Early Childhood Classes       Dance          Suzuki Groups        Group Instruction      Music Technology/Theory/Composition
Music Technology Lab       Ensembles     Adult Ensembles      Private Instruction


Term II (Spring) 2012 Class Offerings
January 31 - June 17, 2012


Brookline Music School offers a variety of classes for all ages and abilities. Programs offered include early childhood music and movement and dance classes, group classes for beginners - including piano, music technology, voice, composition, songwriting, theory and ear training - as well as Jazz/Rock/Pop, Chamber and Flute Choir ensembles for kids, teens and adults. Suzuki instruction offers flute and violin groups, as well as private lessons.

For the 2011-2012 School Calendar click here
For a 2011-2012 Registration Form click here

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EARLY CHILDHOOD: Classes for 6 Months to 37 Months Old

"We love the music and movement class and Dayse is a WONDERFUL teacher and loves the children very much!" ~ BMS Parent 2010

MUSIC & MOVEMENT  6 months - 33 months
Encouraged by an attending parent or adult, babies and toddlers are playfully engaged with songs and games that connect music to their everyday world. Classes focus on stimulating a child’s social, emotional and physical development in an informal and loving atmosphere. Featured music comes from folk tradition and includes chants, finger plays, bounces and movement.

Class Length: 15-weeks, 50 minutes   
Instructor: Dayse Waissman    
Cost: $330 per term

Babies (6-12 mo.): Mondays at 9:30am                                                Start Date: February 6, 2012        
Older Babies (9-14mo.): Thursdays at 11:00am                                    Start Date: February 2, 2012                             
Toddlers (13-19 mo.): Tuesdays at 9:30 or Thursdays at 11:00am          Start Dates: January 31 or February 2, 2012  
Almost/New Twos (22-25 mo.): Fridays at 9:30am                                Start Date: February 3, 2012  
Twos (24-33 mo.): Thursdays at 10:00am                                              Start Date: February 2, 2012

MUSIC & MOVEMENT / STAY & PLAY  24 - 41 months
The fun continues with an additional 40 minutes of guided play! Our Stay & Play group follows the 50-minute Music and Movement class.

Class Length: 15-weeks, 90 minutes   
Instructor: Dayse Waissman   
Cost: $380 per term

Twos (24-33mo.): Mondays at 10:30am                                       Start Date: February 6, 2012                                                                    
Almost/New Threes (33-37 mo.): Tuesdays at 10:30am               Start Dates: January 31, 2012
Threes (37-41 mo.): Fridays at 10:30am                                      Start Date: February 3, 2012  

Younger siblings are welcome to join Early Childhood classes with teacher's approval.
Fees: 0 to 3 Months - Free; 4 to 6 Months 25% of class fee; 7-12 Months - 50% of class fee.

BRIDGING THE GENERATIONS: AN INTERGENERATIONAL MUSIC CLASS   New!
Join us for a special kind of music-making! This class combines all the elements of a regular music class, but it is set in a senior living facility, where the residents participate with us by singing, playing instruments, or simply watching. The class allows for and encourages interaction between the children and the seniors. With rhythm instruments, songs, play materials and movement, we create a rich musical experience for everyone.

For more information on Early Childhood Music & Movement Programs click here.
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DANCE: Classes for 3 - 10 Years Old
 

Our Dance Program explores kinesthetic creativity by using movement, music, props, games and play to develop and link students’ learning into complex dance moves and phrases.Dance Instructor, Tom Krusinski, starts with each child’s strengths within individual and ensemble work, engaging them using the practices of Howard Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences, including spatial, linguistic, mathematical and logical. Such intelligences assist in emotional and behavioral control, resisting impulses, developing cognitive flexibility and memory, and bringing courage and joy to meeting challenging situations in and out of the dance class.
 

"Tom is wonderful...he has transformed our daughter in dance class from a little girl who wouldn't follow along or answer questions (shy at times) to a bundle of energy and enthusiasm in dance!" ~ BMS Parent 2010

All of our dance classes are 15-weeks, 50-minutes, cost $330 per term and are taught by Tom Krusinski
 

CREATIVE DANCE  3-5 years
Free movement, self-expression and imagination are encouraged as children respond to music and sound.
3-4 years: Mondays at 1:15pm                                            
4-5 years: Wednesdays at 3:45pm                                     
4-5 years: Fridays at 1:30pm                                             
4-5 years: Saturdays at 10:30am                                       

SIBLING DANCE 3-7 years 
An opportunity giving siblings ways to dance and make dances together. Dance games will be used so that younger, older and same age children can move together safely with lots of creative fun. 
3-7 years: Saturdays at 9:30am                                       
Additional siblings receive a 25% discount.

