ECPSM Programs

Once students have reached qualified level of development, they will be placed in a string orchestra.

Chamber music is an elective that is available to intermediate through advanced students. For more information, please refer to the Chamber Music page.

Suzuki Violin, Viola, and Cello

• private 30-, 45-, or 60-minute weekly lesson
• musicianship class
• Suzuki group class
• reading class or orchestra when eligible

Students may enter the Suzuki String Program between the ages of four and six.

Utilizing the philosophy and approach of Dr. Shinichi Suzuki, the Suzuki method of teaching is based on the belief that “every child can be educated”. Students learn to play an instrument much the same way they learn to speak their native language. This “mother tongue” method was developed by Dr. Suzuki after he noticed the highly developed language skills of young children. Suzuki students learn their instruments in a positive environment in which teachers and parents work together to develop these skills through necessary repetition and reinforcement. For this reason, we can accept children as young as four years of age.

Aside from developing fine young musicians, the goal of Suzuki training is to help every child find the joy that comes through music-making. Through this growing process, children thrive in an environment of total support, as they develop confidence, self-esteem, self-discipline and concentration. Suzuki students acquire not only the sensitivity and skill for making music, but also an enduring capacity to enjoy music.

Suzuki String group classes are assigned on the basis of performance level. Group classes focus on the development of technique and solo repertoire. Students perform individually and in groups. Classes provide preparation for concert performances and reinforce technical developments.

One of the goals of the CPSM Suzuki Program is to integrate the Suzuki student into the traditional environment. Beginning students receive reading skills in private lessons. Intermediate students take a reading class in preparation for acceptance into the Prep Orchestra.

Traditional Violin, Viola, Cello and Bass

• private 30-, 45-, or 60-minute weekly lesson
• musicianship class
• orchestra when eligible

Traditional (non-Suzuki) instruction is available to students ages six and older. We welcome beginning through advanced students at any age.

For a student learning a string instrument in school, our program offers an excellent opportunity to further develop their technical, reading and performance skills. Students who decide to major in music have studied at prestigious universities or conservatories. Many students, as non-music majors, go on to participate in university orchestras and performance ensembles.

Orchestra

CPSM offers three orchestral ensembles for students of the intermediate and advanced levels of playing to participate in.

The Prep Orchestra is a rudimentary string orchestra designed for young strings students who have not played in an orchestral ensemble before. This ensemble introduces them to playing in a group setting under the musical direction of a conductor.

The String Orchestra is an intermediate string ensemble which begins to explore music that is a bit more advanced than that of the Prep Orchestra. The prerequisite for admittance into this class is either prior participation in the Prep Orchestra (with recommendation from the Prep Orchestra conductor), or by audition.

The Chamber Orchestra is the most advanced of the three CPSM orchestral ensembles. This ensemble is designed for advanced string students, with the occasional addition of winds and brass players, all with a playing level suitable to explore the more standard string and full orchestral repertoire. Admittance into the CPSM Chamber Orchestra is by audition only.

All three orchestras perform twice annually in our winter and spring concerts, held in LeFrak Concert Hall.

• private 30-, 45-, or 60-minute weekly lesson
• musicianship class
• chamber music when eligible

The Wind Program at CPSM offers lessons on all brass and woodwind instruments. Students may generally start wind lessons at the age of nine or older.

Aside from private instruction, students have the opportunity to participate in a chamber music ensemble or join our jazz program. Chamber music ensembles are available to intermediate through advanced students and provide the opportunity to work in a setting with mixed instrumentation, often including strings and piano. For more information about our jazz program, please refer to the jazz page.

the guitar program at CPSM is flourishing with many students of all levels. The program is unique in that it teaches students a wide variety of styles ranging from classical methods to jazz and pop music. Students are asked to express their goals so that lessons are can be focused in the desired direction of study. The guitar program is dedicated to providing a comprehensive education to aspiring students, in conjunction with the preparatory program curriculum.

Guitar students, ages 12 and up, are also eligible to participate in the CPSM jazz program, where they will enjoy ensemble activities such as jazz combos classes and the weekly performance forum.

