The Joy of Lifelong Learning: Classes for Adults in Williamson County
Are you looking to expand your skills, pursue a new hobby, or simply have some fun while learning something new? Franklin and Williamson County, Tennessee, offer a rich variety of adult classes and programs designed to cater to diverse interests and skill levels. From creative arts and music to DIY home improvement and gardening, there is something for everyone. Dive into this guide to discover the exciting opportunities available for adult learners, and take the first step towards enriching your life with knowledge, creativity, and fun!
Professional and Personal Development
Unlock new career opportunities and enhance your skills with educational programs available in Williamson County.
Computer Classes
The Williamson County Public Library offers a variety of computer classes to enhance digital literacy and skills among community members. These classes cover topics such as Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), internet basics, and using library apps like Libby. Classes are taught using Microsoft Office 2016 and require basic knowledge of keyboard and mouse usage.
Language Learning
Franklin Spanish offers Spanish language classes for all ages and levels. The school addresses the growing need for Spanish language skills in the community, providing tutoring for students and adults who wish to learn Spanish for personal, professional, or academic reasons. Classes are taught by certified American and native Spanish-speaking teachers, ensuring a comprehensive and engaging learning experience. The school emphasizes small-group learning for effective language acquisition.
Financial Literacy
The Tennessee Department of Treasury provides financial education resources for adults through the Tennessee Financial Literacy Commission. The Enrich platform offers free, self-paced online courses covering various financial topics such as retirement planning, student loan repayment, understanding credit, and saving for education. These interactive courses help adults build smart financial habits and navigate significant financial milestones.
Public Speaking
The Franklin Toastmasters Club provides a supportive environment for improving public speaking and leadership skills. The club meets every Thursday from 6:45 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Williamson County Enrichment Center. The club focuses on developing members’ communication abilities through structured speaking opportunities, constructive feedback, and leadership roles. Guests are welcome to attend and participate.
The Brentwood Early Risers Toastmasters Club is a club dedicated to improving communication and leadership skills. They meet on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month from 7:00 to 9:00 a.m. at Christ United Methodist Church in Franklin. The club offers a supportive and positive learning environment where members can develop self-confidence and personal growth through structured speaking and leadership activities. The club also supports a mentorship program to enhance members’ skills further.
Creative and Lifestyle Classes
Discover your creative side and enhance your lifestyle with a variety of arts, crafts, music, and recreational classes available for adults in Williamson County.
Arts and Crafts
Firstlight Art Academy offers personalized art instruction for children, teens, and adults. The academy emphasizes individual growth in art through detailed, systematic instruction across various levels, starting from basic foundational courses to advanced artistic expressions.
Hawaii Fluid Art Franklin offers a unique artistic experience where participants can engage in fluid art creation. The studio provides various sessions, including fluid art, resin tumblers, beach scenes, glass painting, and more. These activities are designed for people of all skill levels and are great for individual artists, date nights, family outings, or group events.
Pinot’s Palette offers a fun and creative paint-and-sip experience. The studio provides all necessary painting supplies and guidance from local artists. They host a variety of themed painting events and also offer private parties for special occasions. Additionally, they have options for painting at home with video and written instructions.
Williamson County Parks and Recreation offers a wide range of arts and crafts classes for all age groups. These classes cover various artistic disciplines and techniques, including drawing, painting, pottery, and more. The programs are designed to cater to different skill levels, from beginners to advanced artists.
Wine & Design in Franklin offers a variety of fun paint and sip classes, which are perfect for events like girls’ nights out, birthdays, and date nights. They provide all necessary painting supplies and a local artist guides attendees through each painting session. The venue allows guests to bring their own food and beverages, including wine, to enjoy during the two-hour classes.
Music, Theatre, and Dance
AdamLowBrass offers specialized lessons for adults in low brass instruments, including the tuba, trombone, and euphonium. They provide one-on-one lessons available virtually, at school, or at home, along with online courses and method books designed to fill educational gaps for learners at different stages. They also offer services like multitrack video editing and recording to assist musicians in creating professional-quality content.
Dark Horse Institute in Franklin offers specialized programs for adults in audio engineering, music business, and songwriting. Their courses are designed to provide hands-on, practical training led by industry professionals. Students gain real-world experience using state-of-the-art equipment, preparing them for careers in the music industry.
Expression City in Brentwood offers a variety of classes for adults, including acting, musical theater, and circus arts. These programs are designed to help adults develop their artistic skills and creativity in a supportive and fun environment. The studio also provides opportunities for adults to participate in performances and workshops.
