Back-to-school season can bring up a lot of nostalgia for those of us who are out of school. One of the most exciting things in life is picking up a new hobby and trying something new, which many of us don’t do as frequently in our adult lives. Every time we learn something, our brain forms new connections, making the existing neural pathways stronger. And if science weren’t enough reason to get convinced — let’s admit — learning something new is also a lot of fun. The one-size-fits-all approach can get tricky, which is why we have curated a list of different classes and activities such as art, dance, cooking, and music to fit whatever your interests may be. Read on to learn more about the in-person + virtual classes for adults that you can sign up for in Northern New Jersey.
Bartending
Bar Academy Bartending School | 450 Bloomfield Avenue, Verona
Since 2010, Bar Academy has been teaching bartenders-to-be in the New Jersey area with awesome bartending courses that won’t break the bank. For aspiring bartenders who want to add even more to their repertoire, there is also wine pairing education to impress all of your wine-loving friends.
Famous Bartending School | Newark, Woodbridge, Wayne
This course teaches both craft and common cocktails. Famous Bartending School has flexible schedules for classes, materials for class, and unlimited opportunities to practice as well. Students can mix and match locations for convenience and can also take classes in Spanish.
Hoboken Bartending School | Virtual
This is a great fit for anyone looking to become a certified bartender at home while juggling a busy schedule. Plus, learning to make delicious cocktails in the comfort of your own kitchen means your family + friends can taste whatever you create.
Shake + Pour Bartending School | 405 Broad Street, Bloomfield
Playfully coined as a “top shelf” learning experience, Shake and Pour is a full bartending course set to build great bartenders in the area. Students will leave the course with a verified certificate while enjoying great perks such as job placement assistance and opportunities to practice on a modern bar.
Read More: 10 Unique Workout Classes to Try in Hoboken + Jersey City
Cooking
Cook Ease Catering | 1101 Bloomfield Street, Hoboken
Chef Marla Mandelsohn has been cooking and teaching the art of culinary since 1985. Classes can be booked on her site for a private lesson or a group class. Chef Marla is accustomed to hosting birthdays, anniversaries, and much more through cooking classes.
Hudson Table | 1403 Clinton Street, Hoboken + Virtual Options
Hudson Table is a local favorite for date nights, double dates, birthdays, friend gatherings, and so much more. It has a variety of options for learning how to cook from Mexican cuisine to family-style brunch as well as a virtual mozzarella-making class. There are also often live music events on the rooftop as well.
Montclair Culinary Academy | 550 Valley Road, Montclair
Montclair Culinary Academy has courses for all levels of chefs and offers dining for guests as well. Classes are available for those looking to go on the chef track or for amateurs looking for a fun birthday party or celebration idea. For little chefs ages 7-17, there are also classes available.
Tony Boloney’s | 263 1st Street, Hoboken – Virtual Classes
Tony Boloney’s definitely knows how to keep the party going. The pizza eatery known for its fun + unusual toppings offers a variety of kits and conducts virtual cooking classes every Friday.
Dance
Believe Ballroom Dance Hoboken | 300 Observer Highway, Hoboken
This studio offers private classes, group lessons, wedding choreography, and more. In-studio classes are currently in session and available.
Carolina Rosa Arts Academy | 336 Central Avenue, Jersey City
This studio offers dance education to students from all levels and all ages — including adults. The goal is to prepare students for performances/competitions, expose them to different styles of movement, and help students who aspire to pursue a career in dance. There are private lessons and salsa group classes for adults.
Hoboken Latin Ballroom | 1018 Washington Street, Hoboken
Students of all ages and abilities are encouraged to dance to their potential at Hoboken Latin Ballroom, and the team creates a supportive atmosphere to help make everyone feel comfortable. Latin dance is not only a ton of fun, but it’s also a great workout. Group lessons and private classes are both available.
Jersey City Ballet | 189 Brunswick Street, Jersey City
Jersey City Ballet and Jersey City Ballet Theater are committed to being a cultural resource for the community of Hudson County. The studios provide accessible, affordable performances, as well as educational and training programs related to the ballet arts. There are classes specifically tailored to adults.
