Community Music School
Lessons, Classes, and Ensembles for Students of All Ages and Skill LevelsMore than 800 students partake in CMS’s robust curriculum offerings that include private lessons, group classes, ensembles and workshops. Our students represent a wide array of backgrounds and abilities, from budding musicians to virtuosos. Students are challenged and inspired by one another and by our world-class educators, making for a dynamic and interconnected music community. CMS has created an extensive, varied curriculum with engaging classes that enable multiple pathways to musical enrichment.
Whether a student is a beginner or an expert, our teachers are flexible, dynamic, encouraging and passionate about teaching. Our faculty have the skills and expertise to teach a myriad of styles and genres. We encourage our students to join ensembles and enrichment classes, offered at an affordable rate to registered private lesson students. View our Course Catalog here.
PRIVATE LESSONS
Private lessons are a core learning experience at BKCM and are available for every major instrument including voice. Drawing from a diverse faculty of world-class musicians and educators, we match each student to a teacher whose approach and experience fit their learning style. Our teachers work with each student and family to set goals and prepare an individualized curriculum based on students’ goals and interests. Teachers provide students regular feedback while tracking each student’s growth and areas of need throughout the year. Our teachers have the experience and background to work with students in just about any style or genre of music. No audition or experience is required to begin studying an instrument. For guidance in finding your next instructor please call the registration desk at 718-622-3300.
ENSEMBLES
There is no shortage of ensemble offerings at the community music school. Our ensemble programs offer a mixed bag of genres, skill levels and performance opportunities. Many of the ensembles at the Community Music School are designed to pair with private lessons such as our piano, strings, guitar and vocal ensembles. Some of our ensemble offerings in Jazz and Chamber are part of a larger program offering students a built in community of other players interested in a particular genre. Many of our ensembles include a placement audition to make sure we have the best possible fit for the students’ level and experience.
CLASSES
The Community Music School offers a myriad of group classes that range from theory and composition to beginner instruction in a group setting on piano, guitar and voice. While some classes are leveled based on students’ experience, most classes have an entry level option for students at a beginner level to participate in. While not specifically designed for performance, our group classes all make room for participatory learning, often with hands-on instruction and opportunities for performing on an instrument, singing or composing for an ensemble.
Community Music School Calendar 2023-2024
Registration Info:
Please call 718-622-3300 to speak to one of our registrars who will guide you through the registration process and answer any questions you might have. Financial aid is available for qualifying students. To apply please contact kris.mandapat@bkcm.org and fill out the financial aid application.
For complete information on our registration process and policies please click here
Private Lessons
Early Childhood Music
Instrument Friends
Theory & Composition
Instrumental Ensemble
Vocal Ensemble
BKCM Jazz Program
Kids
Teens
Adult Class
Music Lessons
Music lessons at BKCM provide opportunities for students of all abilities to increase music skills on multiple instruments, make music with musicians and students from across the 5 boroughs and participate in conservatory recitals and public performances.
Private Lessons
Private lessons are a core learning experience at BKCM and are available for every major instrument including voice. Drawing from a diverse faculty of world-class musicians and educators, we match each student to a teacher whose approach and experience fit their learning style.
Instrument Adventures
Intended for children 4-5 years old (drop off only), students learn how instruments work through hands-on demonstrations and guest musicians. Students explore music from around the world and experience a range of instruments from the winds, brass, strings and percussion families. In addition to exploring rhythms, patterns and melody, students explore the notes of the piano keyboard and accompany themselves in song with percussion instruments and the ukulele.
Sing & Play
Sing and Play will have you bouncing and singing with your little one all day long! Intended for children aged 6 months to 2 years (with a caregiver), the repertoire promotes motor skill development, singing, listening and playing small percussion instruments and our curriculum is designed to set every young learner on a lifelong musical journey.
Music Adventures
Intended for children 3-4 Years Old (3K and Pre-K) with a caregiver, students experience music as a group through stories, movement, and songs from different cultures. This class offers an introduction to playing tuned and non-pitched instruments. Students learn rhythms, patterns and melodic shapes. Parents and caregivers benefit by learning skills that support musical learning at home.
