PRIVATE LESSONS

The interaction between a single teacher and a single student is at the core of the Bloomingdale philosophy of music education. Our unique approach to teaching music involves communication and goal setting through our Planning Together program. Students, parents, and faculty meet at the beginning of each term to set goals. Our faculty members then design a program that meets the unique needs of each student-adapting to his or her challenge level, assessing technical strengths and weaknesses, and creating an atmosphere tailored to the student's own learning style.

Bloomingdale's faculty is among the finest at New York City community schools. Faculty members are entrusted with the mission and core values of the school and their daily work represents Bloomingdale's educational and artistic achievements. In order to assemble a talented and dedicated faculty, Bloomingdale maintains high selection standards when hiring teaching artists. Not only are Bloomingdale instructors committed to teaching, they are also active musicians and performers.

In addition to the weekly lesson, the private instruction program features a number of opportunities that are challenging, supportive, and fun. Over 30 informal recitals called Music Sharing Hours are presented each year. These provide a comfortable environment for players of all levels to perform for friends, family, and the community. It is an ideal way to be introduced to music as a performing art.

Bloomingdale's annual Performance Competition in June provides students at all levels the opportunity to play for experienced judges and receive written comments and prizes. The biannual Vincent Wagner Concerto Competition allows students to audition to play a concerto with a professional chamber orchestra at a public performance.

Bloomingdale offers three different lengths for private instrumental or vocal study-30 minutes, 45 minutes, or 60 minutes-designed to meet the needs of beginning through advanced students and any budget. We will make every effort to match each student with an appropriate teacher at a time that is convenient. Faculty bios are available on bsmny.org.

All students who study privately at BSM receive:

• Performance opportunities
• Free accompaniment
• Access to practice rooms
• Free access to Theory in a Box
• Access to master classes taught by premier artist teachers