Music Programs

BLOOMINGDALE TRAINING PROGRAM

PIANO, STRINGS, GUITAR

Private Lessons, Music Theory, & Ensembles offered as an advanced study package at a discounted rate.

Ideal for elementary, middle school, and high school students who want to commit to their musical training and advancement.

WHAT IS THE BLOOMINGDALE TRAINING PROGRAM (BTP)?

The Bloomingdale Training Program (BTP) is our advanced training track for motivated music students looking to deepen their skills through performance, collaboration, and musicianship. Now in its updated format, BTP continues to support student growth while expanding access and flexibility. Participation requires enrollment in one private lesson and one ensemble or chamber group. A theory class is optional but strongly encouraged to support musical growth and understanding.

In addition, students involved will have opportunities to participate in guest masterclasses and will be able to take advantage of the mentorship of their program’s coordinator throughout their tenure. Current areas of study in BTP are Guitar, Piano, and Strings.

HOW BTP WORKS FOR YOU:

Students will be enrolled in 2 -3 components based both on their choosing and their placement by coordinators. Below outlines options for optimum success based on where the student is in their learning:

PRIVATE LESSONS

Private Lessons of 45 minutes or 60 minutes are essential for growth. Students will choose which length of their lessons work for them.

ENSEMBLES

Students will choose to participate in 8 week chamber, 17 week chamber, 17 week large group ensemble, or a combination of these options.

MUSIC THEORY*

*Optional: Student will be placed in a theory class by our Program Coordinators based on their ability level. Adding this to your package awards 10% off BTP tuition.

Any one who is accepted into BTP receives a discount on a sliding scale based on household income. Those who opt-in for all three components of BTP (private lesson, ensemble, and theory) will receive an additional 10% discount on tuition. Calculate your personal BTP tuition at the calculator below and see how much you can save!

For information to apply for the Bloomingdale Training Program, contact registrar@bsmny.org

Click below to see more details about each individual Bloomingdale Training Program:

BTP: GUITAR

Program Coordinator:
Dr. José Maldonado

Category A: Private Lessons

Students will receive private lessons with a faculty member of their choosing and should expect to practice one hour daily. Students will prepare at least two contrasting solo pieces and perform in bi-annual juries. Lesson options are:

45 Minute Lessons
60 Minute Lessons

Category B: Ensembles

Students must choose at least one ensemble to play in every semester. Available ensembles for this instrument include:

Guitar Orchestra
Advanced Guitar Ensemble
Youth Jazz Ensemble
Chamber Ensembles

Category C: Music Theory (optional)

Upon a music theory placement test, students will attend the appropriate weekly 45-minute music theory course including both lecture and ear training. Those classes are:

Music Theory 101
Music Theory 201
Music Theory 301
Theory for Guitarists

Student Eligibility:

1-2 years of private study on primary instrument.

The BTP guitar program has an upper age limit of 17, with no minimum starting age. To participate, the student and their family must commit to three weekly classes: a guitar lesson, ensemble playing, and music theory. Additionally, dedication to studying and adequate preparation for each class is essential for success in the program.

(Current BSM students) Recommendation of private teacher that student is ready for a comprehensive music program

(New students) Conversation and playing assessment with BTP Coordinator.

Tuition:

Calculate your personal BTP tuition at the calculator below and see how much you can save!

Program Coordinator:
Dr. José Maldonado

Category A: Private Lessons

Students will receive private lessons with a faculty member of their choosing and should expect to practice one hour daily. Students will prepare at least two contrasting solo pieces and perform in bi-annual juries. Lesson options are:

Category B: Ensembles

Students must choose at least one ensemble to play in every semester. Available ensembles for this instrument include:

Category C: Music Theory (optional)

Upon a music theory placement test, students will attend the appropriate weekly 45-minute music theory course including both lecture and ear training. Those classes are:

Student Eligibility:

  • 1-2 years of private study on primary instrument.
  • The BTP guitar program has an upper age limit of 17, with no minimum starting age. To participate, the student and their family must commit to three weekly classes: a guitar lesson, ensemble playing, and music theory. Additionally, dedication to studying and adequate preparation for each class is essential for success in the program.
  • (Current BSM students) Recommendation of private teacher that student is ready for a comprehensive music program
  • (New students) Conversation and playing assessment with BTP Coordinator.

Tuition:

Students must audition before registering, either in person or by submitting a video recording. Select your preferred audition option for the Intermediate Chamber Orchestra at the button below.

Interested? Read more below about next steps.

For More Details Contact:
jmaldonado@bsmny.org

BTP: PIANO

Program Coordinator:
Monica Verona

Category A: Private Lessons

Students will receive private lessons with a faculty member of their choosing and should expect to practice one hour daily. Students will prepare at least two contrasting solo pieces and perform in bi-annual juries.

45 Minute Lessons
60 Minute Lessons

Category B: Ensembles

Students must choose at least one ensemble to play in every semester. Available ensembles for this instrument include:

Chamber Ensembles
Children’s Chorus
Center Stage
Broadway Ensemble
Youth Jazz Ensemble

Category C: Music Theory (optional)

Upon a music theory placement test, students will attend the appropriate weekly 45-minute music theory course including both lecture and ear training.

Music Theory 101
Music Theory 201
Music Theory 301

Student Eligibility:

Ages 8 – 13 years

1-2 years of private study on primary instrument.

