Programs

Private lessons are the heart
of student’s musical training

Bassoon, clarinet,  cello, double bass, drums, electric bass, fiddle, flute, French horn, guitar, harmonica, harp, mandolin, percussion, piano, recorder, steel drum, timpani, trumpet, viola, violin, voice . . .

If the instrument you’d like to learn isn’t listed – call us, we’ll find a teacher!

• Private lessons are 30, 45 or 60 minutes long, arranged to fit the student’s and teacher’s schedules.
• A school-year session from September to June and an 8-week summer session.
• Students may enroll at any time, and we will prorate tuition.
• Lessons at the Carter Center and East Greenwich Branch.

New Student Audition

For intermediate and advanced students new to the Music School we may suggest an informal audition to assess their needs and match them to the appropriate teachers.

Early Childhood Classes

No one is too young to make music!

• Infant Class (Newborn – 18 months)
  We introduce the babies to wide variety of musical sounds
• Toddler Class (18 months – 3 years)
  Expand sounds, explore movement & response
• Pre-School Class (4 & 5 year olds)
  Expand listening & movement; more accuracy, singing, chanting in preparation for more formal music teaching if desired.
• Instrument Sampler (6 to 9 years old)
  In a fun, interactive environment, this 6-week class is designed to help each child
  choose his or her own instrument for private study.

Suzuki Method Violin, Cello, Piano, Guitar & Flute

There are four components of our Suzuki Program:

• Observation – New families observe a Private Lesson and a Group Class before entering the program.
• Parent Education – Parents learn the Suzuki philosophy and method of teaching.
• Private Lessons – focus on developing good playing posture, tone, technique and expression.
• Group Classes – develop ensemble playing, repertoire review, ear-training, singing and rhythm activities, music reading and music games.
• Suzuki Sampler – highly recommended for parents of younger children (ages 4-5) who have little or no knowledge of the Suzuki Method and whose children have not expressed interest in a particular instrument. Using games, child-friendly activities and limited hands-on demonstration, teachers introduce young children to a different instrument each week.

Teacher Training:

Every Child Can! An Introduction to Suzuki Education©

This Suzuki Association of the Americas (SAA) course provides background in the philosophy and method pioneered by Japanese violin pedagogue Shinichi Suzuki (1898-1998). Open to teachers, college music students and students’ parents.

About the Suzuki Method

Developed by the late Japanese teacher Dr. Shinichi Suzuki, the method uses the “mother tongue” approach, based on the ease with which young children learn to speak – listening, imitation and encouragement. For more information visit our Suzuki Instruction Page

Youth and Adult Ensembles

The Philharmonic Music School offers a wide array of ensembles including Orchstras, Jazz and Rock Combos and Flute, Chamber, String and Percussion ensembles. All Youth Ensembles rehearse at the Carter Center. For more information please visit out Community Ensembles Page.

Music Theory

This class includes the study of notation, scales, chords, intervals, ear training and more. For more information please visit our Music Theory Page.

Music Wellness

Music Therapy
Health professionals who specialize in music therapy use music to address physical, emotional, cognitive and social needs. Music therapy is especially appropriate for those diagnosed with autism to address their styles of speech and non-verbal communication skills. After assessing the strengths and needs of each client, Crystal or Emily will provide the appropriate therapy that will include creating, singing, moving to and/or listening to music. For more information visit our Music Wellness Page.

The Alexander Technique
This technique is a highly-effective method used to release tension and improve coordination. This technique is especially beneficial to musicians dealing with excessive stress, injury or pain, to enhance their performance skills. For more information please visit out Music Wellness Page.