– ADVANCED STUDIES –
Since 1988, The Yoga Room has helped people deepen their practice with its Advanced Studies Program.
The Yoga Room’s Advanced Studies Program runs from September to June and is a flexible, modular program that can be adapted to suit your individual needs and interests. The program features in-depth classes on the practice and theory of the asanas, as well as courses in anatomy, kinesiology, pranayama, and yoga philosophy. To be eligible for the first year, the Personal Practice Year, students should have had one year of yoga experience. After the second year, the Teacher Training Year, students will have earned a 500-hour certificate. Continuing Education courses are also offered for certified teachers on the practice and theory of the asana.
Statement of Purpose
Founded in 1978, The Yoga Room is dedicated to the practice of hatha yoga as taught by B.K.S. Iyengar, author of Light on Yoga and Light on Pranayama. As a multi-generational community, we are concerned with encouraging proper alignment in the poses, maintaining a balance between strength and flexibility, and making yoga available to people of all ages and abilities.
Advanced Studies Program
The Advanced Studies Program (created in 1988 by Donald Moyer and Mary Lou Weprin) is a flexible, modular program that can be adapted to suit your individual needs and interests.
For 2023 and 2024, the ASP has committed to offering courses via Zoom, making this 2-year program an option for people outside the Bay Area of California.
Year 1: Personal Practice Year (2023 classes will be in-person and online via Zoom)
The Personal Practice Year focuses on deepening your understanding of yoga and developing a home practice. Special Studies Classes and Personal Practice Classes are available on a series-only basis, no drop-ins allowed. One year of yoga experience is required.
Year 2: Teacher Training Year (Offered in 2024. Classes will be in-person and online via Zoom)
The Teacher Training Year emphasizes basic teaching skills and practice teaching classes. Students who successfully complete this year will be awarded a Yoga Room teaching certificate and will be eligible to join Yoga Alliance at the 500-hour level.
Year 3: Continuing Education
We offer a wide variety of Continuing Education classes, workshops, and intensives for certified teachers.
Admission to Personal Practice Year
To be eligible, students should have had one year of yoga experience. There will be a brief phone interview and a one-time application fee of $75.
Admission to Teacher Training Year
To be eligible for the Teacher Training Year, students should have successfully completed all Special Studies classes and Personal Practice classes and attended their weekly ongoing class on a regular basis. In addition, students should have an established home practice. Prior to joining the Teacher Training Year, you must have the recommendation of your primary or ongoing teacher and have completed all classes in the Personal Practice Year.
Fees and Registration
Tuition for Advanced Studies classes are noted on pages 2 and 3 of the linked brochure in the course descriptions. There may be an additional charge for handouts. Fees are due at the first class of the series. Register at least two weeks in advance.
Students are required to attend a weekly class, level 2-4 or 3-5 with an ASP graduate or faculty member. Cost to attend these classes is not included in course tuition amounts.
Total tuition for the Advanced Studies Program, including ongoing classes, is approximately $3,600 for the first year and $4,000 for the second year—or about $7,600 for the program. For those who want to ease this financial burden, we offer a work-study program.
Credit for Courses
Students who wish to receive credit for courses must attend all classes and submit all written papers and assignments required. Students who miss class due to illness or other emergency are required to complete all missed assignments and written papers as prescribed and at the discretion of the faculty member teaching the course. The make-up work must be completed within 1 week of the last meeting of class.
Length of Study
The Teacher Training Program is a two-year program, but students may extend the time to meet their personal needs. The Program runs from January-December each year, with a two-month break in July–August. Students may take up to 7 years to complete all requirements for certification.
Certification
The Yoga Room will certify students who successfully complete all elements of the program. Graduates are eligible to join the Yoga Alliance at the 500-hour level.
Certification Requirements:
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Successful completion of all 20 courses
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10 month apprenticeship
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4 month practice teaching
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30 hours of workshops taken at The Yoga Room
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Home practice 5 times a week
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Practicing weekly in a level 2-4 or 3-5 asana class with an ASP graduate or faculty member