(Current BSM students) Recommendation of private teacher that student is ready for a comprehensive music program

(New students) Conversation and playing assessment with BTP Coordinator.

Tuition:

Calculate your personal BTP tuition at the calculator below and see how much you can save!

Program Coordinator:
Monica Verona

Category A: Private Lessons

Students will receive private lessons with a faculty member of their choosing and should expect to practice one hour daily. Students will prepare at least two contrasting solo pieces and perform in bi-annual juries.

Category B: Ensembles

Students must choose at least one ensemble to play in every semester. Available ensembles for this instrument include:

Category C: Music Theory (optional)

Upon a music theory placement test, students will attend the appropriate weekly 45-minute music theory course including both lecture and ear training.

Student Eligibility:

  • Ages 8 – 13 years
  • 1-2 years of private study on primary instrument.
  • (Current BSM students) Recommendation of private teacher that student is ready for a comprehensive music program
  • (New students) Conversation and playing assessment with BTP Coordinator.

Tuition:

Students must audition before registering, either in person or by submitting a video recording. Select your preferred audition option for the Intermediate Chamber Orchestra at the button below.

Interested? Read more below about next steps.

For More Details Contact:
mverona@bsmny.org

BTP: STRINGS

Program Coordinator:
Veronica Carpenter

Category A: Private Lessons

Students will receive private lessons with a faculty member of their choosing and should expect to practice one hour daily. Students will prepare at least two contrasting solo pieces and perform in bi-annual juries.

45 Minute Lessons
60 Minute Lessons

Category B: Ensembles

Students must choose at least one ensemble to play in every semester. Available ensembles for this instrument include:

Beginner Orchestra
Intermediate Orchestra
Advanced Orchestra
Chamber Ensembles

Category C: Music Theory (optional)

Upon a music theory placement test, students will attend the appropriate weekly 45-minute music theory course including both lecture and ear training.

Music Theory 101
Music Theory 201
Music Theory 301

Student Eligibility:

Ages 8 – 13 years

1-2 years of private study on primary instrument.

(Current BSM students) Recommendation of private teacher that student is ready for a comprehensive music program

(New students) Conversation and playing assessment with BTP Coordinator.

Tuition:

Calculate your personal BTP tuition at the calculator below and see how much you can save!

Program Coordinator:
Veronica Carpenter

Category A: Private Lessons

Students will receive private lessons with a faculty member of their choosing and should expect to practice one hour daily. Students will prepare at least two contrasting solo pieces and perform in bi-annual juries.

Category B: Ensembles

Students must choose at least one ensemble to play in every semester. Available ensembles for this instrument include:

Category C: Music Theory (optional)

Upon a music theory placement test, students will attend the appropriate weekly 45-minute music theory course including both lecture and ear training.

Student Eligibility:

  • Ages 8 – 13 years
  • 1-2 years of private study on primary instrument.
  • (Current BSM students) Recommendation of private teacher that student is ready for a comprehensive music program
  • (New students) Conversation and playing assessment with BTP Coordinator.

Tuition:

Students must audition before registering, either in person or by submitting a video recording. Select your preferred audition option for the Intermediate Chamber Orchestra at the button below.

Interested? Read more below about next steps.

For More Details Contact:
vcarpenter@bsmny.org

What you need to know

Interested? Contact the BTP Coordinator of your chosen instrument via email to schedule your placement audition. After the audition, the registration team will reach out to the family directly with the tuition calculator and to plan the student’s schedule.  

STUDENT ELIGIBILITY

  • 1-2 years of private study on primary instrument 
  • Current BSM students: Recommendation of private teacher that student is ready for a comprehensive music program and the work that it will take to prepare for biannual juries and extra performances. 
  • New students to BSM: Conversation and playing assessment with BTP Instrument Coordinator

Interested? Contact the BTP Coordinator of your chosen instrument via email to schedule your placement audition. After the audition, the registration team will reach out to the family directly with the tuition calculator and to plan the student’s schedule. 

STUDENT ELIGIBILITY

1-2 years of private study on primary instrument 

Current BSM students: Recommendation of private teacher that student is ready for a comprehensive music program and the work that it will take to prepare for biannual juries and extra performances. 

New students to BSM: Conversation and playing assessment with BTP Instrument Coordinator

application deadline

Applications will be accepted throughout the school year.

Audition date

Auditions are scheduled individually with Program Coordinator. (These are placement auditions and does not determine acceptance to the program.)

Semester Tuition

Tuition is calculated based on students participation levels. A BTP fee is required for all students. A sliding scale discount is available based on family income and an additional 10% discount on tuition is provided for BTP students enrolled in all 3 components (including Music Theory). Calculate your personal BTP tuition at the calculator below and see how much you can save!

Questions and Information

José Maldonado
Director of Guitar Studies

Monica Verona
Director of Piano Studies

Veronica Carpenter 
Director of Strings Studies

SLIDING SCALE AND TUITION CALCULATOR:

please check back soon as we update our calculator.

Ready to Join the Bloomingdale Community?

DISCOVER YOUR INNER MUSICIAN!

Join us for Instrument Discovery Day – January 26th, 11 AM – 1 PM. Explore the violin, guitar, trumpet, and more with the guidance of Bloomingdale’s expert faculty. Explore the violin, guitar, trumpet, and more with Bloomingdale’s expert faculty.
Free & fun for all ages!