LaChaney’s Dance + Music Academy | 969 Stuyvesant Avenue, Union
For the dancer in you, LaChaney has a wide variety of classes for adult learners. From hip hop to jazz and ballet to cardio, students can sign up for it all. Most learners in the class sign up for classes as a workout or social outing, so this is a great spot for those who aren’t looking to get super competitive but still want to learn a new skill + have fun.
Salsa Fever On2 | 83 Franklin Street, Jersey City
Salsa Fever On2 has been in business since 2000. The studio has a reputation throughout the dance community for giving its students a high-quality and structured curriculum to help dancers of all different levels while still keeping the environment fun and stress-free.
Shehnaaz Dance Academy | Location Varies by Class
This studio has interactive dance sessions as well as dance choreography for kids’ parties, private choreography lessons for weddings/engagements, and private training and choreography lessons for event performances.
ZenSpace | 450 7th Street, Hoboken
Zen Space offers virtual ballet alignment principles, dance parties, and more.
Language
Learn Language Hoboken | 450 7th Street, Hoboken
LLH is a language school specializing in Italian, Spanish, French, Arabic, and Mandarin. It offers group classes as well as private lessons.
Language Learning Network | 390 Prospect Avenue, Hackensack + Virtual
Language Learning Network has great classes at pretty affordable prices and has training both in-person and online. There’s a long list of languages to choose from, like Spanish, French, Greek, Ukrainian, Korean, and more.
Courses at a Community College | Multiple Locations
Local community colleges are also a great choice for anyone to pick up a new language. Bergen Community College, Hudson County Community College, and Union County college are just some of the local schools that have language classes. Whether you’re looking to learn Spanish, French, American Sign Language, or something else, there are lots of options throughout the North Jersey area.
Music
Guitar Bar | 160 First Street, Hoboken + 362 Palisade Avenue, Jersey City
Guitar Bar has been serving the Hudson County area for almost 20 years and teaches students of all ages. It’s currently offering private lessons in person in guitar, bass, piano, drums, vocals, violin, ukulele, and more all at the Hoboken and Jersey City locations.
School of Rock | Multiple North Jersey Locations
This spot has a program called ‘School of Rock Remote.’ The online program contains weekly one-on-one instruction conducted by School of Rock instructors in a safe, virtual lesson room. SOR also offers a free trial once you sign up on the website. There are locations all around North Jersey, including Hoboken, Montclair, Clark, and more. There’s a specific adult program for people 18+.
Tonal Art Music Center | 39 Erie Street, Jersey City
Tonal Art Music Center provides quality, focused lessons for anyone of all ages looking to improve their instrument game — whether that’s Piano, Guitar, Violin, or Woodwinds. Please note: this is a temporary location while the normal studio undergoes repairs after a fire.
See More: All About The Studio, Hoboken’s New Dance Studio for Adults
Arts
View this post on Instagram
Blue Skies Pottery | 720 Monroe Street #C414, Hoboken
Hand-created pieces of pottery are a treasure, making one yourself is an experience. Blue Skies Pottery offers adult-only course sessions for those interested in growing their skill set. Options for a single introductory course are available as well.
Cre8sArt School | Fort Lee, Glen Rock, + Hoboken
Cre8sArt is tailored to those who really want to take their artistic skills to the next level. The art school works with both kids and adults.
Field Colony | 1001 Bloomfield Street
Field Colony offers professional art classes including painting, 3D modeling, and more both in person and virtual.
The Morris County School of Glass | 89 Whippany Road, Morristown
From group sessions to private lessons and wedding parties to small celebrations, The Morris County School of Glass offers classes for all. For those just starting, there are introductory courses available. As you get better, there are specialty classes you can take to continue to grow.
Urban Arts at Monroe | 720 Monroe Street, Suite 206, Hoboken
The Fine Arts Curriculum offers a strong foundation in Art History and concepts while introducing students to a wide range of mediums and techniques. It also holds regular art shows to showcase the work of the students.
Wool + Grace | 102 Summit Avenue, Summit
Summit resident Patty Perry has built a community of knitters in Summit, NJ, and is now sharing that community through her shop Wool and Grace. New supplies and courses are added weekly so be sure to check out their site for new classes and patterns that have been added.
