Private music lessons are designed to meet the musical needs of each student and are arranged on a weekly basis for half-hour, 45-minute, or full-hour periods. Although the appropriate age for a child to begin private music lessons depends on the maturity of the child, the Dana Hall School of Music feels most children are ready to benefit from private instruction as early as the age of five.

In addition to private lessons and under the guidance of its faculty members, the Dana Hall School of Music provides many informal music workshops where students perform for each other, discuss the details of the composition, and taste the experience of performing for audiences. Throughout the year, as many as 30 recitals are scheduled for students, faculty, and guest performers. Students are encouraged to share their music and gain a broad musical experience. The Dana Hall School of Music believes strongly that recitals provide excellent motivation for students to make use of when they are perfecting and performing their pieces. Students are encouraged but never forced to perform in public.

Music School Offerings

Piano
Classical, Pop and Jazz

Strings
Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass, Guitar

Woodwinds
Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, Saxophone

Brass
French Horn, Trumpet 

Percussion
Drum set

Voice
Beginning in seventh grade

Other Activities

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.

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. 

Workshops
Small groups of usually five students in an informal setting with a different music teacher. Students get to talk and play, learn 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.

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.