• private 30-, 45-, or 60-minute weekly lesson
• musicianship class

• private 30-, 45-, or 60-minute weekly lesson
• musicianship class
• choir

Choir is recommended for all CPSM students, ages 5 and up, regardless of their choice of instrumental major. CPSM offers two choirs: Training Choir (ages 5 -11) and Lyric Choir (11-14). In choir rehearsal, students enjoy learning how to sing parts, and how to harmonize their voices in an ensemble setting.

Voice lessons are available for students ages 10 and older. With continued stress on musicianship, students will explore the basic fundamentals of coordinating the physical and vocal mechanisms of breathing, projection and resonance through vocal exercises, and the experience of learning song repertoire. Students will discover their singing voice in a healthy, supportive, and engaging atmosphere. Solo singing and small ensembles (duets and trios) help students gain experience and confidence. Voice students explore classical, musical theatre, and folk song styles in English and Classical languages.

When eligible and advised by their teacher, voice students will be encouraged to participate in the Opera Workshop in which students sing, act, and perform. Performances of opera selections by Mozart, Bizet, Menotti, and Gilbert and Sullivan and others as well as musicals are presented.

Students in their senior year are encouraged to present a short senior recital encompassing works studied throughout their CPSM years.

What makes chamber music special is its unique structure that assigns each player to a part. Within this specialized format, ensembles are also required to direct themselves self-sufficiently without the assistance of a conductor. This therefore becomes the ideal vehicle for developing a multitude of vital skills, many of which will likely transcend the craft itself. Chamber music making requires collective cooperation/teamwork, the ability to lead, the ability to defer to a leader, the ability to communicate in a clear and decisive manner (both with and without spoken words), and the ability to adapt.

CPSM chamber ensembles are provided with weekly or bi-weekly coachings per semester along with the opportunity to perform in what we call: “CPSM Mini-Concerts”. These are short, informal recitals that allow students to gain invaluable performing experience by playing in front of audiences on a regular basis. Chamber ensembles participate in bi-annual master classes, enabling them to perform for their peers while also being coached by our chamber music staff in a public setting. The full year of chamber music at CPSM culminates in a gala showcase concert at the end of the Spring semester in LeFrak Concert Hall.

Chamber music classes are offered during both the Fall and Spring semesters. Students of intermediate advancement and higher are encouraged to apply.

Musicianship is a requirement for our students. Class assignments are made on the basis of both a placement examination and an assessment by the Musicianship Coordinator.

Musicianship is an integral part of the curriculum. Classes develop music reading skills, a keen ear, a sensitivity to musical expressiveness, and an understanding of musical form and structure, all of which are a necessary part of a complete musical education. These four areas are the pillars upon which the CPSM musicianship curriculum is founded. They are introduced and nurtured by activities appropriate to the learning stage of each student through each level of musicianship.

These classes also offer a valuable supplement to private lessons. For those students who have completed the mandatory eight-level curriculum, electives of Advanced Theory and Music Literature are offered.

Dalcroze

The Dalcroze method was developed by the Swiss musician Emile Jacques-Dalcroze. It was his interest in rhythm as a fundamental component of music that led him to create an approach to teaching music to the very young that is based on eurythmics and body movement.

Dalcroze classes ideally provide a stimulating environment in which young minds are able to experience musical expression at a most sensitive early age.

Students who have had Dalcroze training will find a natural transition to Suzuki method classes at CPSM. The exposure to both rhythmic and improvisational elements of music provides an essential foundation to the process of learning a musical instrument.

There are three main areas of Dalcroze training:

Eurythmics
singing and ear-training
improvisation

Students need to be at least two-and-a-half years of age and no more than four years age at the start of the semester. The youngest students will be expected to attend with an adult partner.

Children will explore these musical elements in an animated and inspiring manner that will train both the body and the mind. Students need to be at least two-and-a-half years of age and no more than four years age at the start of the semester. The youngest students will be expected to attend with an adult partner.

Please consult CPSM for specific cutoff dates each term. 

This program provides a unique opportunity for students, 10-16 years old, interested in performing in musicals to be trained in singing, acting and dancing in an intensive but positive environment.

This workshop meets every summer, Monday through Thursday for four weeks in July/August. Most recently, we have started offering this workshop on Sunday afternoons during the school year. For inquiries, please contact the office.