Julie writes…
When Rick and Maria developed the Zentangle Method almost 20 years ago, no one could have anticipated that it would bring together some of the kindest and most supportive people from all corners of the world the way that it has. We are so grateful for all of our Certified Zentangle Teachers who are sharing the Zentangle Method in their own communities and beyond.
At time of writing, there are over 7,200 CZTs in 72 different countries around the world.
CZT Verónica Vázquez, Mexico
Should you take a class with one of them?
I recently received the following email from a new tangler:
Hi there! I am newbie – I just discovered Zentangle recently. I have been watching every YouTube video that I can find, and I am enjoying every minute of it. I was wondering if there is any benefit to taking a class with a certified teacher when so much is available online? Is there something I am missing? Thanks!
I have gotten this question before, especially with the explosion of online material in the past few years.
Even with all the information readily available on the internet, I still always say that it is worth it to take a class from a Certified Zentangle Teacher.
One of my favorite comparisons that we have used to answer this question is the yoga comparison. Since I was first introduced to yoga about ten years ago, I have maintained some sort of practice. I have found that I am the most committed to my practice and I reap the most benefit from it when I am regularly taking a class with a yoga instructor.
I have my own mat. I have access to hundreds (thousands?) of free yoga classes on YouTube. I pay a monthly subscription to an app that has fitness classes, including yoga, and I utilize all these resources, but whenever I get the chance, I go to my favorite studio and take a class.
There is something to be said for being “self-taught” and it is not a bad thing. It can sometimes be our only option. It is convenient often more economical. Much of my own yoga practice is by myself at home.
When I am in a studio though, it is a different experience. There are less distractions, and I can immerse myself in that 60-minute class. I find comfort in the fact that there is an instructor to tell me what is next, providing cues when needed and helping to make adjustments so that I may get more out of the class. I am energized by others in the room, even when focusing on my own practice.
The same can be said (and has been said) for a Zentangle class with a certified instructor. Each Certified Zentangle Teacher is trained in not only the Zentangle Method, but also the philosophy behind the method. You can take comfort in the fact that there is someone guiding you and giving you the right cues when you may be lost. You can ask questions and receive feedback, allowing you to dive deeper into your practice.
Each CZT has their own story and experiences that have ignited their passion for the Method so that they want to share it with others, and you can feel that when you learn from them.
Is it necessary to take a class from a Certified Zentangle Teacher? No. Is it worth it? Absolutely.
You can find a Certified Zentangle Teacher near you in our CZT Directory. You can also get to know some of our CZTs in our CZT Family Tree blog series.
And, if you are interested in becoming a Certified Zentangle Teacher, you can learn more here.
Cover photo: CZT Paige Scheinberg
Cynthia on
I want to find a local CZT.
I met Rebecca Loveless CZT,.several years ago. Enjoyed her classes, and I hosted some of her classes too. I believe she is no longer teaching Zentangle.
This brings me to my request. Is there a directory of CZT teachers in the California Bay Area? A weekly class would be great.
Elaine Burns on
While I received my kit from my best friend (a CZT), I was self-taught and used the Zentangle site, video project packs, books, the Keeping it Classic FB group, and tanglepatterns.com for OFFICIAL tangles I could not easily find on the blog. Rick, Maria, Martha, Molly, and Julie are my CZTs for classes.
I have not taken a class from a “third-party” CZT – and I do not mean that in a bad way. I am a CZT myself!
What I mean is the only CZTs who have taught me are the ones from the project packs and the seminar. Those familiar voices are so soothing!
The pandemic and its aftermath has kept me a more introverted and single tangler, except when on social media or on the Mosaic App. I have tangle CZT and non-CZT friends from all over the world!
Debbie (bakayaro onna) Smith on
Rimona Gale on
Linda M Dochter on
I’d like to echo all of the above comments. Zentangle has been such a confidence builder for me and the people that I have taught. You can watch them relax and begin to interact with one another. Great therapy! We need a lot more of this in our world! Thank you Julie!🤩
LaJuania on
Kathy Young CZT22 on
Due to the pandemic and no CZTs in my rural area, I was self taught initially and became a CZT36, and my only goal has been to take classes from other CZTs! I’ve been fortunate enough to attend TangleON and SpringFling conferences (Brenda Shaver, Elora, Ontario) to tangle in person with other CZTs, which is fantastic! Learning from a CZT is a completely different mode of learning and teaching from being on your own with books and videos. Thanks to the internet, I can also benefit from CZT classes from all over the world and attend live from home. It brings a global community of teachers with wisdom and insights to share that benefit me as a solo CZT. Plus, why teach yourself when a live class gives a community to share with, and you are supporting the CZT in their commitment to sharing and supporting others. Besides, plenty of CZTs even offer free classes or workshops these days so even $$ doesn’t need to be a barrier to having the benefit of a CZT led learning experience. I am a strong advocate for learning from CZTs, no matter your knowledge base and background!
Jenn Brayton on
Jessica Dykes on
I agree that taking classes with a CZT is best. In person classes afford you the opportunity to ask questions and see other classmates work. Everyone gets the same instructions and yet everyone’s work looks different.The encouragement is also what makes the experience so wonderful.
Zipporah Rosenblatt on