Looking for a music class for your kid here in Bergen County? We didn’t have to dig very far to find some great music programs here in the North Jersey area.
Thurnauer School of Music at Kaplen JCC on the Palisades (411 E Clinton Ave, Tenafly, 201-569-7900) With a roster of accomplished instructors for every instrument and programming that spans all ages, levels and style, the Thurnauer Music School is a top destination for musicians looking to grow with a program. The school offer camps, lessons and group play and advanced students are given opportunities to perform on stages like Lincoln Center and Disneyworld- exposure to world-renowned artists like Itzhak Perlman and Joshua Bell is just icing on the cake.
Music Speaks at Bergen PAC(1 Depot Square, Englewood (201) 482-8194) Music Speaks is an early childhood music program that provides developmentally appropriate music for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers ages 2 months through 4 ½ years old. The music program uses a mix of traditional and contemporary songs from around the world in order to bring out the innate musical nature of young children. Plus, Music Speaks class was recently voted Top 3 Readers Choice by The Jewish Standard!
School of Rock and Little Wing Tenafly (33 County Road, Tenafly, 201-568-7625) and School of Rock Waldwick (159 Franklin Tpke, Waldwick, 201-444-4425)
Calling all wannabe rock-stars- lose the earbuds and get real. At School of Rock, they develop musicians’ skills on guitar, bass, keyboards and drums, as well as vocals in a “real” band setting and take students from the lesson room to the stage, developing both confidence and musicianship with programs for all skill levels. How’s that for something they won’t roll their eyes at? The newly added, Little Wing Program lets young children participate in engaging activities set to classic songs that have inspired adults AND kids throughout history. With the most innovative music classes for your pre-schooler, the program enables creativity and confidence through the magical avenue of music. (Beware, program has been known to cause humming and foot tapping in unsuspecting parents.)
The Piano Workshop at Bergen County(551-800-5965) The Piano Workshop at Bergen County is part of the newly expanded and well regarded Piano Workshop at Chester. Offering private one-on-one lessons in piano, guitar and voice in the home by instructors who are all armed with degrees in music, performance or pedagogy, their teachers are patient and the Workshop offers a free trial lesson to ensure they find the perfect match for your budding musician.
Music for Aardvarks, (Waldwick; Glen Rock; Westwood; 201-615-1292)
This not-so-average music class incorporates everything from backup musicians to dance breaks to instrumental jam sessions. As seen on Nick Jr., the program for 5-months to 5 year olds is stimulating and exciting in a no-pressure setting. Tots rock out to Founder David Weinstone’s fun tunes and parent involvement is strongly encouraged (a chance for you to conquer that stage fright). And you can take it on the road with the hit CD and retail goods. 3 Bergen Locations!
Arete Music Academy (120 Van Nostrand Ave, Englewood Cliffs, 201-205-1121) When a few Julliard alum get together to form a community music school with the goal to help kids “live up to their potential” or Arete as they say, you get a music school with a warm setting and classes based on sound principles. Offering an early childhood program for the 2-3 year old set which keeps music fun and interactive and pre-K classes that start to introduce kids to instruments- plus more specialized classes for kids over 5, Arete is a place your kids can grow up with their school, musically.
Jersey Valley Music Together, (First Congregational Church of Christ, 276 Haworth Avenue, Haworth) Your little star will have an absolute blast taking classes at JVMT, where families and teachers share music through songs, instruments and play. Have fun with your child as they sing and move to music that you may remember from way back when! Kids will love the chants and movement activities in a relaxed and playful family setting.
Piano Instruction with Irene Lafharis (Closter, 201-410-5138)
The Manhattan School of Music alum and professional pianist teaches aspiring musicians at her home conservatory, outfitted with 4 types of pianos for various types of play. With over 25 years of performing and teaching experience, the lovely and gentle Mrs. Lafharis debunks myths of crotchety old piano teachers- allowing students to choose pieces from classical to show tunes (and even pop) thereby making the experience all the more fun, while arming them with the skills they need to be competitive and professional.
New York Music School (72 County Rd, Tenafly, 201-569-2677) New York Music School, located in Tenafly, is a preparatory school for serious music students who are ready to take their skills to the next level. With distinguished faculty hailing from such prominent conservatories as Julliard, Yale and Manhattan School of Music, programs serve every level of music education. Students in the Pre-college and Conservatory Prep Program prepare for conservatory entrance examinations by attending master classes with professors from New York City conservatories, in addition to weekly private lessons. They also offer the Suzuki Program, a renowned teaching method for young children and beginners, which includes private lessons plus group play.
