The Music Conservatory of Westchester, a non-profit community school of the arts in White Plains, NY, has been awarded a total of $41,000 in grants from the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA).  The grants will support need-based scholarships and tuition assistance for students ages 7-18, as well as funding for the school’s Live on Central concert series, a partnership with area public schools to provide music education for special needs students, and the Conservatory’s extensive music and musical theatre programming for all ages. The grant-supported scholarships specifically identify students of color from low-income families to enroll.

These students have the opportunity to thrive in the school’s comprehensive program of music instruction, which includes individual instrumental or vocal instruction (classical, jazz, musical theatre), music theory, orchestra, chorus, and ensemble classes. The course of study centers on standard beginner, intermediate, and advanced repertoire for each instrument.

“We are delighted to receive this support and recognition for our work from NYSCA. Our scholarship program ensures that every child, regardless of age, ethnic origin, ability, or financial means, has access to high quality, comprehensive music instruction,” explained Executive Director Carol Shiffman. “We are committed to providing a pre-professional education for these students, all of whom will be eligible to continue with consideration for music scholarships through high school.”
In order to maintain their comprehensive scholarship program, however, the Conservatory must continually seek additional funding sources.

“The need that many of our students face is still growing,” said Shiffman. “The number of requests for financial assistance from our families continues to rise.”

In addition to the need-based scholarships, NYSCA’s grant funding helps to make possible the Conservatory’s ever-expanding list of program offerings and extensive annual concert line-up, which includes a numerous
performance opportunities for students, the school’s expert faculty, and renowned guest artists. NYSCA is dedicated to preserving and expanding the rich and diverse cultural resources that are and will become the heritage of New York’s citizens. The Conservatory’s applications for grant funding were awarded in NYSCA’s Special Arts Services, Music, and Arts Education categories. NYSCA designated the
Conservatory’s grants as part of a three-year funding cycle currently in its second year.

“The Conservatory is particularly grateful to NYSCA for their foresight in awarding this multi-year funding, as it allows for long-range planning and stability,” Shiffman explained.

The Music Conservatory of Westchester is located at 216 Central Avenue in White Plains, NY. Registration is always open and financial assistance is available for qualifying students. They can be reached at (914) 761-
3900 or by visiting www.musicconservatory.org. Follow the Conservatory on Facebook (Westchester MusicConservatory) and Twitter (@MusicCW), or check their new blog (www.musicconservatoryblog.org) for
the latest news and updates.

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Hello, my name is Nils Neubert, and I am very happy to join the MCW teaching faculty this fall. Before I tell you about what I’ll be doing at MCW (I will be teaching private voice lessons as well as a voice class for adults called Sing!), I would like to tell you a little bit about myself.

I was born and raised in Hamburg, Germany, but moved to the U.S. when I was 17 to complete high school at the Walnut Hill School for the Arts in Massachusetts, and have lived here ever since. I went to the Juilliard School and Teachers College at Columbia University in New York City, where I still live together with my wife who is a pianist. Outside of the teaching studio, I perform frequently in operas, concerts, oratorios and recitals in the U.S., as well as in Europe, where I teach during the summers.

I believe that learning to express oneself musically can and should be an important part of anyone’s education and life. Using one’s own voice to communicate words and meaning to an audience sharing in the experience of a work of art with the singer is not only an artistic but an enjoyable social endeavor. The experiences made and skills acquired through this human exchange can reach far beyond the concert stage into all other areas of one’s life and profession–whether it be in music, or in another field.

As I mentioned above, I will be teaching voice lessons and an adult singing class at MCW this year. In the private lessons, I will focus on developing a healthy, natural, and consistent vocal coordination that will enable each student to sing music they love with freedom, and to discover new repertoire and vocal possibilities. The goal is to develop a vocal technique together that will give each student independence and awareness in their singing and artistry in whichever musical setting they may be or become part of, so that they can truly enjoy and share the musical experience with their audience.

The adult singing class, appropriately called Sing!, is a venue for those exploring their voice for the first time, as well as those who have had some previous singing experience. It offers the exploration and development of the vocal instrument in a positive and supportive group setting. Singing styles (classical and non-classical), vocal coordination, solo and group singing, as well as music reading and interpretation will be addressed through group vocalization, movement, performing together and for each other, as well as group listening.

I very much look forward to meeting everyone this year, and I am very happy to join this wonderful musical community.

For details on registering for Sing! or for more information on MCW classes, please call (914) 761-3900 or email us at info@musiced.org.

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The Music Conservatory will be closed Friday, Sept. 3 – Monday, Sept. 6 – reopening Tuesday, Sept. 7 for Labor Day. Enjoy the long weekend.

