Instruments

INSTRUMENTAL Music Lessons

A three-part approach to the study of music, The Ridgewood Conservatory’s Music Preparatory Program provides the student musician with a sound foundation as well as multi-faceted performance experience:

  • Private Instrument (or Vocal) Instruction. Tailored to meet the needs and talents of the student, Private Instruction enables each student to progress at his or her own rate.
  • Theory and Musicianship Classes. The study of Theory and Musicianship provides the framework necessary for the understanding and performance of music.
  • Chamber Music and Jazz Ensembles. Ongoing participation in an ensemble serves to broaden the scope of performance beyond that of private study.
Save $10 on tuition when you enroll in private instruction AND an ensemble or workshop!

Private instruction is provided by our faculty of world-class virtuosi on piano, woodwinds, strings, brass, guitar, and percussion.

three children playing instruments

The Ridgewood Conservatory is currently offering both on-site and online instruction.

INSTRUCTION

PRIVATE INSTRUMENT*

Spring ’24: January 29, 2024 – June 22, 2024
Summer ’24: June 24, 2024 – August 31, 2024
Fall ’23: September 4, 2023 – January 27, 2024

Private study of instrumental lessons offers the student musician untold benefits. Many use the time to focus on improving their overall musicianship in addition to practicing songs for the school band. Others are interested in exploring new musical styles. For the beginner, private instruction provides the opportunity to get a head-start before participating in a school music program. Private instruction is offered both on-site and online on woodwinds, brass, strings, percussion, piano,  guitar as well as on voice and acting.

*Piano and violin lessons available for ages 5 years – adult.
All other instruments available for ages 8 years – adult.

Also available in Summer ’24…

Basic Piano and Theory for Vocalists teaches our student-singers how to read music and understand musical notation in preparation for learning to accompany themselves.

Our unique ‘Try an Instrument’ program offers a great introduction to learning a new instrument in just three 30-minute lessons. Click the button below to find out more!

theory & musicianship

Spring ’24: January 29, 2024 – June 22, 2024
Summer ’24: June 24, 2024 – August 31, 2024
Fall ’23: September 4, 2023 – January 27, 2024

TRC’s Theory and Musicianship classes are designed to teach the fundamentals of music using theory, composition, ear training and music literature. Students will gain a comprehensive and useful knowledge of music principles, enhancing both their musical awareness and performance.

MORE OPPORTUNITIES FOR OUR STUDENT-MUSICIANS ...

Professional study offers a significantly more advanced level for those seeking to utilize materials learned in private study in a commercial or professional manner.

Per-diem lessons are available for students who prefer to schedule lessons on a per-lesson basis.

*Professional Study and Per-Diem Lessons may be cancelled without obligation with a minimum of 24 hours notice. If a lessons is cancelled for any reason with less than 24 hours notice, the student is obligated to pay for the lesson in full.

8 rehearsals per semester (schedules to be determined)

Chamber Music Ensembles and Jazz Ensembles provide the opportunity to perform challenging level-appropriate music in an intimate group setting. Students will be accepted by audition only and placed according to ability. The following ensembles will be offered at the intermediate and advanced levels: Woodwinds, Saxophone, Clarinet, Flute, String, Brass, Percussion, Guitar, and Jazz.

* 10 years – adult. Students will be accepted by audition only and placed according to ability.
Schedules to be determined by instructor. Classes subject to enrollment.

8 rehearsals per semester (schedules to be determined)

Designed for student-musicians who are fluent in all 12 keys, Jazz Improvisation teaches the skills necessary to do much more than play the written notes on the page. Students explore their creative potential through improvisation, experience a variety of jazz styles, experiment with new techniques, and enjoy the rhythms and sounds associated with some of America’s most famous musicians. Students bring their own instruments.

* 10 years – adult. Students will be accepted by audition only and placed according to ability.
Schedules to be determined by instructor. Classes subject to enrollment.8

Students studying piano with Maestra Pamela Vera can now enroll in a new program which integrates Piano, Solfege and Theory into twice-weekly private lessons. This intensive is designed to augment and enhance a young pianist’s progress and to accelerate overall musicianship and prowess. Available as two 30, 45 or 60 minute lessons per week. (Lessons may be scheduled back-to-back.)

Private and/or group instruction is available in Music Composition, Music History, and preparation for school, band, orchestra or professional auditions and Music Advance Placement exams.

The Ridgewood Conservatory’s annual student recital will be held on-site in our Rose Recital Hall. All of our students are encouraged, but not required, to participate.

As the Fall semester progresses, our teachers schedule small “sonata recitals” in TRC’s Rose Recital Hall to provide their students with the opportunity to practice performing in front of an audience, and to hear their own teachers perform.

The Ridgewood Conservatory’s Faculty Recitals offer our students the unique opportunity to hear their own teachers perform in a concert setting. (Date and venue to be announced.)

INSTRUMENTS WE OFFER ...

The Ridgewood Conservatory’s faculty of highly trained professional performers/instructors offers one-on-instruction to students of all ages and levels on a full range of instruments:

Have a particular instrument in mind? To find out more about studying your favorite(s), click on any of the instruments highlighted above!

Instrumental music lessons are available in all genres, including classical, pop, jazz, latin and rock.