PRE-BALLET   4-6 years 
An introduction to the fundamental concepts of ballet including the five basic positions, ballet barre,
center and across-the-floor exercises.
4-6 years: Thursdays at 3:00pm                                       
4-6 years: Fridays at 3:00pm                                          
5-6 years: Tuesdays at 4:00pm                                       

BALLET  6-8 years
This class for young dancers stresses basic ballet concepts and encourages personal expression.
Previous ballet experience is helpful but not required.
6-8 years: Mondays at 4:00pm                                        
6-8 years: Tuesdays at 3:00pm                                      
6-8 years: Saturdays at 11:30am                                    

MAKING DANCES FOR BOYS   5-8 years
An opportunity for boys to dance and create kinesthetic movement. New dances will arise from combining the dance principles of shape, flow and composition as each student increases his unique movement vocabulary.
5-6 years: Mondays at 3:00pm                                        
6-8 years: Wednesdays at 2:45pm                                  

DANCE ENSEMBLE   8-10 years
In this class, modern vocabulary blends with traditional ballet. Each dancer will be making up original movements to his/her own music and work on ensemble pieces. Open to boys and girls.
8-10 years: Tuesdays at 5:00pm                                      
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SUZUKI: Classes for 4 Years & Up

The Suzuki Method combines a music teaching method with a philosophy, embracing the total development of the child, which follows Dr. Shinichi Suzuki’s guiding principle, “character first, ability second,” also known as the Mother-Tongue Approach. The Suzuki program at Brookline Music School offers flute and violin instruction that involves a combination of weekly private lessons and 8 group classes per semester. The Suzuki approach is based on the belief that young children can learn to play music in the same way they easily learn their native language – through listening, repetition, motivation, encouragement, parental involvement and love. Parents take an active role in the education process by attending all lessons and groups and practicing with their child at home. 

In a fun and social environment, group classes offer students the opportunity to play with and perform for each other. In this atmosphere of inspiration and cooperation, students and parents learn from each other and form friendships that keep them connected for the long-term pursuit of their goals.
 

“When love is deep, much can be accomplished”  ~ S. Suzuki
 

SUZUKI FLUTE GROUPS  4 years and up

SUNDAY FLUTE GROUPS (Studio A, Amy Poliakoff instructor for all)
Book One Group 1a: 2:45 - 3:30pm
Book One Group 1b: 3:15 - 4:00pm
Book Two: 4:00 -4:45pm
Book Three & Up: 4:45 - 5:30
Class Dates: 1/29, 2/12, 3/4, 3/18, 4/1, 4/29, 5/6, 6/3

For more information on Suzuki Programs click here.
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GROUP INSTRUCTION: Classes for 4 Years & Up

Group classes are a great foundation for beginning students to learn a new instrument in a fun and social atmosphere. The skills learned in group instruction will build students’ knowledge of an instrument, preparing them for private instruction. 

MUSIC FOR LITTLE MOZARTS   4-6 years
Music for Little Mozarts is a joyful piano course specifically designed for children 4-6 years old and includes movement, song, play and pretend activities, designed to provide a balance between the discipline necessary for playing piano and the enjoyment derived from the process of music-making. The story characters, Mozart Mouse and Beethoven Bear, model the teaching concepts of each lesson, inviting children to participate through instructional activities.

Class Length: 15-weeks, 50 minutes   
Cost: $375 per term (Tuition costs include a required lesson book and workbook ($15). An optional materials kit: magnetic/dry erase activity board, two stuffed animals (Beethoven Bear and Mozart Mouse) and vinyl carrying bag is available from Alfred Publishing.)