Grand Staff Music School in Franklin offers private and group music lessons for a range of instruments including piano, guitar, drums, and more. They cater to all ages and also provide special programs like summer rock camps and songwriting classes. The school emphasizes a fun learning environment combined with professional instruction, aiming to foster a love for music and skill development.
JJ Music Franklin offers personalized music lessons and services for various instruments including guitar, ukulele, and piano, as well as voice lessons. Located in Franklin, they cater to students of all ages, from beginners to advanced musicians.
Music & Arts in Franklin, TN, offers a variety of services for adults, including private music lessons for instruments like guitar, piano, and voice. They also provide instrument rentals, sales, and repairs. The store serves as a comprehensive resource for musicians at all skill levels, with experienced instructors available to help adults achieve their musical goals.
Musicville in Franklin, Tennessee, offers private music lessons for adults, covering instruments like piano, guitar, drums, and more. In addition to lessons, Musicville also sells and rents instruments and accessories, making it a comprehensive resource for adult musicians.
National Dance Clubs offers dance lessons for adults, focusing on various styles including ballroom, Latin, swing, and more. They provide both private and group classes tailored to all skill levels, from beginners to advanced dancers. The club also hosts social events and practice parties for members to showcase their skills and meet other dance enthusiasts.
ROOTS Academy in Brentwood offers a range of music and dance programs for adults. These include private lessons for various instruments, voice training, and dance classes in styles such as ballet, hip-hop, and contemporary. The academy focuses on providing high-quality, personalized instruction to help adults develop their artistic skills and enjoy creative expression.
School of Rock Franklin The School of Rock’s Adult Program is designed for adults who want to learn or improve their musical skills. It offers private lessons combined with group band practices, allowing adults to gain practical experience in a supportive environment. The program focuses on performance-based learning, culminating in live performances.
Shuff’s Music, in Franklin, Tennessee, provides a variety of music-related services for adults. They offer private music lessons for instruments such as piano, guitar, and voice. In addition to lessons, Shuff’s Music sells and rents musical instruments and accessories. The store also offers professional services like instrument repairs and piano tuning.
Sky Studios, located in Brentwood, Tennessee, provides private music lessons and operates a recording studio. They offer lessons for a variety of instruments, including guitar, piano, violin, drums, and more, suitable for all ages and skill levels. Additionally, Sky Studios hosts live performance programs and provides songwriting and recording services to foster creative expression among its students.
Supertonic Guitar offers personalized guitar lessons for adults, focusing on overcoming individual challenges and achieving rapid progress. The studio tailors lessons to each student’s needs and their approach includes practical exercises and techniques designed to help adults play confidently and achieve musical freedom.
The Actors School offers a variety of acting classes and workshops for both adults and children. These include training for film, stage, commercials, voice-overs, public speaking, improv, comedy, and singing. The school is led by Alan Dysert, known for the soap opera “All My Children,” and focuses on both the artistic and business aspects of the industry.
Williamson County Parks and Recreation offers a range of music classes for adults, including contemporary voice lessons that focus on vocal techniques and improvisation with group performances. They also provide adult piano group lessons, which include scales, theory, and individual pieces in an interactive coaching format. Additionally, guitar and ukulele lessons are available for all skill levels, emphasizing hands-on learning and practical skills.
Physical Fitness and Recreation
Williamson County Parks and Recreation offers a wide range of recreation classes for all ages. These classes focus on physical activities and skills development, including fitness, dance, gymnastics, and sports. The programs are designed to accommodate various skill levels, providing opportunities for beginners to advanced participants to stay active and improve their physical abilities in a fun and supportive environment.
Gardening and Horticulture
The Garden Talk Series, offered by the Williamson County Public Library, provides educational sessions on various gardening topics. These talks are designed for gardening enthusiasts of all experience levels and cover subjects such as plant selection, garden maintenance, and sustainable practices. The sessions are usually led by experts in the field and aim to enhance participants’ gardening knowledge and skills.
Cooking
Black Diamond Culinary is a cooking school and event space located in Franklin, Tennessee. They offer a variety of culinary classes, workshops, and private events tailored to all skill levels. The facility features a state-of-the-art kitchen and a comfortable dining area for guests to enjoy their creations. Classes cover a wide range of cuisines and techniques, taught by experienced chefs. The venue is also available for private events such as corporate gatherings, birthday parties, and team-building activities.
