Classes from A to Z: 26 ways to learn 

A is for...Animation

Animatus Studio offers a beginner-level 3D animation course using the Lightwave 3D Discovery Edition animation, a program used in both TV and the movies. Saturdays 11/18, 12/2-16; 34 Winthrop St. $189. 232-1740, www.animatusstudio.com.

B is for...Baby signing

As part of Rush-HenriettaSchool District's extensive fall class schedule, Ann Buyea teaches parents how to use American Sign Language to communicate with their nonverbal babies. Wednesdays 10/18-11/1, 6:30-7:30 p.m. $45. For a full schedule of classes call 359-7805 or visit www.rhnet.org.

C is for...Culinary skills

The recently opened New YorkWine & CulinaryCenter in Canandaigua offers a host of ways to broaden your palate. The guest chef series begins with Joan Nathan, author of New American Cooking, 9/14; take classes on bread-baking basics (9/9 & 16) or sautéing (9/13); and the "Get Local" chef series begins 9/18 with Max's Tony Gullace, who also leads a food and wine pairing course 9/26. Fees and schedules vary; call 394-7070 or visit http://nywcc.com.

D is for...Dulcimer

The stringed instrument is one of the new additions to the EastmanCommunityMusicSchool's extensive list of voice and instrumental classes. Individual lessons and several community ensembles are available. Schedules and prices vary. 26 Gibbs St. 274-1400, www.esm.rochester.edu/community.

E is for...eBay

Make some money out of your clutter --- or maybe add to it with a really great piece --- with Rochester Info Courses' online "Learn to Buy and Sell on eBay" class. Learn how to best to navigate the popular online auction site, including how to create stand-out listings, keep your financial transaction secure, etc. 9/20, 10/18, or 11/8, $90-$99. Call 256-1960 or visit www.ed2go.com/infocourses/index.html.

F is for...Fiction

Writers & Books holds a host of fiction and nonfiction classes for adults, covering topics from storyboarding to sci-fi writing to critical writing. Established writers looking for an invigorating challenge might consider "Writing Aerobics," Saturdays 9/9-12/2, 10 a.m.-noon, 740 University Ave, $99-$129 (series) or $20-$25 (per session). For more information or a full schedule of classes call 473-2590 x. 107 or visit www.wab.org.

G is for...Georgia O'Keeffe

In conjunction with its exhibit featuring the artist this fall, MemorialArtGallery's Creative Workshop offers separate drawing and painting classes devoted to studying O'Keeffe's evocative plant images. Thursdays 9:30am-12:30pm 10/5-26 (drawing) or 11/2-12/7 (painting); $80-$90 (each).500 University Ave.For a full list of classes cal 473-7720, ext. 3056, or visit www.mag.rochester.edu.

H is for...Hands

Put yours to good use through the Onondaga School of Therapeutic Massage. The school offers full- and part-time instruction on how to become a licensed massage therapist, and also features specified workshops for therapists looking to further their craft. Classes and schedules vary; call 241-0070 or visit www.massage-school.com.

I is for...Improv

Learn to think on your feet with Geva Theatre's comedy improvisation classes. Although no sessions are currently scheduled, keep your eyes on www.gevacomedyimprov.org for information, or call 232-1366 x. 3035.

J is for...John Fisher, St.

Fisher features many undergraduate degrees and several graduate programs, including master's degrees in mental health counseling, business administration, and special education. For information visit www.sjfc.edu.

K is for...Kool-Aid

AlannaRotchschild of the Weavers Guild of Rochester teaches a one-session class on "Kool-Aid Dyeing." Learn to color various fibers using different flavors of the sugary kid drink. No dyeing experience necessary. Wednesday 8/23 1-4 p.m. $25. For more classes visit www.weaversguildofrochester.org or call 461-1770.

L is for...Landscape photography

GeneseeCenter for the Arts & Education specializes in photography and offers "Landscape Photography --- Seeing Straight" as one of its fall courses. Many other classes are available in pottery, printing/book arts, and more. For specifics call 244-1730 or visit www.geneseearts.org.