Instructor: Maryellen Schepsis
4-5 years continuing students only: Tuesdays at 3:00pm                Start Date: January 31, 2012
5-6 years new students: Tuesdays at 4:00pm                                 Start Date: January 31, 2012
5-6 years continuing students only: Thursdays at 3:00pm             Start Date: February 2, 2012
4-5 years new students: Thursdays at 4:00pm                                Start Date: February 2, 2012

Instructor: Brett Klaus     
4-5 years continuing students only: Saturdays at 10:30am            Start Date: February 11, 2012
5-6 years new students: Saturdays at 12:30pm                              Start Date: February 11, 2012
4-5 years continuing students only: Saturdays at 1:30pm             Start Date: February 11, 2012
4-5 years new students: Saturdays at 2:30pm                                Start Date: February 11, 2012                                                

GROUP VOICE  7-9 years; 10-12 years  
If you love to sing for your friends and family, or even in the shower, this is the class for you. Perfect for young singers who may not be ready for private lessons. We’ll explore what makes our voices tick and what qualities make a performance great. Each semester culminates with a public performance.
Class Length: 15-weeks, 50 minutes   
Instructor: Erin Holmes 
Cost: $375 per term (includes materials fee)
7-9 years: Tuesdays at 3:00pm                                                    
10-12 years: Tuesdays at 4:00pm                                               
                                                      

BMS recommends the YPG 235 76-key Portable Grand Keyboard available online through multiple retailers.  This keyboard would serve as a minimum entry-level instrument for the young beginner’s first year of piano study.
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MUSIC TECHNOLOGY, THEORY & COMPOSITION: Classes for 8 Years & Up

Brookline Music School is proud to be at the forefront of music technology, housing a state-of-the-art technology studio, outfitted with six
iMacs equipped with GarageBand recording software, Sibelius notation software and the music theory skill drill program Auralia. In-depth
music technology, musicianship study is available for all ages and levels, in addition to open lab hours. Learn music technology and theory in
our state-of-the-art technology lab!

MUSIC TECHNOLOGY/GarageBand   8 Years & Up
Every student that has access to a Mac claims to be an 'expert' at GarageBand. Some have even watched the tutorial video when they first opened the program. But don't assume this recording program that comes free with every Apple computer is a just some novelty fun music game... Even after their first session at Brookline Music School's GarageBand/Digital Recording class, students realize there's a LOT more to GarageBand than they originally thought! Of course, every student will learn the basics of recording, but they also receive a thorough education in song writing, music theory, arranging, and using their own instrumental skill to record great songs; they'll even be singing!! GarageBand is an invaluable tool to the student who wants more out of music than just learning the notes.

Class Length: 14-weeks/60-minutes 
Instructor: Scott Pittman   
Cost: $325
When: TBA
 

iPad Band! NEW!     8 Years & Up
There are quite a few kids at Brookline Music School waiting for their lessons while playing on their iPad or iPod touch. Most are playing 'Angry Birds'; but did know there are many great music apps for these devices that are wonderful at helping teach music and expanding musical knowledge of instruments and theory...? Plus, they are really fun!!

iPad band! is exactly what it seems: students getting together and playing the many varied instruments available on their multimedia devices, and working out a program of popular songs to be debuted at an upcoming recital. But in iPad band!, students will be switching different instruments for each song, playing some instruments they've never even heard of, understanding the concepts of all the basic family of instruments, and showing what it takes to be part of an ensemble. Plus, think of how cool it will be being part of the first ever iPad recital!!

Students are encouraged to bring their own iPad, iPod touch, iPhone, or any other device that has access to digital music apps, but Brookline music school has two iPads for use to any students who don't have access to one. Contact Scott Pittman if you would like a demonstration of the iPad in all it's musical glory.

Class Length: 14-weeks, 60 minutes   
Instructor: Scott Pittman   
Cost: $385 per term
Private or group classes available. New sections being added. Please call for availability.

JAZZ THEORY IN A NUTSHELL   8-18 Years 
Jazz theory isn’t as complicated as it often seems. Any musician can learn the basics in just a few hours. Whether you play jazz, rock or classical music, you can learn to interpret chord symbols and identify the “key of the moment,” which will allow you to read chord charts and improvise over any song form. This hands-on class will meet once a week for four weeks. Bring your instrument!
Class Length: 4-weeks, 90 minutes    
Instructor: John Purcell   
Cost: $165 per term
New sections being added. Please call for availability.

