"The Music School has enriched my life in ways that words cannot describe."
- Comprehensive Music Program for Young People
- Private Instrumental and Voice Lessons
- The Healthy Use of Your Voice
- Basic Musicianship
- Piano Classes: Introductory, Beginner and Intermediate Levels
- Braille Music: Pathway to Independent Learning and Performing
- Assistive Music Technology
- MIDI Sequencing
- Basic Audio Recording/Editing
- Jazz Theory/Improvisation
- Drum Circle
- Music Around New York: From Carnegie Hall to the Blue Note
- Jazz Ensemble
- Rock Band Workshop
- Contemporary Pop/Rock Ensemble
- Vocal Ensemble
- Policies & Procedures
Comprehensive Music Program for Young People (CMPYP)
We offer several classes as part of this innovative program: solfège/theory/braille music, computer sequencing, percussion, music appreciation and youth chorus. Classes are 45 minutes in length, held in rotation.
We strive to customize the experience for each student based on interests, needs, abilities and age. Every student will receive a minimum of three classes as part of the CMPYP curriculum. Additional music classes will incur an additional fee.
Prerequisite: Ages 7 -- 18
What You Will Learn:
General Music
- Basic musical skills that help establish a strong foundation for advanced musicianship
- To practice basic musical skills, such as how to sing in tune and how to develop a sense of rhythm and meter using various creative activities
Solfége/Theory/Braille Music Class
- To sightsing using solfège syllables
- To notate music in staff or Braille format
- To understand basic theory concepts, including intervals, scales and chords
- To practically apply theory concepts to the keyboard or guitar
Percussion Class
- Basic rhythmic development using call and response technique
- Exposure to African, Latin and Caribbean percussion instruments, styles and rhythm
- To gain valuable ensemble experience and social integration skills
Computer Sequencing
- Introduction to computer music software using assistive speech or print technology
- To record on multiple tracks, edit and arrange music using the latest music technology
Youth Chorus
- To sing and blend in unison
- To explore two-part singing
- To discover music of other cultures
Teen Instrumental Ensemble
- The fundamentals of wind, percussion or keyboard playing
- To play together in an ensemble setting
- To experience music from diverse cultures and styles
National Dance Institute (NDI) Program
The Music School partners with NDI for Saturday dance classes; the cost is included in the CMPYP tuition. Students are encouraged to participate in this wonderful offering, which has two class sections — 10:30 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. — divided according to age and/or ability.
Please Note:
- There will be regularly scheduled recitals at the end of each semester for individual lessons and for ensembles.
- Cultural enrichment field trips to concerts, museums and musical events in the city will be taken twice per semester. Recently, students have visited the production of a Broadway musical, courtesy of the Theatre Development Fund’s Theatre Accessibility Programs; and participated in a customized tour and workshop at the Museum of Arts and Design.
Faculty: Program Coordinator Dalia Sakas, Jennifer Apsel, Svetlana Avezbakiyeva, Katharine Flanders Mukherji, Juan Pablo Horcasitas, Yo Kano, Owen Stewart-Robertson, Marc Wagnon
Program Day: Saturday, 9 a.m. -- 4 p.m. (varies per individual)
Your cost: see Policies and Procedures
Individual Instrumental and Voice Lessons
Instruction is available in piano, voice, guitar, recorder, flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, French horn, drums, vibraphone and percussion. Registration is contingent upon lesson and instructor availability. You will be notified if we cannot meet your lesson requests.
Approval of multiple individual lessons will be based on instructor availability and determined by our Executive Director.
What you will learn:
- Beginning to advanced levels of skill on the various instruments or voiceTo present oneself in public performances
- To present oneself in public performances
Please Note: Performance opportunities are available through public events and student recitals
Your Cost: $320/16 weeks/45 minutes
Recommendation: To maximize your learning experience, we strongly suggest that you bring a digital recording device to record your lessons, classes and rehearsals. For device suggestions or to answer any questions, please call the Music School at (212) 821-9660.
The Healthy Use of Your Voice
Designed to promote excellent vocal health for those who wish to improve their speaking voice and/or avoid vocal disorders, such as hoarseness and fatigue. This class is also helpful for actors, school teachers and anyone whose career encompasses public speaking, customer service and voice projection.
What You Will Learn:
- How to maintain a healthy voice
- How to sustain a clear and commanding voice
- How to develop resonance and quality in your voice
Faculty: Charlotte Surkin
Course Day: Available on a full or partial semester basis (16, 8 or 6 weeks); individual sessions - time and day to be arranged
Your cost: $320 for full semester; $185 for 8 weeks; $160 for 6 weeks
Please Note: Scholarships apply only to the full semester course
Basic Musicianship
Prerequisite: None
What You Will Learn:
- To develop an understanding of the basic fundamentals of music: pitch and the organization of pitch (intervals, keys, scales and triads); rhythm and meter (note values); and other variables such as dynamics, tempo and phrasing.
- To develop aural recognition and the ability to sing intervals, major/minor scales, triads and simple harmonic progressions, as well as various rhythms within different meters and tempi.
Faculty: Svetlana Avezbakiyeva, Chris Petz
Course Day: To Be Arranged
Your Cost: $225/16 weeks/45 minutes
Piano Classes: Introductory, Beginner and Intermediate Levels
What You Will Learn:
- Keyboard layout
- Basic skills of keyboard playing
- Music reading
- Theory
Faculty: Dalia Sakas, Svetlana Avezbakiyeva
Course Day: Wednesday or Friday, class time arranged by placement level
Your Cost: $225/16 weeks/45 minutes
Braille Music: Pathway to Independent Learning and Performing
Prerequisite: Knowledge of grade 1 Braille
What You Will Learn:
- To read music through the understanding of braille symbols
The recommended course of study is four progressive semesters as outlined below. Progress through the Braille Music course study depends on your previous musical experience.
