Students enrolled for individual instruction are eligible to attend a variety of supplemental group classes at no extra charge. Read further for details.

The Suzuki Program (individual and groups)
ages 4 and up - violin, viola, cello, guitar and flute
The Suzuki Method is based on Dr. Shinicki Suzuki's principle that the very young can learn to play an instrument in the same way they learn to speak a language, by imitation.

In the Suzuki approach, each child's musical journey is supported by a knowledgeable and loving "home teacher" who is well prepared to guide the child through the challenge of learning these wonderful and deeply expressive instruments.

Special supplemental group classes augment the learning experience and are strongly recommended. These include:

Suzuki Pre-Twinkle Class
Suzuki Parents Class
Suzuki Level I Group
Suzuki Level II Group
Suzuki Level III Group
Suzuki Level IV Group
Beginning String Ensemble
Advanced Violin Group

Suzuki Festival Classes offer Suzuki students the opportunity to perform together in a formal setting. Younger beginners are encouraged to attend to watch and learn from the more experienced students. 2009-2010 Dates: Dec. 5, Feb. 6 and April 10

Music Express
age 3 months to 3 years (with parent)
Music Express is a joyful first experience with music specifically designed for children with their parents. In this interactive class, parents & children learn delightful rhymes, lullabies, games, songs and movement.

The Happy Piano (click HERE for flyer)
age 3 to 6 years
The Happy Piano is a powerful educational tool for children. It is a fun, interactive, innovative program which enables young children to receive piano lessons and excel in them.
Enrollment has begun for 2010 Spring Session.

Rhythm & Movement
age 3 to 7 - free to individual lesson students
A unique and fun combination of music reading, singing, and rhythmic play, tied together with creative movement and folk music from around the world.

Musical Adventures
age 3 to 10 - free to individual lesson students
Musical storyteller and flutist Zara Lawler will lead two groups (ages 3-6 and 7-10) on a creative journey exploring music, movement, story and theater. For the last eight years, Zara has been the flutist with Tales & Scales, the nationally acclaimed "musictelling" ensemble (www.talesandscales.org), and has presented hundreds of performances and workshops for children of all ages all over the country. She now brings her expertise to Musical Adventures to teach students to use their instruments, voices, and bodies communicatively and imaginatively. In a welcoming and non-competitive atmosphere, students will become more expressive performers through the unique approach of combining music, movement and theater. Fun interactive games and activities build on children's natural joy in the arts to increase their self-confidence and artistic expression. Some of the specific performance skills developed will be rhythm, dynamics, improvisation, stage voice, ensemble, and self-expression. Young children will find many avenues for entering into and exploring the world of music, while more advanced students will find new ways of manifesting their creativity, both with and without their instruments. In the spring, both classes will collaboratively create a musical story for performance by all the participants. Students should bring their instruments and we will also use some small percussion instruments provided by the class.

Sukey's Sunday Morning Circle for Tots (click HERE for flyer)
age 6 months - 5 years with parent
Enjoy theme based, hands-on, felt/art play, along with music, movement and puppet play, designed specifically for pre-school age children, and toddlers, with their parents. Activities include play with felt board materials, hand puppets, scarves, balls, musical instruments, and theme based action singing. Sukey Molloy is a developmental movement educator, award winning recording artist, and co-founder of PlayMove&Sing Inc., and The Circle Song Band! Visit www.playmovesing.com. NEW Class in January/February 2010!

Musicianship/Music Theory
age 7 and up - free to individual lesson students
Essentials of Music Theory is designed for students of any age who want to have a better understanding of the language of music. In this all-in-one theory course, students will learn the essentials of music, practice their music reading and writing skills, improve their listening skills with the available ear-training CDs, and test their knowledge with unit reviews. If you are unsure of which class to take, please contact the office and we will give you a placement test.

Digital Piano Lab
age 7 to adult (max. 4 students per class, grouped by ability)
Through a generous $2,500 grant from Assemblyman Kenneth P. Zebrowski and a discount through SoundTree, the educational arm of KORG, and the kindness of RCM alum and parent Jim Frankel, we now have a digital piano lab! This is an affordable and fun way for students of ALL ages to learn the piano.

Beginning String Ensemble
age 7 and up - by audition - free to individual lesson students
A first opportunity to learn and play music together as a group.

String Orchestra
age 10 to 18 - by audition
This ensemble is comprised of students who are ready to develop more advanced group playing skills and techniques. A performance by the ensemble is featured at the Conservatory’s Spring gala, outreach performances and recitals.

Music Therapy
Music therapy can make the difference between: withdrawal and awareness, isolation and interaction, chronic pain and comfort and demoralization and dignity. Students' innate creativity is awakened by using improvisational music to overcome emotional, physical and cognitive difficulties. The primary benefit of this music therapy program is the empowerment of individuals with special needs to reach their developmental potential using the natural therapeutic properties of music. Clinically directed music establishes relationships and unlocks the door to a pathway of communication, enabling the individual to experience aspects of their being that reach beyond the pathology of their disabilities. Call for details.

Rockland Conservatory Children's Chorus
age 8 to 14 (unchanged voices) - by audition
Rockland Conservatory Intergenerational Women's Chorus
age 14 and up - by audition
Rockland Conservatory Intergenerational Men's Chorus
age 14 and up (changed voices) - by audition
The Rockland Conservatory Children's Chorus was formed in the Fall of 1996. Since then, the chorus has performed in concerts with The County Choral Society and The Rockland Symphony Orchestra, and has been featured on MBC television, at the Rockland County Bicentennial Opening Ceremonies, and opened at a concert given by The Klezmatics.

Under the direction of specialist Lynne Bearman with the assistance of pianist Jan Deats, the Rockland Conservatory Children's, Women's and Men's Choruses provide a wonderful opportunity to study and perform an enriching and varied repertoire, as well as receive instruction in music reading and vocal production. Membership is by audition only. Call the Conservatory office to schedule an appointment.

Chamber Music Ensembles
Chamber Music Ensembles are developed as requested and are coached by faculty members. Students are placed in compatible groups and taught the skills of ensemble playing, while learning literature written for their particular ensemble. Call for details.

Jazz Workshop
Jeremy Wall, Grammy®-nominated composer and pianist (formerly of the jazz-fusion group Spyro Gyra) will lead a 10-week Jazz Ensemble Workshop for instrumentalists and vocalists who have a minimum of 2-years experience.

Performance Workshops
Performance Workshops are held twice each month to teach students (as well as audience members) proper performance protocol. Students who wish to perform in a recital are required to take this class first. The dates for performance classes are indicated on the school bulletin board and on the Events page. Sign-up slips are available in the office and must be completed by the student's teacher.

Student Recitals
Student Recitals are held at the conclusion of each month (the dates are indicated on the school bulletin board, and on the Events page). Students must participate in a performance workshop prior to signing up for a recital. Sign-up sheets are available at the conclusion of each performance workshop.

Spring Gala
Our annual Spring Gala features performances by the Suzuki Players, the Orchestra, the Choruses, and graduating Seniors. May 2, 2010 at 2pm

Piano Camp
Students will enjoy playing in ensembles, exploring the beginning steps in keyboard jazz improvisation, theory classes, private lessons, daily faculty performances and workshops plus a field trip and pizza party. Concerts will be given by participating students at the end of each week. Our one or two-week program is a unique experience for pianists ages 8-16 with a minimum of 2 years of lessons or the ability to play hands together, 5-finger position in various positions. SUMMER 2010 - TBD