associations with the sounds you hear. Using a combination of focused listening, journaling, and class discussions, we’ll explore a selection of symphonic repertoire, including Mahler’s 1st, Beethoven’s 9th, and Dvořák’s 9th, among others.
COURSE CODE: DVKA
Sec. 01: 8 Thursdays, 3-4:30pm. Begins Jan. 15 | $240
In his brief life of 31 years, Franz Schubert managed to bring the genre of the art song — the “Lied” — to a level of magnificence that has remained unequalled. He was also the creator of some of the most gorgeous melodies ever written. The first half of this course will be devoted to exploring — to learning — many of his most gloriously melodic songs; the second half will be devoted to the tragic song cycle. “The Winter Journey,” in which he applied his musical genius to remarkable storytelling
COURSE CODE: LIDE
Sec. 01: 6 Wednesdays, 6:30-8pm. Begins Jan. 15 | $240
STRINGS
“FEAST OF AFFECTIONS” BAROQUE STRING ORCHESTRA EXPERIENCE
Farkhad Abidkadirov | Performer and Educator
Experience the richness of Baroque music this fall in our welcoming, hands-on class designed for string players of all backgrounds. Dive into the art of expressive interpretation, discover historic musical manuscripts, and immerse yourself in vibrant French, British, German, and Italian repertoire — while building meaningful connections within a community ensemble. No auditions are required, ensuring a supportive environment for all technical levels. As a bonus, we offer free violin and viola lessons throughout the course, providing exceptional value and personalized learning. Join us for an inspiring journey that blends musical exploration, historical context, and ensemble collaboration — all in one inclusive experience!
COURSE CODE: DVKA
Sec. 01: 10 Saturdays, 11am-12:30pm. Begins Jan. 24 | $300
FUN GUITAR JAM: FOR FLAT PICK STYLE ACOUSTIC GUITAR
Steven Bloomberg | Communications Skills Developer
We’ll play 2 or 3 popular songs each week. Let us know the songs you like, and we’ll play what we can. We’ll play blues progressions, blues songs, and utilize the 5-note scale and its variations for blues jams. Have fun with songs from days gone by and 12-bar blues variations. This is for guitar players who can play open guitar chords and want to expand their repertoire of chords. Bring an acoustic guitar, a tuner, and be prepared to play and sing if you’d like. Free downloads are provided — We’ll find online resources to help you learn more.
COURSE CODE: FLAT
Sec. 01: 5 Saturdays, 1-3pm. Begins Jan. 17 | $200
INTENSE BEGINNING GUITAR
Chris Brenne | Musician & Composer, B.A. Berklee College of Music
This is a guitar class for beginners on steroids. We’ll use innovative practice methods to achieve faster and better results without taxing your valuable time. Anyone can buy a chord book, look up songs on YouTube, or download a tab, but this class will show you how to use these resources. We’ll focus on how to put a chord progression together with rhythm and expression to play songs using strumming and some fingerpicking. You’ll leave the first lesson having started to play your first song! Students must bring their guitar or rent one.
COURSE CODE: GTB1
Sec. 01: 8 Tuesdays, 6-7:30pm. Begins Jan. 13 | $240
EASY SONGS FOR GUITAR
Chris Brenne | Musician & Composer, B.A. Berklee College of Music
This is a continuing guitar class on steroids! We’ll utilize practice methods to achieve faster and better results without wasting your valuable time. At the same time, exploring the transitions between chords and tricks will help you navigate a song. We’ll cover all the basic chords, strums, and even some fingerpicking and melody/leads! We will also discuss and practice some techniques that musicians use to bring a song to life! The digital PDF file of the book is included in the fee.
COURSE CODE: GTB2
Sec. 01: 8 Tuesdays, 7:45-9:15pm. Begins Jan. 13 | $240
INTRODUCTION TO UKULELE
Amy Kucharik | amykucharik.com
More popular than ever, the approachable ukulele is the instrument of choice for great-sounding portable music. You’ll learn the basics quickly to start playing songs you will immediately love. Simple chords will sound great after just one class, and you’ll soon have a repertoire ranging from “Tin Pan Alley” ukulele classics to current pop hits. You will learn tricks for hunting down ukulele song chords charts online and adapting them for your own strumming and singing pleasure! No prior experience is necessary; bring your uke.
COURSE CODE: UKE1
Sec. 01: 8 Thursdays, 6-7pm. Begins Jan. 15 | $160
CONTINUING UKULELE
Amy Kucharik | amykucharik.com
Continue building your chords vocabulary while we strum versatile rhythms across various genres. We’ll practice switching chords more quickly and introduce barre chords, reading tablature, and fingerpicking for those with some experience who are comfortable with chords, including G and Em, as well as strumming up and down.
COURSE CODE: UKE2
Sec. 01: 8 Thursdays, 7:15-8:15pm. Begins Jan. 15 | $160
PIANO
PIANO: BEGINNER LEVEL 1
Marie Kurfirtova | Pianist
Have you always wanted to play the piano? Have you taken a few lessons in the past but can’t remember as much as you’d like? It’s never too late to learn! This group class will cover all the basics, including how to read music, and you will learn simple tunes in various styles. The Faber Adult Piano Adventures All-in-One Course, Book 1, is required.
COURSE CODE: PNO1
Sec. 01: 9 Tuesdays, 6-7pm. Begins Jan. 13 | $285
PIANO: BEGINNER LEVEL 2
Marie Kurfirtova | Pianist
This course is designed for students who have completed Level 1. We will continue building the basics, including how to read music. You will learn simple tunes in various styles. We will continue to complete the Faber Adult Piano Adventures All-in-One Book 1. This course is also suitable for any beginner with some basic experience.