Italy From Scratch offers immersive Italian cooking classes that focus on traditional techniques and authentic recipes. Located in Franklin, Tennessee, the classes are designed for all skill levels and emphasize hands-on learning. Participants can learn to make various Italian dishes from scratch, including pasta, sauces, and desserts. The experience aims to bring a taste of Italy to the participants’ kitchens, providing them with the skills and knowledge to recreate authentic Italian meals at home.
DIY Home Improvement
Home Depot offers a variety of workshops for adults, including DIY projects, home improvement, and tool demonstrations. These workshops are designed to help adults learn new skills and gain confidence in handling various home projects. Topics range from building furniture to installing tile and gardening. The workshops are typically free and provide hands-on experience with expert guidance.
Lowe’s offers DIY workshops for adults, covering various home improvement projects and skills. These workshops include topics such as building furniture, home repair, and seasonal projects, providing hands-on learning with expert instruction. The sessions are designed to help adults develop practical skills and confidence in tackling their own home projects.
Historical and Cultural Education
Immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of Williamson County through the diverse educational programs offered by the Heritage Foundation of Williamson County.
The Heritage Foundation of Williamson County offers a variety of educational programs aimed at fostering a deep appreciation for local history and culture among community members of all ages. In addition to K-12 Resources & Programming and Youth and Family Programs, they offer Community Programs focused on historic preservation and education. These include the Warwick Lecture Series, which highlights Middle Tennessee history, architecture, and preservation through free public lectures, and the Practical Preservation Series, aimed at educating local homeowners and enthusiasts on preservation techniques. Additionally, the Annual Preservation Symposium brings together experts to discuss the value and challenges of historic preservation. These educational efforts are part of the Foundation’s broader mission to preserve, educate, and engage the community in the rich history of Williamson County.
Programs for Seniors
Williamson County offers enriching programs for seniors focused on physical health, mental well-being, and community engagement. These include fitness classes, arts and crafts, social activities, and therapeutic programs. Additionally, job training and lifelong learning initiatives promote independence and active living for older adults.
Williamson County Parks and Recreation offers programs for seniors and individuals with therapeutic needs. These programs include fitness classes, social activities, and educational workshops designed to enhance physical health, mental well-being, and community engagement. The senior programs feature activities like group fitness, arts and crafts, and social events, while the therapeutic programs provide inclusive recreational opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) in Tennessee offers job training and work experience for unemployed seniors aged 55 and older. Participants work part-time in community service positions, gaining valuable skills to transition to unsubsidized employment. The program includes roles such as teacher’s aides, clerical workers, and maintenance workers. Eligibility requirements include being a legal resident of Tennessee, 55 years or older, unemployed, and having a family income at or below 125% of the federal poverty level.
FiftyForward is dedicated to enriching the lives of adults aged 50 and over, providing services and programs designed to enhance the well-being, independence, and engagement of seniors in the community. These services include health and wellness programs, lifelong learning opportunities, travel, arts, and entertainment activities, all structured to foster active living.
Safety-Focused Learning
Explore safety-focused learning opportunities for adults in Williamson County that offer hands-on experiences beyond traditional classes.
The Franklin Citizens Fire Academy offers residents an opportunity to learn about the operations and functions of the Franklin Fire Department. This program includes classes on firefighting techniques, emergency medical services, and fire prevention, along with practical demonstrations and activities. It aims to foster better community understanding and support for the fire department. The program is free for those who live or work in Franklin.
The Williamson County Sheriff’s Office offers a Handgun Shooting and Safety Class designed to educate residents on proper handgun handling and safety practices. This class covers essential topics such as firearm safety rules, shooting fundamentals, and Tennessee gun laws. Participants will receive both classroom instruction and hands-on shooting practice under the supervision of qualified instructors.
The American Red Cross offers a variety of online safety classes accessible to residents in and around Franklin, Tennessee. These classes cover important topics such as CPR, first aid, and emergency preparedness, and are designed to be flexible and convenient for busy schedules. Participants can learn vital safety skills through interactive online modules at their own pace.
Endless Opportunities for Learning and Growth
Williamson County offers a diverse array of adult learning opportunities designed to enrich your life and expand your horizons. Whether you’re interested in creative arts, practical skills, safety, or historical and cultural education, there’s a class or program tailored to your interests. Embrace these unique learning experiences to enhance your knowledge, meet new people, and discover new passions!