SECE (Suzuki Early Childhood Education)
Bond with your little one through music! A gateway to our world-class Suzuki program, children and parents learn and interact with other families through music, gently developing social-emotional skills, vocabulary, motor, number, pitch, singing, and listening skills.
Summer SECE!
Bond with your little one through music this summer! A gateway to our world-class Suzuki program, children and parents learn and interact with other families through music, gently developing social-emotional skills, vocabulary, motor, number, pitch, singing, and listening skills.
Guitar Friends
Students learn how to strum chords, pick melodies and produce a satisfying sound on the guitar. Intended for budding guitarists aged 5-6 years old, students learn how to position the guitar on their bodies and care for the instrument. They also learn songs that help demonstrate the mechanics of the guitar, such as tuning. Play-along tracks and practice videos keep students engaged all week long while the small class size ensures that each child receives some individual attention. Students interact with both standard notation and guitar tablature to learn chords and melodies in a variety of genres and styles. At the end of each semester, students perform in a group recital, building confidence and performance skills.
Piano Friends
More than just an introduction to the piano, students learn essential music skills from reading music to positioning their fingers on the keyboard in a fun group setting. Intended for budding pianists aged 5-6 years old, this program features the Musical Monsters™ curriculum designed to prepare students for private lessons through interactive note-reading and ear training games.
Violin Friends
Intended for budding violinists aged 5-6 years old, students begin their journey with the violin in a cheerful group setting which integrates elements of improvisation and composition as well as essential musicianship skills such as sight reading, ear training and singing. Students learn how to hold the violin, pluck individual strings and how to use the bow with the right hand. Students also learn to identify strings, read basic rhythmic notation and begin to identify notes on the staff.
Music Theory
Leveled by experience, students build essential musicianship skills and develop their musical knowledge in a fun, low-pressure group setting. Each class includes active listening, analysis, composition and notation. Ear training and rhythmic diction are part of every class. Students learn chords, scales, harmony and melody and musical elements such as key signatures, time signatures and music vocabulary. Level 1 is an excellent supplement to private lessons and will enhance the students’ understanding of how music is put together. Levels 2 and 3 will prepare students for advanced middle school, high school and college music programs.
COMPOSITION CLUB
For the budding composer, this class will ignite students’ imaginations while exploring concepts such as theme, variation, song-form and orchestration. Students interact with online notation software to edit their own scores, and are encouraged to experiment and compose at home. No prior experience in composition is necessary for this class, but it is recommended that students have two years of private lessons or experience playing an instrument prior to taking this course.
Music Theory for Adults
This class is for adults who are interested in understanding the fundamentals of music and covers building blocks such as form, harmony, melody and rhythm. No prior training in music is required for this class, which will bring a fresh perspective to the music you listen to everyday.
Chamber Music Program
Youth, teens and adults who have had at least three years experience on the piano, strings, woodwinds, brass or voice are invited to join one of our chamber ensembles. Each ensemble is supported by a professional coach and rehearses weekly, playing repertoire that includes a variety of genres and styles and are tailored to participants’ interest and skill levels.
Brooklyn Conservatory Community Orchestra (BCCO)
Experience the joys of performing in a full orchestra! Open by audition to adult orchestral musicians from intermediate to advanced levels, the BCCO performs the great masterpieces of the orchestral repertoire to contemporary works by living composers.
Piano Ensemble
Piano Ensemble supports young pianists in developing musicianship and listening skills. Students with two years of private lesson experience have fun learning individual parts that combine to create an ensemble sound. Students improve their rhythm, sight-reading, and expressive tools and take part in crafting arrangements, composing original songs and exploring improvisation. Piano Ensemble lays the foundation for students to join chamber groups, jazz ensembles and even explore new instruments.
Beginner String Ensemble
In addition to private lessons, playing in an ensemble with other strings is essential for students to focus on sound production, sight-reading, tuning, rhythm and setup of the instrument. Young players develop their bow technique, expression and dynamics in a fun group experience.
Guitar Ensemble
Multiple guitars in one group create a sonic experience by combining harmony, melody and rhythm. This ensemble will improve students’ sight-reading, chord knowledge, and build right hand and left hand technique. Leveled by experience, students read notation, explore diverse repertoire including classical, pop and jazz and learn valuable ensemble skills such as blend, expression, soloing and accompaniment. Students also dive into scales, arpeggios and fingerings that music.
