Pottery Classes in Zurich
Create your first pieces or refine your technique — and build real confidence with clay.
Learn ceramics in a calm studio designed for both discovery and real progression.
Small groups (max. 4) · Clear guidance · All levels welcome
Start with your first session
Create your first ceramic pieces in a calm, guided studio environment.
A simple and satisfying first experience with clay.
During this session, you will:
create your first pieces
learn essential techniques
discover the studio and its approach
No experience needed Includes materials and firing Limited spots (max. 4 per session)Continue Your Practice
After your first session, you can continue at your own rhythm.
A progressive introduction designed to help you build real confidence with clay.
Over three sessions, you will:
develop familiarity with tools, materials and process
strengthen essential techniques through guided repetition
begin refining your gestures and control
Ideal if you want more than a one-time experience
Develop your ceramic practice
Continue building your skills through regular, guided practice.
Most students continue after their first session
Build consistency and strengthen your technique through regular practice.
Most chosen format
Develop deeper control, confidence and visible progress over time.
Ideal for those who want to truly progress
Discover wheel throwing
Learn the wheel through a grounded and attentive approach, rarely taught in Switzerland.
This method focuses on:
stability and control
ergonomics and efficient body use
working with breath rather than force
sensitivity to movement and clay
the ability to work with larger forms earlier in the process
Unlike most short introductions, this Grounded Wheel Approach is taught progressively to reduce frustration and support real learning.
For this reason, access to the wheel is offered through a structured pathway combined with a practice pack, ensuring you have the time and guidance needed to develop confidence.
Many students find this approach significantly improves both their progress and their experience of the wheel.
Seasonal ceramics workshops
A series of seasonal ceramic workshops offer focused moments of immersion throughout the year, complementing regular studio practice.
Over time, participants develop not only technical skills but also a coherent and personal relationship to making.
Small groups, real guidance
Classes are limited to four participants, allowing close individual attention and meaningful progression.
Most students begin with an introductory session before moving into a regular rhythm of practice through hour-packs.
Most participants continue into regular practice after their first session.
Private & Group Ceramic Experiences
Clay & Tao offers small-scale ceramic sessions for private groups, creative teams or special occasions.
These experiences focus on hand-building practices, allowing participants to engage with clay in a calm and supportive studio environment.
Wheel throwing is introduced within the context of ongoing practice and is therefore not included in private group sessions.
To discuss a private event or group booking, please contact the studio directly.
A broader perspective on practice
The studio’s approach is subtly informed by Taoist perspectives on rhythm, timing and transformation.
For some participants, optional consultations offer an additional layer of reflection that complements studio learning.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes. Most students start with no prior experience. Classes are designed to help beginners build strong foundations while also supporting intermediate and advanced makers.
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Small groups (max. 4 participants) allow closer guidance, faster technical progress and a calm, focused studio atmosphere.
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Teaching combines wheel throwing, hand-building and glazing in a calm, focused environment, with a distinctive slow approach to wheel work that supports greater stability, precision and confidence over time.
The studio also develops and tests its own glazes, ensuring stable, food-safe results and a deeper understanding of material behaviour. -
Wheel throwing requires continuity to become both enjoyable and technically meaningful. The Wheel Pathway ensures students have the time and support needed to build confidence and avoid early frustration.
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Practice packs support consistent learning and real technical progress. Regular engagement helps students move beyond introductory experiences and develop stronger skills over time.
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Yes. Packs are designed to encourage continuity, which is essential for confident progress.
10-hour packs are typically used within 4 months, and 20-hour packs within 6 months. -
Regular practice supports faster progress, but scheduling remains flexible. Most students establish a weekly rhythm that fits their professional and personal life.
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Classes are available in English, German, French and Italian.
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Yes. Introductory sessions are designed as a first encounter with the studio. Many students choose to continue once they experience the benefits of regular practice.
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Clay & Tao offers pottery classes in Zürich Oerlikon, easily accessible by public transport.