Private Lessons

Hone your skills

Description

We offer private lessons to everyone—from absolute beginners to seasoned professionals—and are available to teach daily!

What we offer: 

  • Introductory wheel-throwing skills like centering, opening, and pulling. 
  • Advanced wheel-throwing skills with specific techniques like making lids, sectional pots, building a teapot, etc. 
  • Helping you problem-solve technical skills like firing an electric kiln, formulating glazes, setting up a studio, etc.

Terms: 

  • Private lessons are two hours long. This gives the instructor ample time to provide a demonstration at the beginning, and for you to get the hang of the process, make a handful of pieces, and have time to clean up at the end.
  • The cost for a private lesson (up to 4 people) is $100 for the first person, plus $50 per person after that. So for two people, a two-hour lesson will be $150. For three people, it will be $200. For four people, $250. 
  • If you are looking for a team-building or large group experience, rates are discounted for groups larger than 4, and will be determined based on needs. If you’re looking for a group experience, please provide some details in the “additional comments” section of the request form.
  • At the end of your lesson, you may choose to either scrap the pieces you made, or keep up to 3 pieces per person which we will trim, glaze, and fire to be picked up at a later date. If you choose to keep any pots you made, there is an additional $50 fee to cover the cost of labor and materials associated with getting your pieces fired to completion.

 

How to Book a Lesson:

  • Click on the button that says “Private Lesson Request Form” (located at the top and bottom of this page). This will take you to a Google Form, where you’ll fill out some basic information. Once you’ve submitted this form, one of our instructors will reach out to you.
  • After an instructor has reached out to schedule your lesson, a $75 deposit (which will go towards the total cost of the lesson) is required to reserve your date and time. The remaining amount will be due at the end of the lesson. If you cancel your lesson within 48 hours of the scheduled date, your deposit will not be refunded. 

 

Thanks so much for your interest! We look forward to working with you.

Instructors

Bennett Graves

Bennett Graves

Bennett was born and raised in Pittsburgh, and currently manages Fireborn Studios alongside owner Dan Vito. He’s been making pots since 2009, and has over 7 years of teaching experience. Instagram

Katy Ostronic

Katy Ostronic

Katy is a Potter, Art Educator, and a Pittsburgh native specializing in wheel-thrown, altered, and carved porcelain. In 2021 she launched her business, Katy Lynn Pottery, also conveniently located in the Southside. Katy has over 15 years of teaching experience and loves sharing her knowledge of clay! Instagram

Jenn Stotter-Ashwash