Music Lessons

Facilitates learning other subjects and enhances skills
“Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything.”

Weekly Lessons are Offered in Piano, Suzuki Violin, Viola, Cello, Flute, Trumpet, Guitar, Bass and Drums

Research has found that learning music facilitates learning in other subjects and enhances skills that children inevitably use in other areas. Making music involves more than the voice or fingers playing an instrument; a child learning about music has to tap into multiple skill sets, often simultaneously. In addition to a robust music curriculum within each program, Princeton Montessori School offers weekly lessons in violin, piano, and guitar for either 30, 45 or 60-minute sessions throughout the year.

Time and day of lessons are scheduled according to availability.

Suzuki Violin, Viola & Cello Lessons

Violin lessons are offered for students beginning in Primary and continuing through Middle School, using the popular and effective Suzuki method. Dr. Suzuki taught that every child has the innate capacity to become a talented musician in a process analogous to language acquisition. Students are mentored through the Suzuki repertoire in a weekly individual lesson and a group lesson. Parents of Primary and beginner Elementary students are expected to attend the last five minutes of their child’s individual violin lesson. Group lessons are required for all violin students and are held weekly on Thursdays. Students will practice starting and stopping together, playing in tempo, and performing solos for each other.
Suzuki violin lessons are taught by Toyoko Kitade.

Dr. Suzuki taught that every child has the innate capacity to become a talented musician, in a process analogous to language acquisition.
Viola

The viola is the alto instrument of the violin family (violin, viola, cello). It is constructed using the same components as the violin, the only difference being the larger size. It’s stately and dark timbre contrasts sharply with that of the violin and makes the viola perfectly suited as the violin family’s middle voice.
Instructor: Toyoko Kitade

Cello

The cello is the tenor and bass instrument of the violin family. The cello possesses a wide variety of differing tone colors and means of expression, ranging from the calm and solemn in the lower register to bursts of passion in the uppermost register. The same playing techniques can be played on the cello as violin and viola.
Instructor: Toyoko Kitade

Piano Lessons

Piano lessons are offered to students beginning in Primary and continuing through Middle School. Piano instruction is based on the idea that every child has musical potential and all children can learn to express themselves musically. Piano students begin by learning basic skills and progress to learning scales, music theory, and performance techniques. Lessons are designed around the individual child’s readiness and are supplemented when necessary, which provides a learning track of success for each student.
Piano lessons are taught by Sue Ellen Miller.

Our Piano lessons are based on the idea that every child has musical potential and all children can learn to express themselves musically.

Guitar and Bass Lessons

Guitar and bass lessons are offered to students in Upper Elementary through Middle School and focus on the basic building blocks of guitar and bass instruction including proper playing technique, basic chord progressions, familiar beginner melodies and reading music. As students begin to master the basics, there will be an increased emphasis on listening, keeping a steady rhythm, playing with others and learning how to make the guitar a practical instrument for everyday playing.
Lessons are taught by Alex Mitnick.

Flute, Drums, Trumpet

These lessons are offered to students in Upper Elementary through Middle School and focus on basic instruction, or a refinement of skills already learned.

Flute

The flute is offered this year as a further melodic option. Playing the flute can be similar to singing because of it’s breathing and posture techniques  Other life long benefits include hand-eye coordination and organizational skills. Lessons will be tailored to match the students’ abilities and goals.  Students will learn and develop correct finger placement and embouchure,  how to read music (which includes basic music theory) Small ensemble performances will also be offered.
Instructor: Sue Ellen Miller

Drums

Students will learn the fundamental techniques required to play the drumset and/or general percussion instruments including stick technique, rhythm reading and playing along to popular songs. Students must have a drumset at home in order to practice.
Instructor: Alex Mitnick

Trumpet

Students will learn the fundamental techniques required to play the trumpet including proper positioning, embouchure, fingerings and reading music. Students will be required to rent or purchase their own instrument and book for the lessons.
Instructor: Alex Mitnick

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What Parents Are Saying

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“Our child previously attended a reputable public elementary school. During that time, she often complained that she was bored at school. I was concerned that the school's 'one-size-fits-all' education model was gradually dimming her thirst for knowledge. I wanted the flames of her engagement and curiosity to be fanned, not extinguished. She is now back at Princeton Montessori and I am happy to report that she is no longer bored. In fact, her inner flame has never been stronger!”

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“Our Primary student is learning remotely this year due to the pandemic. He is really is enjoying all the works that come home to him. He tells me things like 'I love my Montessori works' and 'my works are beautiful.' My husband and I see him growing and learning so much even amidst our virtual constraints. Having tailored materials for him to work with makes all the difference in the world and we're grateful for the thought and care you put into curating them.”