Community Klezmer Band
This is a great opportunity for those who might be interested in trying a new genre and who haven’t played klezmer music before! This session is geared toward advanced beginner / intermediate players ages 16+ with 2+ years of experience.
Brass Ensemble
Brass ensemble is for students who play trombone, trumpet, french horn or tuba and have had a minimum of one year of private lessons or enrollment in a school band program. Playing in a brass ensemble supports students’ breath support, tone production and intonation. Ensemble performance is essential for all brass musicians. Blending your sound with other brass musicians supports all aspects of proper brass technique. Students work on intermediate brass repertoire including classical, pop and jazz selections.
Bluegrass Jam
Vocalists, string, guitar and mandolin players are invited to experience the historic American music of bluegrass. Taught by expert bluegrass musicians in a fun jam-style approach, students experience the joys of leading, improvising and accompanying traditional folk songs and old-time music. Students who join this class should be familiar with G, C and D major scales. Each semester culminates in a jam-style performance at BKCM and local bluegrass music festivals.
GLOBAL BEATS
Through call and response, language, repetition and layers, students will connect with the rich history and culture of various musical drumming traditions and learn basic hand drumming and percussion techniques.
BKCM String Ensembles
Our Suzuki program offers two String Ensembles which are open by audition to any students who play violin, viola, cello or bass. Led by Suzuki instructors, the two ensembles are a wonderful combination of Suzuki, Community Music School (CMS) and non-BKCM string students.
Brooklyn Conservatory Chorale (BCC)
Now in its 17th season, Brooklyn Conservatory Chorale (BCC), is comprised of 50-plus members and performs a rich variety of musical styles, both a cappella and with a variety of instrumental accompaniment. Conducted by Dr. Nicholas Nicassio, this ensemble meets on Monday evenings and performs two to three concerts per season in Brooklyn. Members develop their vocal skills through exciting and stimulating repertoire chosen from the music of the Renaissance to contemporary songs and everything in between. Chorale singers have the opportunity to build essential skills for singing and musical performance including sight-singing, breath support, tone production, vocal range and much more.
Flute Ensemble
Flute ensemble will improve students’ sight reading, sound production and intonation. Students work on intermediate flute repertoire including classical, pop and jazz selections, and are encouraged to practice their ensemble repertoire outside of class. With each student playing their own part, young flute players strengthen their technique as well as their confidence. When flutes perform together and blend their sound, everyone in the group improves their tone production and advances their skills quickly.
Woodwind Ensemble
Playing in an ensemble is essential for young players to learn how to play in-tune, blend with others, and support their sound within a section. This ensemble is open to students who have had one year of experience enrolled in a private lesson or band program on saxophone and clarinet.
Brooklyn Band Academy
Brass, Winds and Percussion combine in the Brooklyn Band Academy to make a joyous large ensemble sound. Open to students who play saxophone, clarinet, flute, trumpet, trombone, tuba and percussion, the Brooklyn Band Academy is open to all students who are currently enrolled in a band program or private lessons with at least one year of experience. Students experience a wide variety of repertoire that includes standard wind band selections, pop, jazz and music from around the globe.
BKCM Teen Klezmer Band
Open to teens and young adults who play strings, winds, brass, percussion and keyboard at an intermediate level, this ensemble explores Jewish dance music from Eastern Europe, alongside music for singing and meditative exploration. Students learn primarily by ear, and explore the Klezmer modes, ornamentation, and styles of improvisation and expression.
Brooklyn Harmonics Teens
Brooklyn Harmonics Teens, co-directed by Jeff Klitz and Christine Cornell, sing dynamic, close-harmony arrangements of pop, rock, jazz and world music, as well as some original tunes. All members sing solos, backed by their ensemble mates. Brooklyn Harmonics Teens is a top-tier group that performs at BKCM and throughout the community, singing on mic and accompanied by a band. Teens will perform together with the Brooklyn Harmonics Tweens and Twenty+ groups May 3 in an exciting cross-generational concert.
