Keyboard Instruction
Piano, Jazz Piano, Organ
Ena Bronstein Barton, Department Head
Private piano and organ instruction coordinates the development of several areas, including listening skills, technique, musicality, and knowledge of repertoire written for the instrument. Students learn note reading as soon as they are ready (children are often ready when they are reading words).
Our faculty is knowledgeable in diverse and updated pedagogical methods and will choose materials appropriate to each student, taking into consideration age, learning style, and level of ability. Instruction is given in building helpful practice habits and in preparation for performance as it pertains to each individual student.
The Suzuki philosophy stresses the development of ability through the “mother tongue” approach, which emphasizes learning through listening, imitation, repetition, games, and practice—with the teacher, parent, and student working as a team. Progress is made from skill to skill in carefully structured lessons that include parent participation and help for the parent who will be guiding home practice. Listening daily to recordings of the music the children will play is an essential part of the method. Each week, a Suzuki student attends a private lesson and a group class. Group classes are a very important aspect in that they stimulate interest, reinforce musical and technical development, and provide opportunities for performance.
Private jazz piano lessons are available for students interested in learning how to improvise, read lead sheets, play by ear, play solo, and play with a group. Special workshops, performances and jam sessions are offered throughout the year.
Students are required to own or have access to a piano or organ for practice during the week in order to take private lessons. Those who do not own a piano should investigate local music stores to rent or purchase an instrument. Organists must make arrangements to find their own instrument for practice. The Conservatory cannot provide practice space for students.
Beginning piano students may use an electronic keyboard for the first semester of study only. For those who choose this option, we recommend a touch-sensitive keyboard with at least 66 keys. The electronic keyboard should also have a stand and a music rack. Parents/students who use an electronic keyboard for beginning lessons should realize that this is a temporary solution to the need for a piano.
Families with prospective students under the minimum age* may request an interview (30-minute maximum) if they would like to be considered for private instruction. Families will be asked to complete a registration form and pay an interview fee of $25 before the interview. Upon acceptance of a student under the suggested minimum age, the registration fee and tuition deposit will be due before the student can be placed with a teacher.
* The minimum age for traditional study for piano is 6; for Suzuki, 4, for organ, 12 (2 years of prior piano study is preferred). The recommended lesson length for beginners is 30 minutes.
To view private instruction tuition, click here.
- Download the class schedule for all locations (PDF)* as of June 2, 2008
Westminster Conservatory offers a wide range of classes and ensembles to meet the needs of every student, from the beginner to the most advanced student, regardless of age. Some classes are intended as an introduction to music, and require no previous experience. Others are designed to complement private instruction. Most classes run 32 weeks per year. Class length is based upon minimum enrollment. Some classes may be offered with a smaller enrollment by reducing the class length. In this case, the tuition remains the same.
Suzuki Piano Group
Ages 4 and above
Group classes are required for all students taking private Suzuki piano lessons. Classes are 45 minutes in length, with 32 classes in the academic year. Princeton location only.
Number of classes: 32
Class length: 45 minutes
Tuition: $456, if studying privately at the Conservatory; ($552, if studying privately with a Suzuki teacher outside the Conservatory; instructor approval is necessary.)
Music Theory for Suzuki Students
Susan Bennett Bakshi, Instructor
Ages 5-14
This course is a fun, yet challenging introduction to music reading and theory using skills Suzuki students have already mastered through playing and listening. The course will be customized for the individual students in each class using various materials, games, and hard work. Students will be grouped by their current book level. Princeton location only.
Number of classes: 26
Class length: 30 minutes for Books 1-2; 45 minutes for Book 3 and above (4-person minimum)
Tuition: $143, if studying privately at the Conservatory; ($286, if studying privately with a Suzuki teacher outside the Conservatory)
Piano Lessons Plus!
Year I: Beginners Only
Ages 7-8 years
This program offers children an opportunity to study piano in both group and private settings. The weekly piano class will be supervised by a piano professor from Westminster Choir College’s nationally renowned faculty. It will include group involvement in creative listening, technique and movement activities. The group instruction will be enhanced by weekly private lessons. Both the group and private lessons will be taught by graduate students in the Master of Music program in piano pedagogy and performance at Westminster Choir College. Princeton location only.
Tuition (includes both private lessons & group classes): $888
Number of private lessons: 24
Number of group classes: 24
Length of private lessons: 30 minutes
Length of group classes: 60 minutes
Piano Plus Encore!
Year II: For returning Piano Lessons Plus! students only
This program continues piano study in both group and private settings. The weekly piano class will include group involvement in creative listening, technique, and musicianship activities. Weekly private lessons will be taught by graduate students in the Master of Music program in piano pedagogy and performance at Westminster Choir College or by Conservatory artist faculty. Year II private lessons are 30 minutes in length. Princeton location only.
