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 White Plains, NY - This summer the Music Conservatory of Westchester is offering a variety of programs for children of all ages to explore their interests in the arts and develop new skills in a supportive, relaxed, and fun environment.
Highlights include the Conservatory’s annual Vocal Performance Academy and Suzuki Strings Institute, both held in August.
Vocal Performance Academy
Designed for voice students ages 14 and up, the Vocal Performance Academy teaches students to develop their performing potential, gain awareness of healthy vocal technique, and build a foundation for a range of vocal styles, including opera, classical, and musical theatre, as well as an introduction to jazz and gospel. The curriculum includes private voice lessons (ages 16+), ensemble, sight-singing and dictation, vocal technique, acting for singers, jazz and gospel workshops, master classes, vocal health, and performance opportunities including solo, duets, trios, and large ensemble.
Students are coached by members of the Conservatory’s vocal faculty, including Thomas Jamerson, former leading artist with the New York City Opera; Shirley Love, former soloist with the Metropolitan Opera; and Nakia Verner, participant in the 2006 Renata Scotto Opera Academy.
The Academy takes place August 4-15 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuition is $1,100 (ages 16+); $875 for the apprentice program (ages 14-15). An additional performance/accompanist fee of $75 is required for all students. Enrollment is limited to 20 singers and 10 apprentice singers. Auditions are required.
Suzuki String Institute
Open to violin and cello students ages 4 to 12, the Suzuki String Institute teaches children to develop their technical ability, musicianship, ensemble playing, and performance skills in a nurturing, enjoyable atmosphere. Beginning students will receive a thorough introduction to the Suzuki method and the basics of violin-playing. The program includes two private or semi-private lessons, group class, chamber music, music skills, yoga, performance class, play-ins, an introduction to viola, cello and bass, and a final recital for friends and family.
Parents play a vital role in the Suzuki approach to learning. During the early stages, parents attend each lesson and practice with the child at home. Students ages 7 and under who attend the Institute will be expected to have a parent present each day. Children ages 8-12 may attend the program unaccompanied; supervision will be provided. All Institute faculty are certified Suzuki instructors with years of teaching experience. They include Ragga Petursdottir, Suzanne Wagor, and Tatiana Longo. Eric Barnhill, music skills instructor, is certified in the Dalcroze method, an approach to musical learning that emphasizes musical concepts through rhythmic movement, aural training, and improvisation.
The Institute takes place August 18-22 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuition is based on the lesson type select and ranges from $325-525. No audition required.
“Summer programs at the Conservatory open up a world of possibilities for students of all ages and abilities to explore their musical and theatrical interests,” says Jean Newton, Dean of Students and Faculty at the Music Conservatory of Westchester. “Certain programs, such as our Vocal Performance Academy, are already nearing their enrollment limits. The Academy has room for only five more students and is especially looking for male voices.”
The Music Conservatory of Westchester is at 216 Central Avenue in White Plains, NY. For more information or to register for a summer program, please contact Jean Newton, Dean of Students and Faculty, at (914) 761-3900 x112 or
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. A complete list of programs is available by visiting www.musicconservatory.org.
About the Music Conservatory of Westchester
Founded in 1929, the Music Conservatory of Westchester is a non-profit community school of the arts, providing music, theatre education, and music therapy for people of all ages and abilities. The Conservatory’s 36,000-square-foot facility in White Plains offers a Recital Hall and 43 acoustically designed classrooms and teaching studios. Their comprehensive programs, which serve 3,500 students annually, include performing ensembles, musicianship classes, student performances, master classes, workshops, and more. All students receive free admission to the Conservatory’s annual series of faculty recitals and children’s concerts. Last year, the Conservatory awarded at least $108,000 in scholarship support to more than 100 of its students. The Conservatory is chartered by the New York State Board of Regents, a member of the National Guild of Community Schools of the Arts, and is one of only 19 non-degree granting institutions in the country to be fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music.
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