BROOKLYN HARMONICS TWEENS
A preparatory group for Brooklyn Harmonics Teens, Brooklyn Harmonics Tweens is open to all. Singers perform customized arrangements of popular songs (and some originals) to help refine their ability to sing in unison and develop their harmonizing skills. It’s an inspiring approach to singing with other 9- to 13-year-olds and performing in concert with the Teens is an exciting experience.
Brooklyn Harmonics Twenty+
Brooklyn Harmonics Twenty+ sing arrangements of pop tunes (and some originals) written specifically for the group, which are featured in concerts that will also showcase Brooklyn Harmonics Teens and Tweens. The three groups rehearse separately, then connect across generations in performance. Auditioning is required for this group.
Brooklyn Conservatory Chorale (BCC)
Now in its 17th season, Brooklyn Conservatory Chorale (BCC), is comprised of 50-plus members and performs a rich variety of musical styles, both a cappella and with a variety of instrumental accompaniment. Conducted by Dr. Nicholas Nicassio, this ensemble meets on Monday evenings and performs two to three concerts per season in Brooklyn. Members develop their vocal skills through exciting and stimulating repertoire chosen from the music of the Renaissance to contemporary songs and everything in between. Chorale singers have the opportunity to build essential skills for singing and musical performance including sight-singing, breath support, tone production, vocal range and much more.
Musical Theater Youth Workshop
Students who love musical theatre learn healthy singing techniques—including breath control, posture and diction—while exploring classic and contemporary musical theatre repertoire. Students explore how to make motivated choices on stage and build performance and rehearsal skills through musical theatre games and activities; and they work collaboratively to produce an original play featuring a variety of popular musical theater tunes and current hits. Each semester ends with a final performance.
Intro to Singing for Adults
If you’ve never had formal training or would like to start singing again, this course is for you. Intro to Singing will help students discover vocal technique, warm-up exercises and guided meditations that bring an awareness to the body in preparation for singing.
Jazz Travelers
Students learn an eclectic mix of repertoire including blues songs, classics from the Great American Songbook and jazz standards in a wide range of styles such as swing, funk, bebop and Afro-Cuban. Students create and perform their own arrangements, develop confidence as improvisers and gain a basic understanding of jazz theory.
BKCM BLUES BAND
In this ensemble, students play a variety of popular blues forms, scales, lyrics and performance styles connected to the blues. The repertoire follows the blues from the Fife and Drum era through Delta, Hill Country, and New Orleans to the eventual migration to places such as St Louis, Chicago and Texas. Students explore the rhythms, harmony and historical context of blues songs and learn a variety of regional styles such as Texas or Chicago blues. They’ll delve into the music of various artists such as Othar Turner, Rosa Lee Hill, Victoria Spivey, Muddy Waters and Howlin Wolf to name a few. Students will also try their hand at performing, writing and singing the blues. All instruments and voices are welcome.
Jazz Instrumental Lab (Adults)
In this weekly small group ensemble, adult musicians with intermediate to advanced skills on their instrument, have the opportunity to collaborate, improvise, rehearse and develop confidence in their jazz playing. Coached by professional jazz musicians, students work with classic jazz repertoire, highlighting blues forms and standards from the Great American Songbook while digging deep into the world of improvisation. Taught by experts in the jazz world, our faculty perform alongside the students in a mentorship model experience. Students perform a minimum of once per semester, with additional performance opportunities throughout the year.
Jazz Instrumental Lab – Intro Level (Adults)
In this weekly small group ensemble, jazz musicians at a beginner to intermediate level have the opportunity to collaborate, improvise, rehearse and develop the confidence for public performance.
Jazz Explorers
Taught by accomplished women and non-binary musicians who are active in the New York City jazz community, this program empowers young women and non-binary students who are new to jazz to grow their musicianship and confidence through improvisation and ensemble performance. The Jazz Explorers participate and perform in workshops and masterclasses with the BKCM Jazz Travelers and guest jazz artists through the Jazz Leaders Fellowship Program.. It is recommended that students in this class be enrolled in private lessons or a Band program.
Music Lessons
Music lessons at BKCM provide opportunities for students of all abilities to increase music skills on multiple instruments, make music with musicians and students from across the 5 boroughs and participate in conservatory recitals and public performances.
