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nothing against the previous poster; but I'm wondering where all of the area's *cheap* classes are. I've seen writing classes for $400, music for $150 an hour, even 90m over at the Cambridge School for Culinary Arts costs $100.

When I lived in Toronto, I did a full day class in tofu making for $5. The local adult education schools were $50 (canadian, when it was worth 80 US cents), for 6 week classes. I myself taught free classes in computer literacy.

Now, it's not that I don't believe the classes exist. I'm sure they do, and there are places where they can be taken. But I just keep not seeing or hearing about them. So what are your favourite resources for people who can't afford classes that cost more per hourthan they themselves earn?

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From:

ospatu.livejournal.com

there's a new group of movers and shakers who have started a community education co-op known as the Somerville Education Coop; here's their myspace page:

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=230950016

drawing classes and the like. also check out Springstep in Medford and SCAT and CCTV (cable access stations in Somerville and Cambridge that offer a variety of computer and media classes) and CCAE.org and Arlington Center for the Arts

good luck!

mama G

From:

thespian.livejournal.com

that's very interesting. Also, I note that (while I don't want to learn to draw), the drawing classes are by the same person who had posted the class that got me thinking about it; but they're done for drop in, $15 a class. It's not what I want right now, but that's a lot more reasonable for my pocketbook and schedule. Thanks very much.

From:

wbaltic.livejournal.com

The Somerville Education Coop is still ramping up. As a board member, I can tell you the following...

1. We have created on the back end one of the most comprehensive class/workshop aggregators for the city (it also includes Porter on the Davis side).

2. We're in talks with some other education providers in the city to see what partnerships can be developed before the official rollout.

3. "official rollout" will most likely be in the spring.

Ok. With that said, there are many low cost, and in fact, no cost options within the city. Here are some of the highlights...

-The next general Dorkbot meeting will be a soldering workshop. Right now this is scheduled for the last Thursday in November, and it is free and drop ins are welcome.

-The Kennedy pool offers swimming for very little (I think it's under $8).

-I know Spark hosts a free stitch and itch (ok, not really called that, except for those of us allergic to wool). Spark's a cool place.

-The YMCA has a low daily rate which gets you into the pool and other equipment.

-A.C. Moore in Assembly Square offers very inexpensive crafting classes such as scrapbooking, etc. for around $15.

-The YesAndPractice acting group (drop in improv) is free, but has been on hiatus this month after the passing of the leader. It is reorganizing and will return to Willoughby and Baltic November 18th. It meets on Sundays at 4:00.

and there are more. Basically, to find a low cost education opportunity, look for a group that is meeting about the topic you are interested in. Usually there will be knowledge sharing and informal workshops as part of the group.

The more expensive classes work out great if you are serious enough about the subject matter to find someone who will be dedicated and commited to teaching you, and who is willing to take on responsibility for the marketing, space rental, and all the other issues that come with teaching a class. If you are a very busy professional, it makes sense to spend the extra money and be able to just show up, instead of joining a group and being expected to volunteer your time, or be an active participant in an organization.

From:

jodi.livejournal.com

I will be keeping my eyes open for the somerville education coop. this sounds like a great addition.

my former cities (minneapolis/st.paul) and the surrounding suburbs each had a very comprehensive community education program that covered everything from language classes, kids activities, cooking classes, crafts, bus tours, theatre nights, car repair, computing, accounting, etc, etc, for some insanely affordable prices. $40 for 8 weeks of Swedish or Hmong, or Somali or whatever language you wanted, $15 or $20 for an eight hour car repair primer (some just for women), 8 weeks of belly dancing or tap or modern jazz for $40-$60.
So you can see that the higher cost of community education that goes along with the higher cost of living is not just affecting Thespian. I will make not of the craft classes that you have mentioned, too.