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.
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
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