Chamber Music Program
Youth, teens and adults who have had at least three years experience on the piano, strings, woodwinds, brass or voice are invited to join one of our chamber ensembles. Each ensemble is supported by a professional coach and rehearses weekly, playing repertoire that includes a variety of genres and styles and are tailored to participants’ interest and skill levels.
Guitar Friends
Students learn how to strum chords, pick melodies and produce a satisfying sound on the guitar. Intended for budding guitarists aged 5-6 years old, students learn how to position the guitar on their bodies and care for the instrument. They also learn songs that help demonstrate the mechanics of the guitar, such as tuning. Play-along tracks and practice videos keep students engaged all week long while the small class size ensures that each child receives some individual attention. Students interact with both standard notation and guitar tablature to learn chords and melodies in a variety of genres and styles. At the end of each semester, students perform in a group recital, building confidence and performance skills.
On-Site Music Therapy
In Music Therapy, the developmental, emotional, psychological and social needs of children and adults are addressed through active music-making in a relationship with a music therapist.
Piano Friends
More than just an introduction to the piano, students learn essential music skills from reading music to positioning their fingers on the keyboard in a fun group setting. Intended for budding pianists aged 5-6 years old, this program features the Musical Monsters™ curriculum designed to prepare students for private lessons through interactive note-reading and ear training games.
Piano Ensemble
Piano Ensemble supports young pianists in developing musicianship and listening skills. Students with two years of private lesson experience have fun learning individual parts that combine to create an ensemble sound. Students improve their rhythm, sight-reading, and expressive tools and take part in crafting arrangements, composing original songs and exploring improvisation. Piano Ensemble lays the foundation for students to join chamber groups, jazz ensembles and even explore new instruments.
Beginner String Ensemble
In addition to private lessons, playing in an ensemble with other strings is essential for students to focus on sound production, sight-reading, tuning, rhythm and setup of the instrument. Young players develop their bow technique, expression and dynamics in a fun group experience.
Guitar Ensemble
Multiple guitars in one group create a sonic experience by combining harmony, melody and rhythm. This ensemble will improve students’ sight-reading, chord knowledge, and build right hand and left hand technique. Leveled by experience, students read notation, explore diverse repertoire including classical, pop and jazz and learn valuable ensemble skills such as blend, expression, soloing and accompaniment. Students also dive into scales, arpeggios and fingerings that music.
Music Theory
Leveled by experience, students build essential musicianship skills and develop their musical knowledge in a fun, low-pressure group setting. Each class includes active listening, analysis, composition and notation. Ear training and rhythmic diction are part of every class. Students learn chords, scales, harmony and melody and musical elements such as key signatures, time signatures and music vocabulary. Level 1 is an excellent supplement to private lessons and will enhance the students’ understanding of how music is put together. Levels 2 and 3 will prepare students for advanced middle school, high school and college music programs.
Violin Friends
Intended for budding violinists aged 5-6 years old, students begin their journey with the violin in a cheerful group setting which integrates elements of improvisation and composition as well as essential musicianship skills such as sight reading, ear training and singing. Students learn how to hold the violin, pluck individual strings and how to use the bow with the right hand. Students also learn to identify strings, read basic rhythmic notation and begin to identify notes on the staff.
Private Lessons
Private lessons are a core learning experience at BKCM and are available for every major instrument including voice. Drawing from a diverse faculty of world-class musicians and educators, we match each student to a teacher whose approach and experience fit their learning style.
COMPOSITION CLUB
For the budding composer, this class will ignite students’ imaginations while exploring concepts such as theme, variation, song-form and orchestration. Students interact with online notation software to edit their own scores, and are encouraged to experiment and compose at home. No prior experience in composition is necessary for this class, but it is recommended that students have two years of private lessons or experience playing an instrument prior to taking this course.
Brass Ensemble
Brass ensemble is for students who play trombone, trumpet, french horn or tuba and have had a minimum of one year of private lessons or enrollment in a school band program. Playing in a brass ensemble supports students’ breath support, tone production and intonation. Ensemble performance is essential for all brass musicians. Blending your sound with other brass musicians supports all aspects of proper brass technique. Students work on intermediate brass repertoire including classical, pop and jazz selections.
