The Very Young

Music is perhaps never more exciting than in the preschool years. Rhythm inhabits children; they respond with their whole physical selves. We encourage families to make music a part of life from the earliest years. By nurturing this innate delight of music, children develop physically and intellectually. At Dana Hall, lessons are fun for children and their parents.

Pre-Piano Class

Pre-Piano classes are for children five and six years of age who have no previous piano experience.  In a fun interactive style, these small classes teach children the basics of the keyboard and prepare them for reading music notation. General music skills, such as rhythm and listening, are also reinforced.  This class is strongly recommended before signing up your young child for private piano instruction.  

Suzuki Method for Strings

Suzuki Talent Education, also called the "Mother Tongue" method, is modeled on the way children learn to speak their native language. The method is based on the belief that talent is not inherited, but nurtured by a child's environment. Suzuki, which emphasizes listening and imitation, is a great way to get children comfortable with an instrument. We often see that, for early Suzuki students, music is accepted as part of their life as they grow. Because parents must work with the child everyday at home, Suzuki lessons are really a family affair! (For children age four-and-a-half and older)

Piano

By age five, children are beginning to recognize letters and have the ability to begin to read music. Our private piano lessons for young children begin at this time. (For children five and older)

Children and Teens

Children can take up an instrument at any time. Private instruction at Dana Hall complements instruction in the public school. Many of our students play with their school orchestras. Our small ensembles give children a safe space to learn how to make music with a group. At Dana Hall, there is no audition process, although we may request that your child play for us so we can determine his or her level of ability.

Group Classes

Strings students have the chance to take group lessons in addition to individual instruction. In these valuable groups, children learn to play in a group and handle different parts. They practice playing for other people and better grasp rhythm and theory. Group lessons prime them for mixed instrument chamber ensembles.

Other Activities

As they progress, children continue with private instruction and begin to play in chamber ensembles. Many times, their schools have larger ensembles, and our intimate setting gives them the opportunity to participate and learn more in a smaller group.

Guided by faculty, workshops also provide informal performing experience. Students perform for each other and discuss the details of their work.

Students may also audition for our Concerto Competition. These mixed environments also give adolescents and young adults a chance to socialize and practice being part of a group.

Certificate Program

This is a program designed for particularly talented and committed students. It promotes a high standard of musicianship. Those in the certificate program are expected to fulfill the curriculum requirements for their own level and will be evaluated by a panel of teachers at the end of the school year. Students are to perform in two recitals and one workshop and attend one faculty recital at least once a year.

Students of Dana Hall School

Many Middle and Upper School students who attend Dana Hall have a special and lasting relationship with the School of Music. Dana students who are accomplished musicians find challenging lessons, nurturing faculty, and a sizeable community of likeminded music lovers. Those who are new to music may discover an affinity for an instrument, learn to sight-read, or even go on to play in our flute choir.

With studio and performance space right on campus, students find that it is easy to integrate music study into their daily class schedule and still have time to pursue other interests. Because the School of Music is not limited to Dana Hall students, girls find themselves connecting with a larger community of musicians, especially in mixed workshops, recitals, and lessons. Many of our more serious students go on to study music in college-our teachers are always happy to help with the application and audition process.

Adults

At Dana Hall School of Music, we recognize that adults want to make music, too. In our "adult-friendly" environment, you will find it easy to limber up your piano fingers or take your first voice lesson. Our friendly, engaging teachers offer private instruction that is supportive and geared for your specific level, whether novice, beginner-again, or more sure and seasoned. In addition to individual lessons, the School of Music offers all-adult group lessons and ensembles as well as occasional lectures by our teachers on a range of topics, from classical composers to jazz.

Offerings

Private Lessons

One student, one teacher. Personal attention. All levels, all instruments. Thirty-, 45-, or 60-minute lessons, once or twice each week. Some of our teachers offer private lessons in the summer as well as during the school year.

Group Lessons

One teacher with a small group of students learning the same string instrument. Teaches students how to play with others. Prepares them for chamber ensemble.

Chamber Ensembles

Dana Hall's chamber ensembles are small (three to eight students). They are comprised of a mix of instruments. Offered in addition to private lessons. 

Recitals

 Performance is not mandatory for most of the students at the School of Music. Even so, most students participate enthusiastically in our mixed instrument, mixed level recitals, which are held several times during the year.

Workshops

Small groups of usually five students in an informal setting with a different music teacher. Students get to talk and play, lLearn what to listen for and how to give and receive feedback. Offered as part of private lessons.

Concerto Competitions

 Open to all students in the Dana Hall School of Music. Students audition to perform with a local orchestra.

Festivals

Four days of fun, intensive, gatherings capped by a performance. Held in June.