Description of all classes

MUSIC, MOMMY & ME (ages 2 - 3). Maximum 8 students in a group. These classes:

1. Develop children’s musical abilities (pitch, rhythm, etc.) and interest in classical music.

2. Introduce young children to many elements of music in the form of exciting musical games and with the help    of numerous teaching aids (the program goes far beyond singing and finger-plays.)

3. Teach kids to play percussion instruments, act out music of famous classical composers, sing, dance

4. Give young children their first taste of playing piano.

MUSIC WORKSHOP (ages 3 - 7). Maximum 8 students in a group, divided by age. Workshop classes:

1. Develop musical abilities, listening skills, improve attention span.

2. Teach children to appreciate and love classical music (children learn music of great composers:   Tchaikovsky, Chopin, Beethoven, Mozart, Bach, Grieg, Haydn and others).

3. Kids are introduced to instruments of the orchestra.

4. Music Workshop classes prepare children for private lessons by teaching them music theory: names of notes, names of piano keys, note values, time signatures.

At our Academy students who graduated from Music Workshop classes with Miss Elena are ready to start private piano lessons after age 6. Children who did not attend Miss Elena's classes can start piano lessons if they are 7 or older. By this age they have begun to develop longer attention spans and can retain material with ease. Reading and basic math comprehensions are necessary to grasp the concepts involved in the reading of music. Our instructors teach the standard method of theory and musicianship. Our students learn to read music and understand musical theory concepts. Memorization and ear training are also a part of our lessons. Our studio uses the wide variety of well-established piano-teaching methods, such as Bastien, Thompson, Schaum, Alfred, etc. The piano books are prepared for the students so that parents are not obligated to search for the books by themselves. A piano for home practice is essential.

Students who graduated from Music Workshop classes with Miss Elena are ready to start private violin or viola lessons after age 6. Children who did not attend Miss Elena's classes can start violin lessons if they are 7 or older. Violin or Viola lessons are available Monday through Saturday.

7 years old is the earliest age we recommend for guitar lessons.  Guitar playing requires a fair amount of pressure on the fingertips from pressing the strings. Children under 7 generally have small hands and may find playing uncomfortable. Our students learn to read music, play chords and learn scales.  They also learn solo playing, accompaniment, improvisation and finger picking. A guitar for home practice is essential.

FLUTE (ages 9 & up)

DRUMS (ages 9 & up)

Common Question about Drum lessons: Do I need a full drum set to take drum lessons?
Answer: No, you do not need a full drum set to start drum lessons. Students can start lessons by using a practice pad. This is a small dinner plate sized pad that costs $20-$30 that is used for practicing basic drum rhythms.

8 Years old is recommended as a good starting age for private vocal lessons. Due to the physical nature of voice lessons, (proper breathing techniques, development of the vocal chords and lung capacity), the younger body is generally not quite yet ready for the rigors of vocal technique. Voice students will learn projection, expression, proper singing posture, diction, and a variety of other singing related skills.  The teacher initially will assess the student’s natural ability and skill level. From there, the instructor will set out to not only improve the student’s vocal quality, but their musicality and “ear” for music as well.  Students may bring in their favorite music to be considered for use by the instructor.

The choir program teaches vocal basics in a fun group session. Students learn proper warm-up and breathing exercises, and an introduction to harmony. The choir works on a wide range of musical styles from contemporary Disney songs to Holiday songs classics and historical folk songs. The actual songs vary every year. Each child is given a folder at the beginning of the year with the material that they will be covering.

The child must be accompanied by an adult (mom, dad, nanny, grandma, grandpa, etc.). Wear comfortable clothing and be prepared to have fun with your child. This class is focused on learning an introduction to basic dance movements and work towards physical coordination, creative skills and following directions. Participation in this class will encourage social interaction, self expression, creative skills and following directions. Dance, Mommy & Me class is a great way for mom and child to share a special time together, to have fun, dance around and enjoy a variety of music!

Creative Dance Class is an introduction to dance. The primary goal is to foster creativity, freedom and expression in movement, and love for dance. This class develops child's flexibility. The creative component is quite large. Several fun or special activities happen in each class. Taking part in dancing out a narrative helps children to understand that dancing is expression. It is a means of communicating feelings and actions. The activities in Creative Dance Class prepare students for Pre-ballet classes.