Suzuki Method
The Suzuki Method is recognized worldwide as a highly effective approach for teaching children the language of music. Generations of students have begun a lifelong journey of musical enrichment through this approach.
Brooklyn Winds, Brass & Percussion Camp (Brooklyn Band Academy)
For woodwinds, brass and percussion students who want to keep the music going this summer.
PIANO EXPLORERS SUMMER CAMP
[Enrollment for this camp is full.] Based on our popular Piano Friends classes, this camp offers a fun, interactive approach to learning piano in small groups. Our engaging curriculum will have students reading and playing music in no time.
BKCM Summer Strings, Guitar & Piano Camp
Join us for a great week of summer music-making! This full-day drop-off camp for piano, violin, viola, cello, guitar and bass students includes a daily semi-private lesson plus an ensemble class led by an expert instructor!
BROOKLYN HARMONICS TWEENS
A preparatory group for Brooklyn Harmonics Teens, Brooklyn Harmonics Tweens is open to all. Singers perform customized arrangements of popular songs (and some originals) to help refine their ability to sing in unison and develop their harmonizing skills. It’s an inspiring approach to singing with other 9- to 13-year-olds and performing in concert with the Teens is an exciting experience.
BKCM String Ensembles
Our Suzuki program offers two String Ensembles which are open by audition to any students who play violin, viola, cello or bass. Led by Suzuki instructors, the two ensembles are a wonderful combination of Suzuki, Community Music School (CMS) and non-BKCM string students.
Musical Theater Youth Workshop
Students who love musical theatre learn healthy singing techniques—including breath control, posture and diction—while exploring classic and contemporary musical theatre repertoire. Students explore how to make motivated choices on stage and build performance and rehearsal skills through musical theatre games and activities; and they work collaboratively to produce an original play featuring a variety of popular musical theater tunes and current hits. Each semester ends with a final performance.
Flute Ensemble
Flute ensemble will improve students’ sight reading, sound production and intonation. Students work on intermediate flute repertoire including classical, pop and jazz selections, and are encouraged to practice their ensemble repertoire outside of class. With each student playing their own part, young flute players strengthen their technique as well as their confidence. When flutes perform together and blend their sound, everyone in the group improves their tone production and advances their skills quickly.
Woodwind Ensemble
Playing in an ensemble is essential for young players to learn how to play in-tune, blend with others, and support their sound within a section. This ensemble is open to students who have had one year of experience enrolled in a private lesson or band program on saxophone and clarinet.
Brooklyn Band Academy
Brass, Winds and Percussion combine in the Brooklyn Band Academy to make a joyous large ensemble sound. Open to students who play saxophone, clarinet, flute, trumpet, trombone, tuba and percussion, the Brooklyn Band Academy is open to all students who are currently enrolled in a band program or private lessons with at least one year of experience. Students experience a wide variety of repertoire that includes standard wind band selections, pop, jazz and music from around the globe.
Music Lessons
Music lessons at BKCM provide opportunities for students of all abilities to increase music skills on multiple instruments, make music with musicians and students from across the 5 boroughs and participate in conservatory recitals and public performances.
Chamber Music Program
Youth, teens and adults who have had at least three years experience on the piano, strings, woodwinds, brass or voice are invited to join one of our chamber ensembles. Each ensemble is supported by a professional coach and rehearses weekly, playing repertoire that includes a variety of genres and styles and are tailored to participants’ interest and skill levels.
On-Site Music Therapy
In Music Therapy, the developmental, emotional, psychological and social needs of children and adults are addressed through active music-making in a relationship with a music therapist.
Jazz Travelers
Students learn an eclectic mix of repertoire including blues songs, classics from the Great American Songbook and jazz standards in a wide range of styles such as swing, funk, bebop and Afro-Cuban. Students create and perform their own arrangements, develop confidence as improvisers and gain a basic understanding of jazz theory.
Piano Ensemble
Piano Ensemble supports young pianists in developing musicianship and listening skills. Students with two years of private lesson experience have fun learning individual parts that combine to create an ensemble sound. Students improve their rhythm, sight-reading, and expressive tools and take part in crafting arrangements, composing original songs and exploring improvisation. Piano Ensemble lays the foundation for students to join chamber groups, jazz ensembles and even explore new instruments.
