TOWN TOPICS, PRINCETON, N.J., WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 28, 2019 • 32
BACK TO SCHOOL Abundance of Music Programs in the Area Benefit Students of All Ages and Abilities
“I
f music be the food of love, play on.” W i l l i a m S h a ke speare knew a thing or two about a lot of things, and, as this line from Twelfth Night indicates, music was among them. Certainly, the value of music can’t be overestimated.
It is there for everyone, and everyone can be a part of it — by learning to play an instrument, to sing, or simply to listen. Whatever the choice, in Princeton and the local area the opportunity for instruction in just about any instrument and style of music is
readily at hand. The piano, of course, and the violin or guitar — but do you want to play the ukulele, mandolin, harp, or bassoon? Not to mention drums or electric guitar? No Limit There is simply no limit. If you want to play it, there is
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someone to teach it. And if you want to sing your song, someone can help you do that, too. Instruction is available for all — from youngsters to retirement age and beyond. For children, music can open doors to pleasures that will last a lifetime, says Rebeca M. Pennington, administrative director of The New School for Music Study in Kingston. “Playing a musical instrument is something that can stay with you your whole life. You can play by yourself or with others. You can play whether you are 6 years old or 90 years old. Music is a powerful form of expression. Our goal for each of our students is that they will play and enjoy music their whole life.” The focus at The New School is piano instruction for students of all levels of ability, but it also offers ongoing theory instruction for students playing any instrument. Students can start instruction at 4 or 5 years old, and they often continue throughout their high school years, notes Pennington. “Our instruction generally follows a classical path, but we supplement with music that matches the students’ tastes and interests. There
is so much wonderful music written for the piano. and we take advantage of the wealth of possibility.” Also, she adds, it is for everyone. “Anyone can play the piano! When you learn, there is so much music at your fingertips. You can explore a variety of styles, genres, and types of music. Music is an outlet for a variety of emotions, and helps us to express emotions that words cannot.” Many Offerings The piano is also ver y popular with students at the Westminster Conservatory, the community music school division of Westminster Choir College of Rider Universit y. Its Princeton campus location is on Walnut Lane, and, in addition, there are extensions in Lawrenceville, South Brunswick, and Yardley, Pa. “Westminster Conservatory is preparing to celebrate its 50-year anniversary serving as the community music center for the greater Mercer area,” says Drew Michael Brennan, Westminster Conservatory assistant director. In addition to the piano, Westminster Conservatory provides instruction in many other musical instruments. “We offer a comprehensive
continuum of programming starting from our early childhood classes all the way through our music instruction for adults,” explains Brennan. “For our private lesson program, we offer piano, organ, violin, viola, cello, ukulele, mandolin, guitar, harp, flute, oboe, clarinet, saxophone, bassoon, horn, trumpet, trombone recorder, percussion, voice, and composition. “We are able to provide many offerings as we employ approximately 120 teaching artists, and are one of the largest community music schools in New Jersey.” Piano is the most popular program of study, he reports, and the Conservatory has 54 piano instructors, most of whom hold master’s degrees. “Our piano faculty are experienced in working with a wide range of students from beginner to advanced, and can assist any student with reaching their musical goals. “What makes Westminster unique is our faculty’s dedication to excellence in instruction. Our faculty regularly send their students to represent Westminster in significant regional and national competitions. Additionally, our faculty have their students participate in Continued on Next Page
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