COURSE CODE: PNO2
Sec. 01: 9 Tuesdays, 7:15-8:15pm. Begins Jan. 13 | $285
PIANO:
BEGINNING LEVEL 3
Marie Kurfirtova | Pianist
This course is especially designed for continuing Level 2 students. We will continue to learn the basics of piano playing, explore new tunes in various styles, and study some fundamentals of music theory. We will use the Faber Adult Piano Adventures All-in-One Course Book 2. This course is also suitable for individuals with prior experience who feel comfortable playing the piao with both hands.
COURSE CODE: PN03
Sec. 01: 9 Thursdays, 6-7pm. Begins Jan. 15 | $285
PIANO: BEGINNER LEVEL 4
Marie Kurfirtova | Pianist
Continue to improve your piano playing by working on new tunes in various styles, developing a deeper understanding of music theory fundamentals, and learning new major/minor scales and chords. This course is especially designed for those who want to continue from the Piano Beginner Level 3 course. Still, it is open to anyone who can play piano with both hands and has a basic understanding of scales and chords. We will use the Faber Piano Adventures All-in-One Course Book 2
COURSE CODE: PNO4
Sec. 01: 9 Thursdays, 7:15-8:15pm. Begins Jan. 15 | $285
INSTANT PIANO FOR HOPELESSLY BUSY PEOPLE
Debbie Gruber | B.M., M.M., easypianostyles.com
Learn all the chords needed to play and pop in one afternoon! You’ll learn how to construct major, minor, and seventh chords, practice and memorize chords, transpose a song into your key, play music by ear, and accompany yourself singing. Knowing the notes on the piano and having a basic understanding of the treble clef are essential. Tuition includes book and digital resources valued at $25
COURSE CODE: INPI
Sec. 01: Saturday, 10am-1pm. Jan. 24 | $90
FLUTE
LEVEL UP! EIGHT WEEKS TO BETTER FLUTE PLAYING
Andrea La Rose | Composer
This class is designed for individuals who have been playing the flute for at least a year and are seeking to refine their technique. Over the eight weeks, we will explore how to achieve your best possible sound, learn to appreciate the high and low registers, develop tonguing techniques at different speeds, play faster music, refine intonation, and learn improvisation. We will also discuss how to integrate all these elements into a routine that fosters steady improvement.
COURSE CODE: LUTE
Sec. 01: 8 Saturdays, 1-2pm. Begins Jan. 17 | $160
VOICE
APPLIED VOCAL TECHNIQUE IN SONG
Quinn Gutman | Singer
Whether you have never sung before or have been singing for years, this class is for you. We will learn and review the basics of breathing and anatomy, exploring range, resonance, styles, and how to learn a song. We will do a series of exercises together and sometimes individually. Then, students will be invited to perform songs for the class and receive feedback on their performance.
COURSE CODE: ROAR
Sec. 01: 6 Wednesdays, 7-8:30pm. Begins Jan. 14 | $180
No class Jan. 28
INTRODUCTION TO GENDER AFFIRMING VOICE
Quinn Gutman | Singer
If you’re not satisfied with your voice, you can change it! In this class, we will explore the various aspects of the human voice and learn how to manipulate them to help transform your voice into one that better expresses your unique identity. By the end of class, you’ll have a bunch of exercises and resources to help you find a target voice and practice maintaining that target voice.
COURSE CODE: AFFF
Sec. 01: Thursday, 4-6pm. Feb. 5 | $50
THEATER
BASIC ACTING FOR THE STAGE
Cameron Gosselin | Artist
Are you ready to confidently step onto the stage and explore the craft of acting? In this class, we’ll explore various approaches and acting methods to help you find your unique voice as a performer. We’ll cover essential techniques, including text analysis, creating believable characters, character development, physicality, and vocal work. Additionally, we will engage in scene work, monologue preparation, and in-class improvisation exercises. By the end of the course, you’ll have gained the tools to walk into any audition room confidently.
COURSE CODE: MAIN
Sec. 01: 8 Sundays, 12-2:30pm. Begins Jan. 18 | $320
DECODING SHAKESPEARE
Cameron Gosselin | Artist
This class is designed for intermediate-level actors seeking to develop their skills in classical texts. Reading, understanding, and performing Shakespeare’s text are not gifts you need to be born with; they are skills you can learn and hone just like any other ability. In this course, actors will gain an in-depth understanding of Shakespeare’s writing for the stage, acquire and apply physical and mental tools for breaking down his language, and integrate Shakespeare’s text with contemporary acting training. In class, actors will explore ensemble chorus work in short scenes and leave the class having analyzed, rehearsed, and performed a final Shakespeare monologue.
COURSE CODE: CODX
Sec. 01: 8 Saturdays, 2:15-4:45pm. Begins Jan. 17 | $320
ADVANCED ACTING METHODS
Dewayne Nelson | Actor on Stage, Film & TV
This course is designed for experienced students ready to enhance their acting abilities for the stage. Through complex scene study and character analysis, students will gain insight into what it takes to shape a theatrical performance for a live audience. The class references the Meisner and Uta Hagen acting methods as a guidepost. Students will work on different scenes leading up to a performance. One memorized monologue is required for the first day of the course.
COURSE CODE: MAST
Sec. 01: 10 Saturdays, 12-2pm. Begins Jan. 17 | $440
ADVANCED ACTING: HOW TO MAKE THE STRONGEST CHOICES
While there are different acting methods and styles, any process capable of consistently yielding reliable results will require the actor to make choices; choices for the role, for the piece overall, and for individual scenes. Becoming skilled at identifying the strongest possible choices to breathe life into the role is the focus of this class. While actor choices are hidden from the audience, a compelling audience experience is the most important consideration when determining these choices.