Beginner String Ensemble
In addition to private lessons, playing in an ensemble with other strings is essential for students to focus on sound production, sight-reading, tuning, rhythm and setup of the instrument. Young players develop their bow technique, expression and dynamics in a fun group experience.
Guitar Ensemble
Multiple guitars in one group create a sonic experience by combining harmony, melody and rhythm. This ensemble will improve students’ sight-reading, chord knowledge, and build right hand and left hand technique. Leveled by experience, students read notation, explore diverse repertoire including classical, pop and jazz and learn valuable ensemble skills such as blend, expression, soloing and accompaniment. Students also dive into scales, arpeggios and fingerings that music.
Private Lessons
Private lessons are a core learning experience at BKCM and are available for every major instrument including voice. Drawing from a diverse faculty of world-class musicians and educators, we match each student to a teacher whose approach and experience fit their learning style.
COMPOSITION CLUB
For the budding composer, this class will ignite students’ imaginations while exploring concepts such as theme, variation, song-form and orchestration. Students interact with online notation software to edit their own scores, and are encouraged to experiment and compose at home. No prior experience in composition is necessary for this class, but it is recommended that students have two years of private lessons or experience playing an instrument prior to taking this course.
Brass Ensemble
Brass ensemble is for students who play trombone, trumpet, french horn or tuba and have had a minimum of one year of private lessons or enrollment in a school band program. Playing in a brass ensemble supports students’ breath support, tone production and intonation. Ensemble performance is essential for all brass musicians. Blending your sound with other brass musicians supports all aspects of proper brass technique. Students work on intermediate brass repertoire including classical, pop and jazz selections.
Bluegrass Jam
Vocalists, string, guitar and mandolin players are invited to experience the historic American music of bluegrass. Taught by expert bluegrass musicians in a fun jam-style approach, students experience the joys of leading, improvising and accompanying traditional folk songs and old-time music. Students who join this class should be familiar with G, C and D major scales. Each semester culminates in a jam-style performance at BKCM and local bluegrass music festivals.
Suzuki Method
The Suzuki Method is recognized worldwide as a highly effective approach for teaching children the language of music. Generations of students have begun a lifelong journey of musical enrichment through this approach.
Brooklyn Harmonics Teens
Brooklyn Harmonics Teens, co-directed by Jeff Klitz and Christine Cornell, sing dynamic, close-harmony arrangements of pop, rock, jazz and world music, as well as some original tunes. All members sing solos, backed by their ensemble mates. Brooklyn Harmonics Teens is a top-tier group that performs at BKCM and throughout the community, singing on mic and accompanied by a band. Teens will perform together with the Brooklyn Harmonics Tweens and Twenty+ groups May 3 in an exciting cross-generational concert.
BKCM Summer Strings, Guitar & Piano Camp
Join us for a great week of summer music-making! This full-day drop-off camp for piano, violin, viola, cello, guitar and bass students includes a daily semi-private lesson plus an ensemble class led by an expert instructor!
BKCM Summer Jazz Camp
Heat up your jazz and improvisation skills this summer! Students of all levels and experience with jazz are welcome. Students work in small groups and masterclasses with top-notch faculty, developing skills in improvisation and jazz theory.
BROOKLYN HARMONICS VOCAL CAMP
This camp offers young singers an opportunity to advance their singing technique while empowering them with arranging and recording skills. They’ll learn healthy singing technique, vocal arranging skills and performance preparation as both an ensemble singer and soloist.
Jazz Instrumental Lab Intensive (Adults)
In this week-long, small-group ensemble, jazz musicians of all skill levels have the opportunity to collaborate, improvise, rehearse and develop the confidence for public performance.
GLOBAL BEATS
Through call and response, language, repetition and layers, students will connect with the rich history and culture of various musical drumming traditions and learn basic hand drumming and percussion techniques.
BKCM String Ensembles
Our Suzuki program offers two String Ensembles which are open by audition to any students who play violin, viola, cello or bass. Led by Suzuki instructors, the two ensembles are a wonderful combination of Suzuki, Community Music School (CMS) and non-BKCM string students.