M is for...MCC

MonroeCommunity College offers a wide range of education opportunities for adult students, everything from automotive repair to cinema for Italian conversation. For a full list of courses and programs visit www.monroecc.edu.

N is for...Nursing

UofR is one of many local options for people interested in the field of nursing. To find out more about the college's various nursing programs visit www.urmc.rochester.edu/SON/admissions.

O is for...Obedience

Get that rambunctious pooch under control with obedience classes at Lollypop Farm. Bob Minchella teaches dogs as young as 8 weeks old how to behave, and the Humane Society also offers agility classes to help dogs burn off that excess energy. Class schedules vary; most classes cost $60-$90. Call 223-1330, x. 353 or visit www.lollypop.org.

P is for...Poker

Get the friends together for Rochester Hold 'Em's open classes. The school is appropriate for all levels of play, and features absolutely no gambling or money to bet. Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 7-11 p.m., $15/player.1106 E. Ridge Rd. 697-7171, www.rochesterholdem.com.

Q is for...Quepasa?

Learn more about what's up in Latin America with NazarethCollege's multicultural studies program, one of the many concentrations offered to its students. For more information on Nazareth visit www.naz.edu.

R is for...RIT

Rochester Institute of Technology offers a wide range of part-time opportunities for degree-seeking students, including accelerated and online programs. Check out www.rit.edu/parttime or call 475-2229 to get started.

S is for...Symphony

This year the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra explores how composers convey emotions through music with the six-part "Symphony 101" concert series (question-and-answer sessions with conductor Christopher Seaman follow). Attend concerts on Friday evenings (Hochstein Auditorium) or Sunday afternoons (RobertsWesleyanCulturalLifeCenter) 10/13 & 15, 11/3 & 5, 1/5 & 7, 2/16 & 18, 3/30 & 4/1, 5/11 & 13; $119 (subscription). 454-2100, www.rpo.org.

T is for...Tap

Put on your happy feet for Park Avenue Dance Co.'s adult tap lessons, in beginner to advanced levels. Seven-week session takes place 9/11-10/28; six-week 10/30-12/16. Class schedules and fees vary. 15 Vick Park B. Call 461-2766 or visit www.parkavenuedancecompany.org.

U is for...Universe

The Rochester Museum & Science Center offers several adult classes focusing on the great beyond this fall, including "Native American Astronomy," "Awesome Autumn Astronomy," "Star Gear: Telescopes and Binoculars," and "Cosmology with Rusty Calculus." Other classes cover birding and old-time crafts. For a full schedule and more information call 697-1942 or visit www.rmsc.org.

V is for...Venison

That's one of the game meats you might end up preparing through the GeneseeCountryVillage cooking classes. GCV has a host of old-fashioned educational opportunities starting in late fall, including carpentry joining, traditional rug-hooking, and the aforementioned cooking classes, which also cover pies, soups, herbs, and brads. For more information contact Maria Neale, 538-6822 x. 216, or visit www.gcv.org.

W is for...Web patrol

Learn how parents can make the Internet safe for kids as part of Greece Community Education's fall class offerings. Other courses include hand-writing analysis, "7 Secrets to Successful Self-Marketing," divorce recovery, employee benefits for small businesses, introduction to mahjong, and many more. For more information call 865-1010 or visit www.greece.k12.ny.us/commed.

X is for...X&Y

You'll likely cover the difference between the sex chromosomes in BIO 417, "Recomb DNA Lab," offered this semester at SUNY Brockport. For a complete list of Brockport's fall courses visit www.brockport.edu.

Y is for...Yarn

Learn how to put the natural fiber to use with Wild Wools' fall classes, which cover how to properly measure how much yarn you'll need for a project, knitting basics, and item-specific classes (hats, socks, cardigans, etc.). Class schedules and fees vary. 732 South Ave. 271-0960, www.wildwoolsyarn.com.

Z is for...Zydeco

The Rochester Swing Dance Network steps into Cajun-inspired hoofing with a series of Zydeco workshops Tuesdays 10/24-12/5. Choose from basic, intermediate, advanced or special sessions. $16-$18/workshop.Twelve Corners Presbyterian Church, 1200 S Winton Rd. 244-2815, www.rochesterswingdance.com.