Piano, Jazz Piano, Organ
Ena Bronstein Barton, Department Head

• Private Lessons
• Group Instruction
• Chamber Music
• Pedagogy Certificate Program
• Faculty

Private Lessons

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.

In addition to traditional teaching methods, the Conservatory provides Suzuki instruction, which stresses the development of ability through the “mother tongue” approach. The method 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.

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 an acoustic 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 $30 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.

Group Instruction

• Download the Class Schedule for all locations (PDF)

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: $504 (if studying privately with a Suzuki teacher outside the Conservatory, instructor approval is necessary.)
• 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): $792
  Number of private lessons: 24
  Number of group classes: 24
  Length of private lessons: 30 minutes
  Length of group classes: 60 minutes (4-person minimum)
• Piano Lessons Plus Encore!
  Year II: 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. Princeton location only.
  Tuition (includes both private lessons & group classes): $792
  Number of private lessons: 24
  Number of group classes: 24
  Length of private lessons: 30 minutes
  Length of group classes:60 minutes (4-person minimum)
• 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: $640 (materials not included)
• 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: $640
  Materials fee: $30 plus applicable instrument rental fees
• Jazz Explorations
  Paul Hofreiter, Instructor
  Grade 8 through Adult
  In this class, students who already have some background in jazz will take their knowledge to the next level by playing in a small group and combining jazz with other musical styles (jazz/rock, jazz/hip hop, jazz/Latin, etc.). Students will explore playing through longer forms over time-tested jazz standards, and will also be encouraged to explore different ways of playing these compositions, as well as working on their own arrangements or compositions. Music written and performed by the students will be presented at a year-end recital either on Westminster’s campus or off-campus at a live venue. An interview/audition is required for placement. Princeton Academy location only.
  Number of classes: 31
  Class length:  45 minutes (3-person minimum)
  Tuition: $682

Chamber Music

• Download the Class Schedule for all locations (PDF)

Experience the joy of making music in a small ensemble! Westminster Conservatory offers reading ensembles as well as coached chamber groups, depending on the playing goals of the student.

• 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, piano, 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.
  Number of sessions: 16 (ensembles meet every other week)
  Session length: 3 hours
  Tuition: $260
• Coached Chamber Ensemble
  Elena Panova, Coordinator
  All Ages
  Students of any age or level are matched with other musicians in a small ensemble which meets 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 (3-person minimum)
  Tuition: $704

Piano Pedagogy Certificate Program

Westminster Conservatory, in conjunction with Westminster Choir College, provides professional training for new as well as experienced piano teachers.

• Westminster Professional Development Certificate Program in Piano Pedagogy
  Lillian Livingston, Director
  This professional certificate program is for piano teachers wishing to improve their musical skills, enhance their credentials, and expand their professional development. The program is geared to adults who currently have a private studio or would like to return to teaching. Classes and individual instruction are combined in the essential areas of repertoire, musicianship skills, and performance. The program is designed to be completed in 2 years (4 semesters, spring and fall) and meets weekly on Monday and Wednesday mornings during the academic year. The faculty, comprised of members of Westminster Choir College and Westminster Conservatory, provide creative, new ideas and approaches to teaching through stimulating peer-to-peer conversation. Courses are taught in theory, technique, musical styles, ensemble skills, teaching methods, jazz studies, and repertoire for all ages up to early advanced. Other courses are added to the curriculum based on the needs of the students enrolled in the program. Students may opt to enroll for only one day per week (either Monday or Wednesday) during which they will complete the program at their own pace.* Princeton location only.
  Number of weeks: 11 each semester (Monday and Wednesday for 22 classes) OR (Monday or Wednesday for 11 classes)*
  Class length:  3-1/2 hours
  Tuition:  $880 per semester for Monday and Wednesday option ($1,760 total per academic year) OR $495 per semester for Monday or Wednesday option ($990 total per academic year)*

 *All PDF files require Adobe Reader (free).