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“The other day I came downstairs and my 4-year-old son was listening to 'Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart' on Alexa. He told me that Mozart's dad was named Leopold and his sister was Nannerl (it took him a second to remember her name and it sounded made up, so my husband and I googled it. Sure enough he was right). We asked what else he had been learning and he rattled off Antonio Lucio Vivaldi’s full name and referenced The Four Seasons. I think my jaw is still on the floor. It turns out that the Primary children have been learning about composers this fall and listening to their music. What incredible exposure for these young children!”

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“Princeton Montessori is the very epitome of the principles of Maria Montessori. The School offers a nurturing, creative, academic, and well-rounded development for each child. As a parent, we cannot offer our daughter a more valuable first gift.”

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“The faculty are, bar none, the absolute best. The teachers are very knowledge both about the Montessori philosophy and the best ways to work with children. I ask for their advice and insight for any issues we’re having at home, quite often. They’re also incredibly warm and nurturing with the children in a way I have not seen at any other school.”

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“I’m struck by how much better the Montessori toddlers are at playing and working peacefully with their peers than toddlers in other nursery school programs. I credit the gifted PMonts teachers, and the Princeton Montessori educational approach, for how confident, happy, and collaborative toddlers in the PMonts program seem.”

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“Our son is so proud of being a third-year Primary. He has attended this incredible school since he was one year old. He had absolutely wonderful Toddler teachers and flourished under their care. Now, he is a third-year Primary and we know he will be more than ready for Lower Elementary. Thank you to all the Teachers & Staff!”

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“The school runs with one philosophy and so every faculty member and admin personnel share the same vision for the child. This consistency is unique in our area to Princeton Montessori. Combined with the integration of the teacher training program, we can proudly say that the spirit of Dr. Montessori’s principles permeates every aspect of our school. That’s what I value the most about our school!”

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“Education is both a gift and a right. I feel the teachers at PMonts help our children to appreciate the value of their education. Understanding the value involves looking beyond school and appreciating how education is a tool that will allow them to explore challenging goals, to grow as individuals and most importantly, chase their dreams.”

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“I will never cease to be amazed at the capabilities of the young child. In the Montessori environment, the very youngest students show incredible independence and competence. At Princeton Montessori School the teachers truly help the children to “help me do it myself”.”

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“When I think about my personal philosophy on education I can check all the boxes with regards to the education my daughter is receiving at Princeton Montessori. I feel the teachers motivate the students by focusing on appreciating the value of education and the diversities of peoples around the world while stressing and leveraging the power of the uniqueness in each individual student. Ultimately, the role of an educator is to shape a new generation that will create a safer and better world for the future.”

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“Princeton Montessori School is a school that exceeds any expectations imaginable. The school follows each and every child on an individual basis and nourishes each child’s academic, social, and emotional needs. It is a school where teachers appreciate all unique qualities each child brings.”

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“Princeton Montessori School turned out to be the best investment ever. We made some sacrifices in our lifestyle in order to be able to afford sending both children all the way through 8th grade, but now we are proud to note that we have two capable, confident, well-mannered young adults who are a pleasure to be around and who continue to love to work hard in their studies.”

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“EXCEPTIONAL is the carefully chosen word to describe Princeton Montessori School. Our family has been part of the PMonts community from elementary through middle school. If I could give every child a gift that gift would be for them to experience the joy of learning every single day at PMonts. The multi-age classes provide the advantage of older students leading younger students and younger students watching the wonderful examples of the older children. The children recognize the strengths of others as being positive and not competitive. Princeton Montessori is much more than academic college prep - it is life prep!”

“Thanks for a wonderful school year thus far and for doing such a wonderful job for our children during such a challenging year. Princeton Montessori has simply been the gold standard for pandemic education, in my mind.”

“We love the fact that your guidelines have been clear and appropriate, and impressing upon families how their role is critical in keeping the wider school community safe. Thanks also for sourcing materials and providing seminars on parenting during this particular time. The fact that the school has remained open all this time is a huge testament to you all.”

“Our daughter loves being at school. She confidently reported that she was happy with the safety measures in place, and that she felt “safe” at school. This was HUGE.”

“We have always been thrilled with our PMonts experience, and this fall term has sent us through the roof. We are in awe of the tireless work of the faculty and administration, who have made possible such an inspiring in-person program. I have always been broadly grateful for the PMonts education my children have been so lucky to receive; this summer and fall, I felt grateful each and every day.”

“Princeton Montessori has done an exemplary job in keeping their classrooms open to children and young people during this challenging year. They are simply the gold standard for safely educating our children during the national pandemic.”

“As a parent (and faculty member), Molly and I are beyond grateful for PMonts. Our children are SO happy here. I am more of a believer than ever before. Miles was fine at his public school but the difference is really clear - here, he is not just fine - he is totally thriving and so happy! I'm amazed.”

“"Princeton Montessori School students are open to diverse backgrounds, curious to learn new things, strong in their leadership and presentation skills, and confident. Thank you for providing an educational environment that encourages a child's total development. We know it is an incredible gift." -Middle School Parent”