Year II tuition (includes both private lessons & group classes): $1,008
Number of private lessons: 24
Number of group classes: 24
Length of private lessons: 30 minutes
Length of group classes: 60 minutes
Piano Explorations
Grades 1-2 (beginners only)
In this class children will explore the world of music through the piano. No prior music training is required, but it is preferred that students be able to read words. Interaction with a small group of students encourages an enthusiasm to play and encourages quick learning of musical concepts and short pieces. Piano Explorations has proven to be a rewarding experience for both parent and child. This class is a wonderful preparation for future private lessons. Students should have access to a piano or keyboard (minimum of 66 keys) for practice and are expected to maintain a consistent practice schedule. Parents are encouraged to participate in the student’s home practice.
Number of classes: 32
Class length: 55 minutes (4-person minimum)
Tuition: $576
Materials fee: $45
Pianos and Pizzicati
Grades 1-2 (beginners only)
This class will introduce students to keyboard, strings, and beginning music theory. Using a group-class format, students will spend 8 weeks exploring each type of instrument and setting practice goals for reinforcement at home. While the class will meet at the same time each week, the students will be divided into two groups and meet in separate rooms for each instrument. At the mid-point of the fall term, students will switch instruments—for example, piano for 8 weeks and then cello for 8 weeks. In the spring term, students will continue with more advanced activities in their rotation; the violin will replace the cello. Princeton location only.
Number of classes: 32
Class length: 55 minutes (8-person minimum)
Tuition: $576
Materials fee: $30 plus applicable instrument rental fees
CHAMBER MUSIC
- Download the class schedule for all locations (PDF)* as of June 2, 2008
Adult Chamber Reading Ensemble
Marjorie Selden, Coordinator
Adults
Here’s a unique opportunity for adult musicians to meet every other week to play together in small wind, string, or mixed ensembles. The coordinator organizes ensembles according to playing level, interest and compatibility, and advises members regarding repertoire. Different reading ensembles—working on their own—will be created from week to week, and new repertoire will be sightread. Westminster provides music scores, studio space, stands, and pianos. Wind and string participants bring their own instruments. Each session will include a coffee break with light refreshments and time to socialize. Princeton location only.
This program has been made possible, in part, through the generosity of ACMP—The Chamber Music Network, and the Clinton B. Ford Fund of its ACMP Foundation, an organization that promotes chamber music activities for amateur musicians.
Number of sessions: 16 (ensembles meet every other week)
Session length: 3 hours
Tuition: $240
Coached Chamber Ensemble
Elena Panova, Coordinator
All Ages
Students of any age or level are matched with other musicians for duo, trio, and quartet performing. Groups meet weekly for individual coaching by a Conservatory faculty member. This program will introduce students to a broader range of repertoire and provide the opportunity for interaction with other musicians at the same level. Participants are encouraged to perform in community settings. This class is open to all instruments. An interview/audition is required for placement.
Number of sessions: 32
Session length: 45 minutes
Tuition: $680
Piano Faculty
Erik Allesee
Laurie Altman
Fiorella Araya
Heather Atagan
Susan Bennett Bakshi
Ena Bronstein Barton
Elena Benedict
Tara Shingle Buzash
Ben Cahill
Bing Bing Chang
Jenny Chiou
Soo Kyung Cho
Tara Cooke-Ventresca
Elizabeth Crockett
Gregory DeLuca
Donald Dolan
Miriam Eley
R. Clipper Erickson
Edward Ferdinand
Inessa Gleyzerova
James Goldsworthy
Mary Greenberg
Jamie Hahn
Eric Houghton
Jeannine Hummel
Michael Jacobsen
Eunju Joung Kim
Larissa Korkina
Patricia Landy
Phyllis Lehrer
David Leifer
Suzanne Lehrer
Teresa Lim
Fang-Ting Liu
Lillian Livingston
Jessica Manzer
Carmen Mateiescu
Rose McCathran
Nicholas Mynyk
Alison Neely
Kevin O’Malia
Elena Panova
Esma Pasic-Filipovic
Agnes Poltorak
Darlene Popkey
Galina Prilutskaya
Megan Register
Cecelia Reilly
Kyu-Jung Rhee
Marvin Rosen
Nicholas Schidlovsky
Erica Schlegel
Alynn Schwiep
Kathy Shanklin
Angelina Shapoval
William Sheibinger
Rita Shklar
Seth Slaymaker
Frances Taylor
Yana Vasilyeva
Kristen Watkins
Sylvie Webb
Hendry Wijaya
Grace Yang
Marlene Yeni-Maitland
Marion Zarzeczna
Maria Zolotareff
Organ Faculty
Craig Williams
To view faculty bios, click here.
*All PDF files require Adobe Reader (free).
Westminster Conservatory of Music - (609) 921-7104 - wccConserv@rider.edu
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