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Music Conservatory of Westchester will offer an exciting array of new programs in music, musical theatre, and dance this fall when their semester begins Saturday, September 11. Since 1929, the Conservatory has welcomed students of all ages and skill levels, from young children to senior citizens.

“This fall we’re thrilled to introduce a number of exciting new classes,” said Dr. Jean Newton, Dean of Students and Faculty. “We’ve been amazed at the response we’ve received so far from these unique offerings.”

The Conservatory’s lineup of new classes for teens and adults includes: a World Percussion Workshop in which renowned percussionist-composer John Arrucci teaches drumming styles from across the globe; Introduction to Rock Guitar; a Theatre Audition Workshop led by Broadway veteran Sariva Goetz; and a Vocal Performance Workshop with former New York City Opera leading artist Thomas Jamerson.

“Our new Vocal Performance Workshop is a wonderful opportunity for experienced voice students — from teens on up — to take their craft to the next level in a supportive setting,” said Jamerson. “Students perform various styles and languages from the classical and musical theatre repertoire in a small ensemble setting. Instruction is given in diction, stage presence, as well as musical and dramatic interpretation.”

An expanded Adult Program features a new vocal ensemble, Sing!, that covers selections from the American songbook, musical theatre, and folk traditions from around the world. “Sing! is the perfect musical outlet for adults who are exploring their voice for the first time, as well as those who already enjoy singing,” explained Sing! instructor Nils Neubert. “We will explore a variety of singing styles, vocal coordination, solo and group singing, as well as music reading and interpretation.”

For the first time this fall, class offerings will also extend beyond music and musical theatre to include Kathak, a classical Indian dance form that will be taught by renowned master Pandit S.N. Charka, an esteemed dancer, choreographer, and teacher. Derived from the word katha, meaning “a story,” Kathak dance skillfully blends intricate rhythms, dynamic footwork, graceful gestures, and subtle facial expressions.

The Conservatory offers individual lessons 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. Music Theory and Music Skills classes are free for students taking individual lessons.

In addition to lessons, a wide variety of classical, jazz, vocal, and rock ensembles — large and small — are offered for youth, teens, and adults. Young thespians can take the Youth or Teen Musical Theatre Workshop, which includes acting, singing, and movement classes. The Conservatory’s youngest students enjoy Music Skills, an active learning class that gives kids a fun introduction to the fundamentals of music, as well as Suzuki instruction in violin, cello, flute, and guitar. A comprehensive Music Therapy Institute provides individualized music therapy programs, adapted instrumental and vocal instruction, group classes, and a family drum circle.

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. Today the Conservatory serves 3,700 students ranging in age from two to 87 years, representing more than 30 nationalities, and hailing from 102 communities in a five county area.

“Accomplished musicians have studied here, performed here, and taught here. Budding performers learn their craft here,” said Carol Shiffman, Executive Director. “This is an exciting time for the Conservatory. Our dedication to lifelong learning in the arts means that we will continually strive to better respond to students’ interests, needs, and abilities. With our expanded programming for 2010-2011, we have done just that.”

Shiffman continued, “The Conservatory has made its mark as an oasis for the arts in Westchester County. As we celebrate our past, we look forward to building our future with new opportunities for everyone in the community. Technology upgrades for composition and recording, a keyboard lab, exciting new classes for adult learners, expanded workshop offerings and performance series — the potential is limitless.”

The Conservatory offers a variety of program packages as well as financial assistance for qualifying students. Registration is always open. For more information, to register, or to request an interview with Conservatory staff or faculty, please contact Jon Chattman, Director of Communications, at (914) 761-3900 x140 or jon@musiced.org.

A complete list of programs is available by visiting www.musicconservatoryonline.org.

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The Vocal Academy performs Friday night at 7 p.m.!

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Even before John and Patty Bottomley moved from London to their home on the Rye-Harrison border, John Bottomley knew he would be volunteering his skills in finance and real estate to the Music Conservatory of Westchester.

Full Story

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The Conservatory will be closed from Friday, Sept. 3 – Monday, Sept. 6 in observance of Labor Day weekend. We will reopen Tuesday, Sept. 6.

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The recital was like many others: an auditorium filled with nervous musicians and proud family members, a few tears, and lots of deep bows, with selections ranging from a carefully plucked “Ode to Joy” by a young guitarist to masterful original piano compositions. But there were also small reminders that these musicians face obstacles most don’t. Organizers, for example, requested that the audience applaud quietly after one pianist’s performance so as not to startle him, and a couple children required a quiet word from their accompanist to keep them focused on the keyboard.

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