COURSE CODE: ROLE
Sec. 01: 10 Fridays, 6:30-8:30pm. Begins Jan. 30 | $400
IMPROVISATION & ACTING FOR LIFE
Mark Hessler | Teacher, Actor, and Director
Improvisation and acting are commonly associated with comedy and performance. Still, they’re also excellent training for speaking and listening, being in touch with emotions and situations, and picking up on social cues, to name a few obvious applications in everyday life. This class will sample and explore classic exercises from both traditions (acting and improvisation) in a playful spirit and will include brief conversations and reflections. The course is designed to be both fun and thought-provoking, helping to foster an active sense of empathy and confidence. It’s intended for both non-actors and actors interested in practicing spontaneity, ensemble, and presence or craft without a script. You don’t need any experience; all are welcome.
COURSE CODE: CUES
Sec. 01: 9 Wednesdays, 6-7pm. Begins Jan. 14 | $225
IMPROV & ACTING FOR LIFE CONTINUED
Mark Hessler | Teacher, Actor, and Director Acting & Improv for Life (Ongoing/Continued) is an improv and acting lab for further practice and development of ensemble work, acting games and exercises, and improvised scenes for fun and mastery. Light script work and other activities may be included, depending on the group’s goals and interests. This course is intended for people who have previously completed Improvisation and Acting for Life.
COURSE CODE: PAR2
Sec. 01: 9 Wednesdays, 6-7pm. Begins Jan. 14 | $180
STORYTELLING WORKSHOP & SHOWCASE
Andrea Aptecker | Actor, Public Speaking Expert
What’s your story? Get introduced to the art of story structure and receive expert tips on incorporating humor, building drama, and connecting to present true stories, lasting five to ten minutes, much like those from “The Moth.” Participants are also welcome to workshop short fiction pieces, memoirs, plays, and screenplays. In-depth comments and discussions follow all performances. Everyone is welcome, from beginners to practiced storytellers. The final class offers students the opportunity to share their stories with an invited audience of friends and family.
COURSE CODE: TELL
Sec. 01: 10 Wednesdays, 6-7:30pm. Begins Jan. 14 | $330
Want to arrange one-on-one individual music lessons? Email us at info@ccae.org.
Business, Finance & Technology
“This class gave me clear, simple concepts that I could use to make investment decisions. I actually did a fair amount of rebalancing as a result!”
—TOM L., WALL STREET BOOTCAMP
INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER SCIENCE IN PYTHON
Chris Bentley | Software Engineer and Educator
In this class you will learn computer programming in Python as well as fundamental computer science concepts such as data types, functions, and object-oriented design. Computer science is a challenging, fast-paced, and exciting field and getting a strong command of its fundamentals will require weekly at home programming practice and self-directed reading. By the end of the course, students will be prepared to work on at-home hobby projects, or round out their understanding of computer science fundamentals by taking courses on data structures and algorithms, systems programming, or software engineering design. This course covers material comparable to one half of a one-semester college level course.
COURSE CODE: PYTH
Sec. 01: 10 Thursdays, 7-9pm. Begins Jan. 15 | $375
BASICS OF PROGRAMMING
Kelly
Plakyda | Programmer, IBM
In this class you will learn the basics of computer programming through Java; a language that is the foundation of many modern applications. The concepts we will cover: variables, conditionals, loops, functions, arrays, and objects, will provide you with the building blocks for building your skills further, or simply unveiling the black box behind the technology you interact with everyday. This course is intended for individuals who have no prior experience.
COURSE CODE: JAVA
Sec. 01: 6 Tuesdays, 6-7:30pm. Begins Feb. 24 | $170
CCAE
BASICS OF PROGRAMMING: PART 2
Kelly Plakyda | Programmer, IBM
This is a follow-up course to Basics of Programming 1 and will expand upon the topics to go into more details on objects, array lists, hash maps, and file reading and writing. This course is intended for beginners who have a basic understanding of the topics covered in the previous course.
COURSE CODE: JAV2
Sec. 01: 6 Tuesdays, 7:45-9:15pm. Begins Feb. 24 | $170
INTRODUCTION TO SKETCHUP
Steven Santosuosso | Interior Designer
SketchUp is a free three-dimensional digital modeling program used by architects, interior designers, product designers, and sculptural artists. 3D rendering can be used for interior design, product design, architecture, engineering, and even 3D printing. We will learn fundamental concepts and techniques including modeling, inferencing, and styling, to create 3D models from real life objects and schematic drawings.
COURSE CODE: SKUP
Sec. 01: 2 Mondays, 6-8pm. Begins Mar. 2 | $100
INVESTING IN UNCERTAIN TIMES
Rod Laurenz | Financial Advisor, laurenzfinancial.com
This class will discuss strategies and products to help you achieve your investment goals at a time when traditional advice may leave you short. Whether you’re saving for the future or already living on your assets, you’ll find ideas that are helpful to novices and experienced investors alike. Topics include asset allocation, alternative investments, tax reduction, and how to implement your plans and avoid common mistakes.
COURSE CODE: UNCR
Sec. 01: 2 Tuesdays, 6-8pm. Mar. 17 & Mar. 24 | $95
WALL STREET BOOTCAMP
Michael Stern | Registered Investment Adviser
This is a fast-paced course covering the fundamentals of investing and is appropriate for beginning as well as experienced investors. Students will learn how to allocate assets, research investments online, pick appropriate securities, and monitor performance. We’ll cover Mutual Funds and ETFs and distinguish their advantages and disadvantages. The course will discuss how to successfully build diversified equity and fixed-income portfolios. We’ll consider the pitfalls of Target Retirement Funds as well as the risks inherent in Bond ETFs and Bond Mutual Funds. Lastly, students develop skills as an amateur ‘equity analyst’ and learn how to assess the performance of a professional mutual fund manager or advisor.
