Music Conservatory of Westchester Gears Up for Fall Semester

White Plains, NY (PRWEB) August 11, 2008 -- The Music Conservatory of Westchester will offer exciting new and enhanced programming this fall when their semester begins September 15th. The Conservatory, with programs in music, musical theatre, and music therapy, welcomes students of all abilities and ages, from young children to senior citizens.

Founded in 1929, the Music Conservatory of Westchester is the oldest and largest community arts school in a five-county region comprising Westchester, Rockland, Bronx, Putnam, and Fairfield counties. This year the Conservatory will implement a new five-year strategic plan, which includes an updated mission statement to better capture the organization's approach and values:

The Music Conservatory of Westchester is a welcoming community of people with a shared commitment to the arts, where students of all ages and abilities develop their talents in ways that support their individual goals and interests, guided by dedicated, excellent faculty.

"This is an exciting time for our organization," said Dr. Aaron Flagg, Executive Director, Music Conservatory of Westchester. "The Conservatory's new mission and strategic direction reaffirms our commitment to skills-based arts instruction and helps us better respond to students' interests, needs and abilities. Whether you are taking a performing arts class for the first time, or have had years of experience, the Conservatory has a program that's right for you."

Music Programs

The Conservatory offers individual instruction in all instruments and voice, provided by expert teachers experienced in working with students of all ages and skill levels. Each student receives an individualized curriculum based on his or her goals, needs, and rate of learning. Semi-private lessons are also available on some instruments for beginner-level students.

Several theory and sight-singing classes are offered for students of all skill levels (ages 9 - adult). Programs for young children include music skills classes (ages 4 - 8), Suzuki strings (ages 4+), pre-twinkle Suzuki violin (ages 3 ½ - 4 ½), group piano (ages 5 - 8), and the Conservatory's program in residence, Music Together®, for infants through age 4.

A wide variety of classical, jazz, and hip hop ensembles, large and small, are available for youth, teens, and adults. New this year is Rock Band, an ensemble geared toward students who are interested in developing the skills necessary to be in a rock group. Students will also learn early blues and rock influences by listening to recordings as well as writing their own material.

Musical Theatre

The Conservatory's musical theatre workshops give students the tools to participate successfully in musical theatre productions. Using vocal technique, theatre exercises, improvisation, character work, and choreography, students become vital members of a musical theatre ensemble. The workshop is team taught by a theatre instructor, voice coach and professional accompanist. In addition to its musical theatre workshops, the Conservatory also offers a new Acting for Singers class where students learn to improve their stage presence and interpretation skills.

Music Therapy

Music therapy addresses the physical, emotional, social and cognitive well being of children and adults with a wide variety of special needs. The Conservatory's Music Therapy Institute is comprises an outreach program serving agencies in the community and an onsite program. Individualized music therapy programs, adapted instrumental and vocal instruction, group classes, and a family drum circle are available at the Conservatory's fully accessible facility. The session rooms are equipped with one-way mirrors that allow family members to observe sessions in progress. All music therapy faculty hold master's or doctoral degrees, are board certified, and are professional members of the American Music Therapy Association.

The Conservatory offers a variety of program packages as well as financial assistance for qualifying students. For more information or to register, please contact Jean Newton, Dean of Students and Faculty, at (914) 761-3900 x112 or jean@musiced.org.

The Music Conservatory of Westchester is at 216 Central Avenue in White Plains, NY. To view their complete 2008/2009 Course Catalog, please visit www.musicconservatory.org.

About the Music Conservatory of Westchester

Founded in 1929, the Music Conservatory of Westchester (www.musicconservatory.org) is a non-profit community school of the arts, providing music, musical theatre education, and music therapy for people of all ages and abilities. The Conservatory's 36,000-square-foot facility in White Plains offers a Recital Hall and 43 acoustically designed classrooms and teaching studios. Their comprehensive programs, which serve 3,500 students annually, include performing ensembles, musicianship classes, student performances, master classes, workshops, and more. All students receive free admission to the Conservatory's annual series of faculty recitals and children's concerts. Last year, the Conservatory awarded at least $108,000 in scholarship support to more than 100 of its students. The Conservatory is chartered by the New York State Board of Regents, a member of the National Guild of Community Schools of the Arts, and is one of only 19 non-degree granting institutions in the country to be fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music.

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