Classes for Singapore kids: I want to be an artist

Fine Art Studies

Ages 1-12
Don’t just admire the deft strokes in Wu Guanzhong’s watercolour paintings – learn to paint like him. At this studio, pick up skills like using watercolour as a medium, ink and how to control a brush to replicate Wu’s sombre landscapes. Daddy and Mummy can join in if you like. Art Loft $330-$400; 60-90 mins. 8 Queen St (6443 6221, www.artloft.com.sg).

Puppets and Puppetry

Ages 3-8
Make your own string, spoon or sock puppets and learn how to put on a show. This is a self-organising course, so get your classmates together – or 15 of your besties – and Uncle Frankie Malachie of Mascots and Puppets Specialists will conduct a lesson; materials will be provided. Make sure Mum’s okay with the party at your house though. $15 per child; 45 mins. (6841 2260, www.mascotsandpuppets.blogspot.com).

Doodling 101

Ages 3-12
Mummy says your angry-looking, black squiggle looks just like a tree, but you aren’t convinced. Little Art Bug can help turn your doodles into real drawings: budding artists can either opt for ‘Power Drawing’ and get one up over Picasso, or sign up for the ‘Young@art’ programme where you will take in art history, life drawing, painting, design and sculpture. $360 (10 lessons); 60-90 mins. #02-04/05, 51 Waterloo St (6338 1920, www.littleartbug.com).

Introduction to Ceramics

Ages 5-14
Clave Cove’s experienced pottery artists offer classes that will set your creative cogs whirring; learn the basic pinching method of clay modelling as you create and decorate three bowls and two model polar bears floating on ice. This will help your concentration and 3D visualisation skills – important qualities for any superhero. $40 (one session), $120 (4 sessions); 90 mins. #05-38 Funan DigitaLife Mall, 109 North Bridge Rd (6338 7769, www.claycove.com).

Stage Dance Training

Ages 4-12
If you really want to be a Broadway star when you grow up, get into Jitterbugs Swingapore’s ‘CSTD Tap Kids’. The rhythms and patterns with taps, and emphasis on methods of strengthening and increasing flexibility, will prep you for the stage. We won’t sugar-coat it: you will be in a disciplined environment. But you’ll also have lots of fun tapping to the beat! Non-members: $160-$520, members: $135-$430 (9 classes); 60-90 mins. #B1- 08 The Cathay, 2 Handy Rd (6887 0383, www.swingapore.com/kids.htm).

Academy of Rock

Ages 5 & above
Become the next guitar-strumming, drum-thrashing, hip-struttin’ rock ’n’ roll legend, care of the charismatic and supportive teachers at the Academy of Rock’s little music schools. Electric guitar, bass, drum and vocal lessons are well planned and geared towards the optional Rock School Exams (certified by Trinity College London) and chance to perform live at Suntec City’s Rock Auditorium. $110- $150 (4 lessons); 30-45 mins. Goldhill Centre, 187-189 Thomson Rd (6250 8987, www.academyofrock.com.sg); and various locations.

Understanding Theatre

Ages 13-15
Expose your inner thespian to what it’s really like behind the red velvet curtains at Buds Playhouse’s drama classes. Devise a Shyamalan-worthy plot, cast and act in a play, design dazzling costumes, create a production set, learn about lights, and broaden your raw inklings of theatre all within a week. If acting just isn’t in your blood, this is a good way to save yourself from the drama later in life. $250 (10 sessions); 60 mins. #02-05 Turf City, 200 Turf Club Rd (6468 9851, www.budstheatre.com).

Cut an Album

Ages 1.5-19
You watch American Idol religiously and live in a parallel universe where your star blazes blindingly. Make that world a reality with the Kids Performing development programme at Popstars City. Group classes, workshops and individual instruction are available to rocket all you budding idols to stardom – and, ideally, prevent Randy Jackson from calling you out as being ‘pitchy’. $180-$600 (10 sessions); by appointment only. #02-01 Robertson Walk, 11 Unity St (6836 5008, www.popstarscity.com).

Dance Cultivation

Ages 2-12
Set your fidgety feet a-tapping with Happy Feet Dance class at the Tanglin Arts Studio. The curriculum has been created to instil a love of dance. Programmes are broken into various levels for the different age groups, with styles ranging from tippy-toes and pirouettes to jazz fingers and certified shoe banging. You’ll love this: the dance school promises no exams, so it’s sheer fun all the way. $363-$555 (multiple sessions); 30-90 mins. #01-02 Horsecity Block K, 100 Turf Club Rd (6479 0304, www.tanglinartsdancestudio.com).

Writing School

Ages 6-12
JK Rowling may have an iron grip over this empire, but that doesn’t mean you have to forgo the witty phrases, ingenious plots and adamant avoidance of clichés. The Writer’s Place will hand you these tools in their enjoyable yet structured classes on creative writing. It integrates local syllabus requirements and broader mastery, so you won’t fall behind on your storywriting – or your powers of imagination. $198 (8 lessons); 90 mins. #02-01 Woodlands Community Club, No 1 Woodlands St 81 (9183 2129, www.thewritersplace.com.sg).

Bollywood Moves

Ages 7-12
Don’t let your keen sense of groove and rhythm and acute control of your hips go to waste – YMCA’s kids’ Bollywood dance classes will put your moves in the right direction, setting your curvy steps for success in the world’s most colourful performance industry. $198 (8 lessons); 90 mins. 1 Orchard Rd (6586 2255, www.lifestyleymca.squarespace.com).

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This story first appeared as 'In a different class: School of the arts' (Aug 2010)