COURSE CODE: NAVS
Sec. 01: 3 Wednesdays, 7:30-9pm. Begins Feb. 4 | $75
THE SHARK INVESTOR
Michael Stern | Registered Investment Adviser
The Shark Investor is the follow-up course to Wall Street Bootcamp, and takes stock picking and ETF selection to the next level. Discover why most professional money managers underperform the market and develop strategies to avoid similar mistakes. Unpack the top ”dos” and “don’ts”: such as why to avoid margin, technical analysis, options, meme stocks, and day trading. Master key balance sheet and income statement items, and then learn to identify disruptors, “toll roads,” category killers, and companies with economic moats. We’ll also uncover equity ETFs (with passive strategies) that have beaten the market index.
COURSE CODE: SHIN
Sec. 01: 3 Wednesdays, 7:30-9pm. Begins Mar. 4 | $75
CYBERSECURITY FOR EVERYONE
Ben Vivante | Web Developer, vivante.us
Stay safe in a digital world. Topics covered include securing your email, protecting against phishing, and adjusting social media settings. Discover how hackers exploit computers and how to defend against them. We’ll also discuss data backup strategies including the Cloud, antivirus solutions, smartphone security, and the risks of using wireless networks. Leave with practical tips to navigate the cyber world safely.
COURSE CODE: CYSA
Sec. 01: Tuesday, 6-8pm. Mar. 17 | $55
INTRODUCTION TO WORDPRESS
Ben Vivante | Web Developer, vivante.us
WordPress is one of the most user-friendly blogging and content management systems available. You can build almost anything from a personal or business website to everything in between. Join us for a quick overview of this powerful software. You will learn the ins and outs of WordPress so you can begin building your site today! Basic computer skills and Internet literacy are required.
COURSE CODE: WRDP
Sec. 01: 4 Mondays, 7-9pm. Begins Feb. 2 | $175
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MEDICARE 101
Marion Severynse | Regional SHINE Program Volunteer
Are you eligible for Medicare? Do you know the costs of Medicare and the types of services it covers? Do you know when to enroll to prevent permanent premium increase penalties? We will cover these topics as they apply to Medicare Part A (hospital coverage), Part B (medical coverage), Part C (Medicare Advantage), and Part D (drug coverage). We’ll discuss how having employer-sponsored insurance coverage after retirement impacts your Medicare choices and whether you should consider enrolling in a Medigap supplemental insurance plan.
COURSE CODE: ABCD
Sec. 01: Monday, 6-8pm. Mar. 2 | $70
OVERVIEW OF INVESTMENT CONCEPTS
Rod Laurenz | Financial Advisor, laurenzfinancial.com
Don’t know the difference between a stock and a bond? Confused about mutual funds and your 401k? We’ll clarify the basic information you need to know about investing, how to ensure you’re properly diversified, and why all your money shouldn’t be in your bank account. You’ll learn the most important concepts you need to make investment decisions and how to avoid common pitfalls.
COURSE CODE: OOIC
Sec. 01: Tuesday, 6-8pm. Jan. 27 | $55
i PHONE/ i PAD SETTINGS: WHERE ALL THE SECRETS HIDE
Marjorie Wein | Wize Guides
There are many adjustments and tweaks you can make in the Settings Screen that will change how your iPhone/iPad behaves. In Settings, you can adjust the font size, ring tones, privacy settings, passcodes, screen wallpaper, notifications, updates, and battery life. By fully understanding these settings, you can take complete control of your device and customize it to your needs. This course is for individuals who have basic familiarity with their iPhones and/or iPads and want to take the next step.
CODE: ISET
Sec. 01: Monday, 2-4pm. Mar. 9 | $55
HOW TO USE YOUR APPLE DEVICE
Marjorie Wein | Wize Guides
Learn how to use and take full advantage of all the amazing features your iPhoneiPad offers: great camera and video capabilities, text messaging, installing and organizing apps, email, Siri, FaceTime, calendars, contacts, maps, and more. Whether you are new to the iPhone or iPad or want to learn more tips and tricks- this three-part class is for you. Skills required: Experience with these devices is helpful but not necessary.
COURSE CODE: SMRT
Sec. 01: 3 Tuesdays, 2-4pm. Begins Feb. 10 | $135
HOW TO MAKE AN ESTATE PLAN
Stephanie Mandell | Attorney
We all know that everyone should have a will, and yet many of us put this off. This class will motivate you to organize your assets and create an estate plan, including documents that can assist in case of incapacity. You will receive an introduction to the common terms and options, including how to specify personal representatives (formerly called “executors”) and guardians in a will as well as the differences between wills and trusts. You will also get tips for estate planning that go beyond the legalese found in estate documents.
COURSE CODE: ESTP
Sec. 01: Wednesday, 6-8pm. Feb. 4 | $55
TRADING EQUITY OPTIONS
Craig Forman | MBA, Professional Trader, Personal Portfolio
Trading in equity options has exploded in recent years due to low commissions, excellent free trading tools, and the emergence of weekly options. We’ll explain how options work, how to trade them, and how to use them to control risk and enhance returns. You will learn strategies for naked options, option spreads, and stock option combinations. We will also explore risk management, volatility, and adjustments. For beginning and seasoned investors who want to add options to their trading toolset.
COURSE CODE: TRWO
Sec. 01: 4 Tuesdays, 7-9pm. Begins Feb. 3 | $150
FINANCIAL PLANNING DURING RETIREMENT
Jimmy Becker | MBA, Yale School of Management
This class is for anyone already retired or planning to do so in the next few years. You will learn about investment strategy and determining how much risk to take, which assets to draw down first, the importance of minimizing fees, Social Security claiming strategies, the role of annuities, a safe level of spending, reverse mortgages, Medicare surcharges, and whether long-term care insurance makes sense.