MUSIC THEORY/COMPOSITION/EAR TRAINING   8 Years & Up
This class provides amateur musicians with the opportunity to turn their creative aspirations into songs and compositions. Those with a love of computers and music are able to create original music with the aid of state-of the art computer programs and MIDI technology.
Class Length: 15-weeks, 50 minutes   
Instructor: Various   
Cost: $350
Private and group classes available. New sections being added. Please call for availability.
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ENSEMBLES: Classes for 8 - 18 Years

Ensembles provide a unique opportunity to experience the joys of music making with others. Brookline Music School has a wide array of ensembles - with multiple performance opportunities - catering to a variety of musical abilities and interests. Ensembles are offered year-round. Placement interviews are held the first two weeks of each term.

"John Purcell has renewed my son's interest in piano. He is the best. We feel so privileged to be working with him. Thank you!!" ~ BMS Parent 2010
 

JAZZ/ROCK/POP ENSEMBLES 8-18 years 
These small, flexible and popular ensembles are open to players of all ages and instruments. Work on improvisation skills in a relaxed atmosphere and enjoy multiple performance opportunities. Non-improvising groups are also available.
Class Length: 15-weeks, 60 minutes   
Instructor: John Purcell   
Cost: $415 per term
New sections being added. Please call for availability.

CHAMBER ENSEMBLES  8-18 years 
Chamber music groups are open to all instrumentalists at all levels. Players will be assigned to ensembles of two to six players based on age, experience and ability level. Guided by a coach, groups work on listening, balance and sight reading. Multiple performance opportunities.
Class Length: 15-weeks, 60 minutes   
Instructor: Various    Cost: $415 per term
New sections being added. Please call for availability.

FLUTE CHOIR  8-18 years 
Play original flute choir music and transcriptions on flutes of all sizes from piccolo to bass. For 8 years and older with good music reading ability. Multiple in-house and public performance opportunities.
Class Length: 15-weeks, 60 minutes   
Instructor: John Martin   
Cost: $415 per term
New sections being added. Please call for availability.
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ADULT ENSEMBLES

Music's not just for kids. Why not get out your old violins, clarinets, cello's and guitars or whatever and join one of our adult classical or jazz ensembles? Groups meet weekly, and are coached by our experienced faculty.

ADULT CHAMBER ENSEMBLES
Have you ever wanted to play in a band? Keep music in your life by joining an adult ensemble. Bring friends or meet new ones! Groups are organized during the first two weeks of each term and meet weekly in a relaxed, friendly environment. Open to all instrumentalists, intermediate to advanced. Flexible rehearsal schedules and multiple performance opportunities.
Class Length: 8-weeks, 60 minutes   
Instructor: Various   
Cost: $220 per term
New sections being added. Please call for availability.

ADULT JAZZ ENSEMBLES
Dust off those instruments and bring some jazz into your life! Ensembles meet weekly. Open to all instrumentalists. Multiple performance opportunities available.
Class Length: 15-weeks, 60 minutes   
Instructor: John Purcell   
Cost: $415 per term
New sections being added. Please call for availability.
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PRIVATE INSTRUCTION

Private lessons are the cornerstone of our educational offerings, and we welcome students of all ages, abilities and levels of experience. The School believes that the right match of student and teacher is vital to a student’s progress, pleasure of learning and enjoyment of music. After an initial consultation, the student is assigned to a faculty member whose teaching style most closely complements the student’s learning style and personality. New students are asked to complete a registration form and contact the office to schedule lessons.

To Register Contact Margaret Denton mdenton@bmsmusic.org, (617) 277-4593 ext. 243
 

Included in Private Instruction
Weekly private lessons (Term I: 16 weeks, Term II: 15 weeks plus a Workshop Week)  
Workshop week in place of one lesson during Spring semester
Multiple student recitals and concerts
Special workshops and master classes
Written progress report in Term I
Phone conference evaluation in Term II

Private Instruction is Available On:
Accordion, Banjo, Baritone/Euphonium, Bassoon, Cello, Clarinet, Composition, Double Bass, Drum Set/Percussion, Garage Band ,
Guitar & Bass Guitar, Flute & Baroque Flute, French Horn, Harmonica, Harp, Mallet Percussion, Music Technology, Oboe, Piano
Recorder, Saxophone, Sibelius, Theory, Trombone, Trumpet, Ukulele, Viola, Violin and Voice         

Private Lesson Locations
Private lessons are held in Kennard House and in the following Brookline Public Schools: Baker, Brookline High School, Devotion, Driscoll, Lawrence, Lincoln, Pierce and Runkle (Old Lincoln).

For more information on Private Instruction click here