The class includes concepts that will prepare the students for Ballet class. By the end of the year the students can dance set work independent of the teacher, memorize simple exercises and sequences, and make a start of musical interpretation.

The ballet experience can excite and inspire you. Ballet is among the most beautiful forms of expression ever devised. The study of ballet is the foundation for every form of dance. Dancers develop self-discipline, poise, controlled body, grace, strength and stamina, plus, it can be a great work out! Students also learn a new vocabulary of basic dance terminology and traditional movements. We also offer teen recreational ballet for students who have not taken ballet as younger children and who wish to take ballet without following a syllabus. The Dance Studio offers many ballet classes - even beginning and advanced ballet classes for adults!.

To attend these classes students need to have 2 years experience. Exceptions can be made only at the teacher’s discretion.

Tap offers an exciting and rhythmic dance and exercise form, which is enjoyable to both children and adults. Rooted in African-American History, tap offers a variety of styles and techniques. The classes stress the basics of tap and builds into combinations which are great to watch and delightful to hear. Try tap for fun and fitness. We have a class for you, weather a student 4˝ (Pre-Tap) or older (Tap-1, Tap-2), beginning or advanced.

Jazz style of dance is what is seen in many Broadway shows such as "Cats." It is a structured, stylistic and energetic form of dance, with its roots in ballet and modern dance techniques. Dancers will develop flexibility, muscle strength, and understanding of rhythm. A foundation of jazz terms and combinations will be core for this class.

Hip hop is a street influenced type of dance. You may find this style of dance in some of today's hottest music videos, live performances, and dance shows. Hip Hop has no boundaries; it is a combination of almost all forms of dance in one. Its roots come from Jazz, Funk Styles, and even Ballet. In this class dancers will develop flexibility, isolation, will learn how to synchronize movements, express themselves and find their rhythm.

Musical Theatre (ages 6 & up)

Get excited about acting! These classes are designed to teach your children how to use their own creativity and develop both social and theatrical tools for performance from beginners to advanced.  Learn self confidence, interaction and the ability to perform in front of an audience in a fun enriched environment. These aims are achieved through highly developed, original drama programs. Our musical theatre program teaches stage dance and includes a voice component.

Auditioning & Acting for Camera (ages 18 & up)

This class is for adults who are interested in pursuing a full or part time on-camera acting career in commercials, business videos, television, and movies. You will learn the proper techniques for auditioning, preparing a headshot/resume, and the immediate character and environmental creative development necessary to present yourself professionally during the actual audition. In addition, you will learn how acting for camera is different than acting on a stage and you will practice the mechanical processes and your innate abilities that are critical to success.  Acting requires discipline, therefore be prepared to work hard and accept mild criticism.  For those who are dedicated, the personal rewards include enhanced self-confidence, self-awareness, and the recognition and development of your potential.  Perfect class for those who are a little shy but know deep-down that they have what it takes.

  Acting and Character Development for Stage  (ages 18 & up)

This class is for adults who are serious about pursuing the wonderful world of amateur or professional acting. The course focuses on the development of strong characters who will come to life on the stage at your beck and call.  It is an intense study of how to develop the attributes, traits, and abilities (characterization) that become the foundation of a role, followed by intense practice, which is necessary to create believability. Acting is reacting thus the class focuses on the development of awareness, inside and outside, along with a sense of understanding and how to conjure up those hidden emotions.  Add a hint of spirituality and upon completion of your studies, you will be able to audition for plays with confidence.  More importantly, you will be able to engage your character and create truth on the stage in view of many.  Be prepared to work hard and accept direction. A must class for those who live and love community theatre.

Play-Reading for Adults (ages 18 & up)

This class is for adults who love the theatre and would love to participate in live theatre but simply don't have the time.  The play-reading group meets once per week to rehearse for a final performance.  After a play is selected, there are eight weeks of rehearsal and a performance on the ninth week.  Four plays will be presented during the school year at special play reading events where friends and relatives are invited for an evening of theatre.  Play reading requires no makeup, costuming nor staging.  The essence of play-reading is the readers ability to create a character and bring the role to life, never having to get up off the chair.  It's a wonderfully fun and relaxing way to spend an hour and a half once per week with new and old friends, plus it develops your presentation skills and hones your self-confidence, which is perfect for business people in sales or any profession that requires giving a presentation.  Be prepared for a good time.

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