COURSE CODE: FPRE
Sec. 01: Saturday, 10am-12pm. Feb. 21 | $55
SPENDING, SAVING, AND BUDGETING: DEVELOPING HEALTHY MONEY HABITS
Jimmy Becker | MBA, Yale School of Management
This class is for anyone who wants to learn to save more, spend less, and improve your financial decision-making skills. You will learn how to develop healthy and sustainable spending and saving strategies, create and sustain a budget, save for retirement, mix love and money, determine how much insurance you need, and how financial institutions operate.
COURSE CODE: SSAB
Sec. 01: Saturday 12:30-2:30pm. Feb. 21 | $55
Life & Wellness
MIND & BODY
TAI CHI FOR BEGINNERS
Sang Claxton | Tai Chi Instructor Sang Claxton & Tin Yau Ying
Originally one of the ancient Chinese martial arts, tai chi is practiced today primarily as a method of exercise that cultivates physical and mental harmony in movement. It’s slow, fluid, and forms-based on the Chinese principle of yin and yang, and its emphasis on relaxed, effortless movement makes it ideal for people of all ages. You will learn the first section of the traditional Yang-style long-form tai chi. Wear loose, comfortable clothes and soft, flat shoes.
COURSE CODE: TACH
Sec. 01: 8 Tuesdays, 6:15-7:15pm. Begins Jan. 13 | $135
Sec. 02: 7 Tuesdays, 10-11:30am. Begins Jan. 13 | $175
MINDFUL FLOW YOGA FOR ALL LEVELS
Eric Bornstein | Kripalu-Certified Yoga Instructor, M.L.A., Harvard
This posture sequencing guide takes you through poses (asanas) in a mindful flow, designed to source all movement from our deep strength and discover its beauty. We will practice strategies to lengthen stubborn hamstrings and hips. Eliminate pain and compression in the lower back and neck, and create opening and flexibility in the upper back and shoulders. Careful attention is given to maintaining proper posture and breathing (pranayama) during transitions and periods of stillness. Please bring your yoga mat.
COURSE CODE: BYOG
Sec. 01: 8 Wednesdays, 5:15-6:30pm. Begins Jan. 14 | $170
Sec. 02: 8 Wednesdays, 4-5pm. Begins Jan. 14 | $135
“Such a useful and wonderful class to have midweek! I always find it very relaxing.”
—WENDY, MINDFUL FLOW FOR ALL LEVELS
MINDFUL FLOW YOGA FOR BEGINNERS
Eric Bornstein | Kripalu-Certified Yoga Instructor, M.L.A., Harvard
This posture sequencing guide takes you through poses (asanas) in a mindful flow, designed to source all our movement from our deep strength and discover the beauty in our movement. We will practice strategies to lengthen stubborn hamstrings and hips, eliminate pain and compression in your lower back and neck, and create opening and flexibility in your upper back and shoulders. Careful attention is given to maintaining proper posture and breathing (pranayama) during transitions and in stillness. Please bring your yoga mat.
COURSE CODE: YOGA
Sec. 01: 8 Tuesdays, 4-5pm. Begins Jan. 13 | $135
MOON SIGNS: HOW TO USE THE PHASES OF THE MOON FOR WISE DECISIONS IN LOVE, WORK, AND FAMILY LIFE
Sally Cragin | Fitchburg City Councillor-at-large.
The moon is full — things can get a little crazy. The moon is new — everyone might feel a bit lost. When is the best time to clean? To throw a party? To quit a bad habit-and stick to it? Many cultures develop guidelines for activities based on lunar transits. This workshop simplifies the patterns and rhythms of the moon so that every participant leaves with a “plan of action” for upcoming moon phases.
COURSE CODE: LIFE
Sec. 01: Monday, 7am-9pm. Jan. 26 | $50
TAROT FOR BEGINNERS
Sally Cragin | Fitchburg City Councillor-at-large.
This hands-on workshop includes the history of this unique art form and its practices. Students will learn the rudiments of the four suits, the significance of the numbers, and the interpretation of Major Arcana cards. Discussion is encouraged, and we will practice some simple readings before moving on to more complex ones. We use the Rider-Waite deck, designed by Pamela Colman-Smith, for in-class readings. This workshop is suitable for beginners and those looking to practice and refine their skills.
COURSE CODE: TARO
Sec. 01: Thursday, 7-9pm. Feb. 19 | $50
FULL BODY MASSAGE TECHNIQUE WITH A PARTNER
Eric Bornstein | Kripalu-Certified Yoga Instructor, M.L.A., Harvard
Bring a friend or significant other to learn the basics of Esalen and Swedish massage strokes through discussion, demonstration, and supervised practice. The Saturday class takes more time to cover the worksheet on massage strokes for the back and uses an extended syllabus that includes legs and feet. Each participant can look forward to a 60-90-minute massage. Each pair should bring a pillowcase, a pillow, two sheets or large towels, and a squeeze bottle of oil. Wear loose, comfortable clothing for massage, and loose gym shorts for Saturday class. Women should wear a halter top, bra, or bikini top that can be removed to expose the back.
COURSE CODE: MARB
Sec. 01: Friday, 6:45-9:45pm. Jan. 23 | $120 per pair
Sec. 02: Saturday, 10am-3:30pm. Jan. 24 | $220 per pair
AN INTRODUCTION TO SECULAR MEDITATION AND ITS PSYCHOLOGY
Doug Greve | Meditation Instructor
People often meditate to feel more peace and clarity. However, meditation is not easy. This class approaches meditation with these challenges in mind. Participants will be taught the basic mechanics of mindfulness-style meditation to understand how meditation leads to beneficial results and to troubleshoot difficulties that arise. The instruction will be a mixture of formal meditation and lectures on psychological theory. The theory is based on Buddhist psychology. But the class will be purely secular (no references to supernatural processes). At-home meditation will be assigned. Appropriate for any level.
