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

Children start learning music and movement from
birth. They listen, watch and experiment with sounds and movement, and
eventually, they sing, chant and move rhythmically. Their mental capacities
are awakened and their motor skills are developed by movement.
Our Music and Movement classes playfully engage infants and toddlers in
activities including singing and chanting, moving to music, playing assorted
percussion instruments, pattern instruction and games that connect music to
their everyday world. The goal of the curriculum is to increase children’s
music aptitude through engaging and entertaining musical activities that will
lay a foundation for lifelong music appreciation and participation. Children
attend early childhood music class with a parent or caregiver.
"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.
Location: Goddard House in
Brookline, Assisted Living (165 Chestnut St. Brookline)
Teacher: Ruth Schechter
Ages: Mixed ages up to 5 years
(younger siblings welcome)
Day/Time: Thursdays at 3:30-4:15pm
Session 1: March 15-April
11 (dates changed from March 8-April 5)
Session 2: April-May 24 (dates
changed from May 3-May 31)
One Five Week Session:
$100
Two Five Week Sessions:
$180
No registration fees; Siblings 60% discount; Under 6 months free
For more information on Early Childhood Music & Movement Programs
click here.
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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
Groups are Book 1 and above. Classes serve to
reinforce concepts taught in lessons, fostering a sense of community among
peers and providing an opportunity to learn performance techniques in a
supportive environment. Groups are in conjunction with lessons. Students can
only enroll in flute groups if they are also enrolled in private lessons.
Class Length: 8-weeks, 30-45
minutes
Instructor: Amy Poliakoff
Cost: $150/term. Open to non-BMS
students for $185/term.
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
SUZUKI VIOLIN GROUPS 4 years and up
Groups are for Pre-Twinklers through Book One.
Classes serve to reinforce concepts taught in lessons, fostering a sense of
community among peers and providing an opportunity to learn performance
techniques in a supportive environment.Groups are in conjunction with lessons.
Students can only enroll in violin groups if they are also enrolled in private
lessons.
Class Length: 8-weeks, 30-minutes
Instructors: Michelle Rush, Carolyn
Ledbetter
Cost: $150/term. Open to non-BMS
students for $185/term.
SUNDAY SUZUKI VIOLIN GROUPS
(STUDIO C, Michelle Rush
instructor for all Sunday groups)
Pre-Twinklers: 3:45 - 4:15pm
Book One & Up: 4:15 - 4:45pm
Class Dates: 1/29,
2/12, 3/4, 3/18, 4/1, 4/29, 5/6, 5/20
TUESDAY SUZUKI VIOLIN GROUPS
(Bakalar Recital Hall, Carolyn Ledbetter
instructor for all Tuesday groups)
Pre-Twinklers & Book One: 3:30 -
4:00pm
Class Dates:
1/31, 2/14, 3/6, 3/20, 4/3,
5/1, 5/8, 5/22
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
BEGINNING PIANO
7-8 years
Students learn the basics of rhythm, notation and ear training in a relaxed,
creative group setting that incorporates music and movement with basic keyboard
skills. By the end of the second term, students will be able to read simple
melodies, improvise a melody with chords and work with basic rhythmic patterns.
Class Length: 15-weeks, 50 minutes
Instructor:
Maryellen Schepsis
Cost: $375 per term (Tuition costs include a required lesson book and
workbook-$15.)
Time: TBA
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.
__________________________________________________________________________________
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.
__________________________________________________________________________________
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.
__________________________________________________________________________________
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