Introduction to Braille Music Notation:
- Rudiments of music and introductory ear training
- Basic rhythmic values: eighth notes, quarter notes, half notes and whole notes
- Basic sight-singing and ear-training addressed concurrently for the development of music skills and application to braille music notation skills
Braille Music Notation/Theory I:
- Symbols for accidentals, time signatures, key signatures and octave marks
- Rules of using octave marks, dotted notes and note duration
Braille Music Notation/Theory II:
- Symbols for finger marks, hand signs, intervals, smaller note values and their groupings, and repeat signs
Braille Music Notation/Theory III:
- Symbols for ties, slurs, in-accord, measure divisions, expression marks, and abbreviations
- Further study will cover compound meter, intervallic doubling, stem signs and ornaments
Faculty: Svetlana Avezbakiyeva
Course Day: Friday, 10:45 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. or 11:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Your Cost: $225/16 weeks/45 minutes
Assistive Music Technology
Prerequisites: Good computer skills (including keyboard and screen access software) and a basic musicianship
What You Will Learn:
- To produce large print and/or Braille music scores
- To utilize the following software:
- For PC: Sonar, Lime/Lime Aloud, Goodfeel and Sibelius
- For Mac: Pro Tools, Garage Band, Logic and Finale
Faculty: Anthony Falaro, Yo Kano, John Sanfilippo, Marc Wagnon
Course Day: Wednesday - Friday, individual lesson to be arranged
Your Cost: $347/16 weeks/60 minutes
MIDI Sequencing
Prerequisites: Good assistive music technology skills, strong knowledge of music theory; and/or permission of the instructor
What You Will Learn:
- Understanding of MIDI sequencing for composing and arranging
- Preparation of musical scores for print notation
- Orchestration techniques
Please Note: Because of the intensive technical requirements of this course, it is offered as an individual lesson
Faculty: Marc Wagnon, John Sanfilippo, Yo Kano
Course Day: Individual lesson to be arranged
Your Cost: $347/16 weeks/60 minutes
Basic Audio Recording/Editing
Prerequisites: Good assistive music technology skills, strong knowledge of music theory; and/or permission of the instructor
What You Will Learn:
- Introduction to digital audio and recording editing
- Mix down and audio mastering techniques
Faculty: Marc Wagnon, Yo Kano
Course Day: Individual lesson to be arranged
Your Cost: $347/16 weeks/60 minutes
Jazz Theory/Improvisation
Prerequisites: Basic theory and/or equivalent experience
What You Will Learn:
- How to improvise over chord changes
- Modes, diatonic harmony and poly-modal harmony
- Chord construction and scale-chord relationships
- Form analysis of jazz tunes, including the blues, standards and modal pieces
Faculty: Marc Wagnon, Yo Kano
Course Day: To be arranged
Your Cost: $225/16 weeks/45 minutes
Drum Circle
Prerequisite: None
What You Will Learn:
- To develop a sense of rhythm through a creative approach
- Basic techniques to enable you to play individual parts in an ensemble setting
- To experience rhythmic groove through group dynamics
Faculty: Marc Wagnon
Course Day: Thursday, 2:45 - 3:30 pm
Your Cost: $225/16 weeks/45 minutes
Music Around New York: From Carnegie Hall to the Blue Note
These six-week seminars focus on selected areas of study, and include attending a concert at one of New York City's performance venues.
Prerequisite: None
What You Will Learn:
- Diverse musical styles from a variety of composers and performers
Faculty: Juan Pablo Horcasitas
Course Day: To be arranged
Your Cost: $120/6 weeks/60 minutes (scholarships are not available for this seminar)
Jazz Ensemble
Prerequisites: Admission by audition and good technical control of your instrument
What You Will Learn:
- Standards from the swing era to contemporary jazz
- How to jam with other musicians in a non-competitive atmosphere
- To perform in public venues
Faculty: Marc Wagnon, Gerald Gewiss
Course Day: Thursday, 5 - 7 p.m.
Your Cost: $75/16 weeks/2 hours
Please Note: If you are enrolled in private lessons, one performance ensemble fee will be waived.
Rock Band Workshop
Prerequisites: Determined by the instructor at time of enrollment
What You Will Learn:
- Ability to play with other musicians
- Rhythm section concepts: dynamics, groove, tempo, repertoire
- Basic arranging for performance
Faculty: Chris Petz
Course Day: Thursday, 5 - 6:30 p.m.
Your Cost: $65/16 weeks/90 minutes
Recommendation:
To maximize your learning experience, a recording device for your lesson is highly recommended.
Please Note: If you are enrolled in private lessons, one performance ensemble fee will be waived.
Contemporary Pop/Rock Ensemble - "Jam 59"
Prerequisites: Good technical control of your instrument, admission by audition only
What You Will Learn:
- Ability to learn contemporary repertoire quickly
- Vocal harmony and individual part playing in group setting
- Working with others in a professional environment
- A minimum of one concert annually
Faculty: Chris Petz
Course Day: Tuesday, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Your Cost: $75/16 weeks/2 hours
Please Note: If you are enrolled in private lessons, one performance ensemble fee will be waived.
The Lighthouse Vocal Ensemble
Prerequisites: Admission by audition only and the ability to learn music quickly and independently
What You Will Learn:
- A more difficult and wide-ranging repertoire, including a capella works
- A minimum of three performances annually
Faculty: Dalia Sakas, Leslie Jones
Course Day: Wednesday, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Your Cost: $75/16 weeks/2 hours
Please Note: If you are enrolled in private lessons, one performance ensemble fee will be waived.
Policies and Procedures
View our Policies and Procedures for information on admission criteria, registration, fees and payments, and more!