COURSE CODE: SELF
Sec. 01: 5 Tuesdays, 6-7:30pm. Begins Jan. 13 | $125
FUNCTIONAL MOVEMENT AND YOGA FOR HEALTHY AGING: A PATH TO LONGEVITY AND VITALITY
Lucie Kasova | Yoga Instructor
Join us for this transformative four-week course designed to equip you with practical tools to enhance your health span, optimize your well-being, and support healthy aging. This beginner-friendly course integrates the principles of functional movement with the therapeutic benefits of yoga, focusing on improving mobility, flexibility, strength, and balance — all key components of maintaining independence and enhancing quality of life as we age.
COURSE CODE: VIBE
Sec. 01: 4 Tuesdays, 11:45am-1:15pm. Begins Feb. 3 | $120
LIFESTYLE & RECREATION
FLOWER ARRANGING
Cass School of Floral Design
This hands-on course offers step-by-step instruction in creating three beautiful, basic floral arrangements with seasonal blooms and foliage. Participants will learn techniques to prolong freshness and other floral design tips. Students will leave with their finished arrangements, ready to brighten up their home or office, or share as a unique, handmade gift.. A materials fee of $90 (cash or check only) is payable at the first class. Class held at the Cass School of Floral Design, 531 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown. Registration closes on January 5, 2026
COURSE CODE: FCAB
Sec. 01: 3 Mondays, 6:30-8pm. Begins Jan. 12 | $100
COLD-PROCESS SOAP MAKING
Barbara Thomas | artifactsoapworks.com
Learn to make cold-process soap from scratch using vegetable oils and lye. You’ll pick up the basics while making a batch of honey-oatmeal soap, and then experiment with colors and fragrances. We’ll discuss proper usage and storage of lye, mixing lye and water, oils for soap making, fragrance oils, essential oils, superfatting, additives and exfoliants, coloring, molding, and curing. A $30 materials fee is payable to the instructor at the first class.
Patricia Fratto | Owner: Perfectly Coordinated, Wedding Planning C Planning a wedding can be overwhelming. Sometimes, it’s hard even to know where to start! After attending this session, you’ll realize that planning your wedding doesn’t have to be stressful. Taught by a seasoned wedding planning consultant with over 11 years of experience, this session is geared toward newly-engaged couples and those who need help with the wedding planning process. You’ll get a step-by-step overview of all the “to-dos” required to plan your perfect day, when you should do them, how to remain organized throughout the planning process, and practical tips from an experienced wedding planning pro. If there’s a wedding in your future, this class is a must!
Join this illuminating candle-making class, where you will learn all the ins and outs of candle making. We will cover everything from wax to wicks, fragrances and colors, and even some candle history. You get to pour your own shaped coconut-soy wax candle and scented wax melts, choosing your favorite mold, fragrance, and color. Take your handmade creations home at the end of the class, as well as a whole bunch of knowledge on candle-making!
COURSE CODE: CNDL
Sec. 01: Sunday, 11am-1pm. Begins Jan. 31 | $60
UNDERSTANDING THE TRICK: LEARNING HOW TO PLAY BRIDGE
Reid Flemming | 7-Time National USCA Champion
Come learn the art of Bridge with 7-Time National USCA Champion, Reid Flemming. In this six week course you'll learn the basics of playing the game, how to evaluate a hand and bid, and more as you delve into the complex world of one of the oldest card games. No experience necessary.
COURSE CODE: BRDG
Sec. 01: 6 Tuesdays, 7-9pm. Begins Feb. 3 | $230
PUBLIC SPEAKING WORKSHOP
Alicia Britton | Ethnomusicologist, Musician, and Educator
Whether you’re delivering a presentation at work, school, or your best friend’s wedding, or simply want to gain confidence presenting ideas clearly and concisely, the best way to get comfortable with public speaking is to practice. In this class, you’ll have the opportunity to present both impromptu and prepared speeches, followed by indepth comments and discussion. We’ll look at body language, speech organization, and methods to build excitement and curiosity among your listeners. Most importantly, we’ll have fun in a supportive and encouraging environment. All are welcome.
COURSE CODE: PSWS
Sec. 01: 6 Thursdays, 6-8pm. Begins Feb. 5 | $215
HIGH FLYING CIRCUS
Paul Jackson | Aerial Instructor, Owner Green Dragon Circus
Discover the artistry, thrill, and challenge of circus arts. In this six-week course curious newcomers to seasoned athletes will all be able to find accomplishments in learning the fundamentals of aerial trapeze, lyra, and silks. Through this class you will learn how to safely mount and dismount the different apparatuses, inversions, fundamental tricks in the air, and the ability to climb to new heights! Circus arts are a way for everyone to way to gain strength, coordination, and confidence! This course meets at Green Dragon Circus: 100 Parker St, Watertown, MA 02472
COURSE CODE: CIRC
Sec. 01: 6 Thursdays, 6-7:30pm. Begins Feb. 12 | $250
DESIGNING YOUR RETIREMENT: AN EVIDENCE-BASED PATH TO A HAPPY, HEALTHY, AND FULFILLING RETIREMENT
Hayward Zwerling | M.D. Retired
Have you considered how to optimize the last 116,800 hours of life during your retirement? Trained as an engineer and nearing the end of his career as a software developer and physician, Hayward Zwerling, M.D. wanted to know: What should I do to ensure I have a happy, healthy, and fulfilling retirement? After reading more than 100 scientific publications and gathering insights from numerous experts and his patients, Dr. Zwerling developed his Designing Your Retirement methodology — a roadmap to a better retirement. His lecture will review relevant academic publications that logically culminate in six evidence-based “objectives” that, in conjunction with one’s personal goals, will help optimize a retiree’s probability of having a happy, healthy, and fulfilling retirement.
COURSE CODE: DIYR
Sec. 01: Saturday, Feb. 21, 9:30-11:30am. | $50
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT AUTO REPAIR
Bruce Gerry | Dr. Tuneup, Auto Mechanic
Join an experienced mechanic and instructor who can make all things automotive both fun and clear. We’ll cover basic maintenance and troubleshooting ignition, charging, cooling, fluids, electrical, brakes, and exhaust systems. We’ll discuss common problems encountered with any vehicle. You’ll be better able to diagnose problems, perform basic maintenance, and deal competently and knowledgeably with local mechanics. Please note: This is a lecture and demonstration class.
COURSE CODE: CARR
Sec. 01: 3 Mondays, 6:30-8:30pm. Begins Feb. 23 | $115
INTRODUCTION TO CARD MAGIC
John Bach | Magician
Ever wanted to amaze family and friends by performing incredible magic tricks anytime, anywhere, with just an ordinary deck of playing cards? Now you can, even if you’ve never touched a deck of cards in your life. In this class, you’ll learn a repertoire of dazzling tricks, many requiring no special skill, as well as basic sleight-of-hand techniques and professional tips for making the magic more powerful and entertaining.
COURSE CODE: MAGI
Sec. 01: 4 Wednesdays, 7:30-9pm. Begins Mar. 4 | $125
NEVER FORGET A NAME
Neil Kutzen | Memory Trainer
Use these two principles and you will never forget a name! Neil Kutzen has been the most prominent and successful memory trainer in New England for the last decade. Save yourself from an embarrassing blunder at work or in social settings, and even see how it can be used to remember most other things.
COURSE CODE: NAME
Sec. 01: Tuesday, 6-8pm. Begins Mar. 10 | $50
YOU MAY ALSO BE INTERESTED IN STIR A MEMORY, SHARE A MEMORY: AROMAS ON PAGE 34
MUSHROOM WALK: FUNGI IN THE WILD
Lawrence Millman | Author and Mycologist
Join us for a mushroom walk in Concord or Lincoln. However dry or unpromising the weather, our tour leader guarantees that we’ll find a minimum of 30 different species. You’ll learn to identify mushrooms both with and without a guidebook, and you’ll also unlearn everything you were ever told about how to distinguish a poisonous from a non-poisonous species. The focus of this walk is scientific, not culinary. The tuition includes the presentation and the walk. The presentation is mandatory. The instructor will tell you the location during the Friday presentation.
COURSE CODE: FUNW
Sec. 01: Friday & Saturday, Mar. 20 & 21 | $90
Required evening presentation at CCAE: Friday, 6-8pm, Mar. 20
Mushroom walk: Saturday, 2-4pm, Mar. 21
Discounted Parking for CCAE Students
We offer discounted parking with validation at the Charles Square Garage and the University Place Garage.
Charles Square Garage
Bring your ticket to the Center to be validated for the deals below.
Please note: Parking may be limited depending on the time of day.
View Regular Rates at harvardsquareparking.com
Enter garage between 3:30pm–1am, Mon thru Fri:
Purchase an $8 sticker at the CCAE Registration Desk.
Cash only
University Place Garage
Enter garage before 4pm, Mon thru Fri:
<1hr = $5
1-5 hrs = $14
Enter garage after 4pm Mon thru Fri and all weekend:
<1hr = $5
>1hr = $10
Ask for a yellow validation ticket at the CCAE Registration Desk.
Free parking in Harvard Square on Sundays!
BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND STAFF
Board of Directors
JaneAnn Fisher
Chair
Lidija Polutnik
Vice Chair
Diane Carson Vice President
David Lehman
Vice President
Michael Goldman
Treasurer
Phil Crutchfield
Secretary
Kris Butler
Brian Carey
Neha Coureil
Anne-Sophie Divenyi
Ploy Khunisorn
Ruben Mancha
William Manley
Lauren Marshall
Alberto Ovalle
Patricia Schiapelli
Nan Soule
Board of Visitors
Jenny Littlefield
Chair
Joel Altstein and Nan Laird
Sharmy Altshuler
Denise Blumenthal
Hilary Burling
Elizabeth Coxe and David Forney
Sandra and Toby Fairbank
Dotty Gonson
Hormoz Goodarzy and Elaheh Kheirandish
Jock Herron, Jr.
Lauren Holleran
Jane Katims
Susan Eldredge Mead
Suzanne Ogden
Bill and LuAnn Polk
Mary Power
Jeannie and Matey Smith
Fredericka Stevenson
David and Patricia Straus
Iana Strominger
E.V. Sweeney
Mimi Truslow
Pammy Willis
CORPORATE SPONSORS AND GRANT PARTNERS
Brattle House
42 Brattle Street
617-547-6789 Ext. 101
Blacksmith House
56 Brattle Street
617-547-6789 Ext. 104
Director
Linda Burton
Executive Director
Program Staff
Francesca Ferraris Director of Programs; Program Director, Languages, History & Contemporary Issues
Michelle Baxter
Program Director, Humanities & Performing Arts
Jacob Lavoie
Program Director, Food & Wine, Science & Nature
Bryan Ramey
Program Director, Visual Arts & Crafts, Lifestyle & Recreation
Lauren Darien
Program Assistant Manager; Business, Finance & Technology
Development Staff
Steven Kumins
Director of Development
Jessie Strauss Development Manager
Marketing Staff
Shannon Fitzgerald
Senior Marketing Manager
Lena Borovci
Senior Marketing Manager & Program Director, Fiber Arts
Customer Service & Communications
Emilie Magnan Student Services Manager
Gabija Vaisvilaite Student Services Coordinator
Registration Staff
Farkhad Abdikadirov
Fiona Collins
Patricia Estrela
Delfine Masongo
Dina Naddy
Robert Philipps
Marina Santos
Finance & Operations
Tavia Malone Director of Finance & Administration
Jessica Wright
Business Manager
Michael Schultz
Logistics Manager
Christopher Moore
Student Services & Logistics Coordinator
Policies
Register early!
CCAE reserves the right to cancel classes due to low enrollment or other considerations. We begin cancelling classes with low enrollment up to 10 days before a class is scheduled to start, so register as early as possible in order to reserve your seat and help it meet the minimum enrollment.
Please note: Students must be at least 18 years old to register for a class at CCAE, unless the class is specifically listed as one for an adult with a child.
Registration fees
An $8 registration term fee is charged for any class whose tuition exceeds $25. Only one registration fee is charged per person per term. The registration fee is not refundable if you withdraw from a class. The fee is refunded if CCAE cancels your class or if changes to the class schedule prevent you from attending. This does not apply to individual classes rescheduled due to inclement weather or other significant factors beyond CCAE’s control.
Withdrawing from a class
If you withdraw seven days or more before the start date of a class, we will issue you a class credit (valid for 18 months from the date of issuance). If you prefer, we will refund the class tuition minus a $10 processing fee. All refund requests must be submitted within 90 days of purchase. Withdrawals from classes and events under $25 are only eligible for a class credit; no refunds are given.
If you withdraw six days or less from the start date of a class, we do not issue class credits or refunds.
Transferring to another class
You may transfer into a different class if you contact us at least three business days before the start of the class. If there is a difference in price, we will issue a class credit or there will be a remaining balance to be paid. Refunds are not given.
Cancellation or schedule change
CCAE reserves the right to cancel classes due to low enrollment or other considerations. We begin cancelling classes with low enrollment up to 10 days before a class is scheduled to start. If we cancel your class, you will receive a course credit good for 18 months from date of issue or, upon your request, a refund. Please call our registration office to request a refund. All refund requests must be submitted within 30 days of class cancellation. If CCAE changes the class schedule before the class begins such that you are unable to attend, you may receive a refund or a class credit upon request if you contact us before the withdrawal deadline. This does not apply to individual classes rescheduled due to inclement weather, or other significant factors beyond CCAE’s control.
Typographical errors
CCAE reserves the right to correct the listed price of a class or other errors due to misprints.
Photos
We may occasionally take pictures of students in our classes for use in promotional materials. Your enrollment in a class indicates your approval.
View a full list of our online and in-person class policies and terms and conditions at ccae.org/about/policies.
ONLINE CLASSES
Online classes take place on Zoom. If you are unsure if you are able to use Zoom or if your camera and microphone work, we recommend testing it out by joining a test meeting before your class starts at zoom.us/test.
The Zoom link and information on how to join will be emailed to you. Please also check your spam folder. If you register within 12 hours before the class begins or after the first date, please contact zoom@ccae.org for the link.
Technical support
Students may contact our registration office at 617-547-6789 ext. 1, or zoom@ccae.org for technical assistance. Support will be available during all underway classes. Check ccae.org for up-to-date office hours.
Student expectations for online classes
Classes will take place on Zoom. Do not share the Zoom meeting invitation and link with anyone who is not registered for the class.
Classes will take place at the time they are scheduled. We cannot provide recorded classes if you are not able to attend the class at the time scheduled.
One registration is for one person. If you are planning to invite your spouse, partner, or friend to attend this online class with you, please sign up for an additional seat.
For the security of our instructors and students, please do not record the class. Please do not take photos of the class without the permission of the instructor and the other students.
Please be aware that students are required to turn their camera on in most of our online classes.
IN-PERSON CLASSES
Please view our In-Person Safety Guidelines page at ccae.org/about/in-person-safetyguidelines.
View Parking information on Page 63
Cambridge Center for Adult Education
42 Brattle St
Cambridge MA 02138
WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO CAMBRIDGE CENTER FOR ADULT EDUCATION?
I’ve always been drawn to music theory and different forms of dance, and the performing arts have long served as a creative and meditative outlet for me. Searching for a new hobby during the coronavirus quarantine, I enrolled in CCAE’s virtual beginner guitar class where I experienced the organization’s community and creative energy firsthand. I was excited to join the staff as the Senior Marketing Manager in 2022 and began instructing ballet in the 2023 Winter Term.
SPOTLIGHT
ON SHANNON
FITZGERALD
SENIOR MARKETING MANAGER, BALLET INSTRUCTOR
WHAT IS THE MOST REWARDING PART OF TEACHING?
CLASS?
WHY DO YOU THINK STUDENTS ARE DRAWN TO BALLET
Students tell me that they want to reconnect with something they once loved in childhood while others are fulfilling a long-held dream, and some use ballet to stay active and flexible as adults. What initially drew me to ballet was the precise, disciplined nature of its movements and the ritual of daily practice. I loved deconstructing this graceful, elusive art form into its fundamental movements and underlying patterns.
When I began teaching dance ten years ago, my goal was to create an inclusive and supportive space where every dancer feels safe and confident in their body and abilities. My mission is to share the joy of dance and to strive to make ballet accessible to all students, regardless of their prior experience or natural ability. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing a student’s face light up as they dance or watching a complex step finally “click.” Their joy continually renews my own passion for dance, creating a cycle of energy that flows back into the classroom.
WHAT IS ONE THING ABOUT DANCE THAT YOU HOPE TO SHARE?
Whether it’s ballet or Bollywood, tap or salsa, dance is for everyone! Dance is a mode of non-verbal communication that has existed across all cultures since ancient times. I view ballet as one language out of many, where students can develop their dance vocabulary in order to further their own connection with their bodies and self-expression.