BKCM BLUES BAND
In this ensemble, students play a variety of popular blues forms, scales, lyrics and performance styles connected to the blues. The repertoire follows the blues from the Fife and Drum era through Delta, Hill Country, and New Orleans to the eventual migration to places such as St Louis, Chicago and Texas. Students explore the rhythms, harmony and historical context of blues songs and learn a variety of regional styles such as Texas or Chicago blues. They’ll delve into the music of various artists such as Othar Turner, Rosa Lee Hill, Victoria Spivey, Muddy Waters and Howlin Wolf to name a few. Students will also try their hand at performing, writing and singing the blues. All instruments and voices are welcome.
Flute Ensemble
Flute ensemble will improve students’ sight reading, sound production and intonation. Students work on intermediate flute repertoire including classical, pop and jazz selections, and are encouraged to practice their ensemble repertoire outside of class. With each student playing their own part, young flute players strengthen their technique as well as their confidence. When flutes perform together and blend their sound, everyone in the group improves their tone production and advances their skills quickly.
Woodwind Ensemble
Playing in an ensemble is essential for young players to learn how to play in-tune, blend with others, and support their sound within a section. This ensemble is open to students who have had one year of experience enrolled in a private lesson or band program on saxophone and clarinet.
Brooklyn Band Academy
Brass, Winds and Percussion combine in the Brooklyn Band Academy to make a joyous large ensemble sound. Open to students who play saxophone, clarinet, flute, trumpet, trombone, tuba and percussion, the Brooklyn Band Academy is open to all students who are currently enrolled in a band program or private lessons with at least one year of experience. Students experience a wide variety of repertoire that includes standard wind band selections, pop, jazz and music from around the globe.
Jazz Explorers
Taught by accomplished women and non-binary musicians who are active in the New York City jazz community, this program empowers young women and non-binary students who are new to jazz to grow their musicianship and confidence through improvisation and ensemble performance. The Jazz Explorers participate and perform in workshops and masterclasses with the BKCM Jazz Travelers and guest jazz artists through the Jazz Leaders Fellowship Program.. It is recommended that students in this class be enrolled in private lessons or a Band program.
BKCM Teen Klezmer Band
Open to teens and young adults who play strings, winds, brass, percussion and keyboard at an intermediate level, this ensemble explores Jewish dance music from Eastern Europe, alongside music for singing and meditative exploration. Students learn primarily by ear, and explore the Klezmer modes, ornamentation, and styles of improvisation and expression.
Music Lessons
Music lessons at BKCM provide opportunities for students of all abilities to increase music skills on multiple instruments, make music with musicians and students from across the 5 boroughs and participate in conservatory recitals and public performances.
Chamber Music Program
Youth, teens and adults who have had at least three years experience on the piano, strings, woodwinds, brass or voice are invited to join one of our chamber ensembles. Each ensemble is supported by a professional coach and rehearses weekly, playing repertoire that includes a variety of genres and styles and are tailored to participants’ interest and skill levels.
Brooklyn Conservatory Community Orchestra (BCCO)
Experience the joys of performing in a full orchestra! Open by audition to adult orchestral musicians from intermediate to advanced levels, the BCCO performs the great masterpieces of the orchestral repertoire to contemporary works by living composers.
On-Site Music Therapy
In Music Therapy, the developmental, emotional, psychological and social needs of children and adults are addressed through active music-making in a relationship with a music therapist.
Community Klezmer Band
This is a great opportunity for those who might be interested in trying a new genre and who haven’t played klezmer music before! This session is geared toward advanced beginner / intermediate players ages 16+ with 2+ years of experience.
Private Lessons
Private lessons are a core learning experience at BKCM and are available for every major instrument including voice. Drawing from a diverse faculty of world-class musicians and educators, we match each student to a teacher whose approach and experience fit their learning style.
Music Theory for Adults
This class is for adults who are interested in understanding the fundamentals of music and covers building blocks such as form, harmony, melody and rhythm. No prior training in music is required for this class, which will bring a fresh perspective to the music you listen to everyday.
Beginner Piano (Adults)
This class is open to students who are either completely new to the piano, or have had some prior experience at a beginner level. In a relaxed, small group setting, students orient their fingers on the keyboard and explore notation, pitch and rhythm. Students also learn how to coordinate their fingers in time, while learning chords and familiar melodies. Instructors advise on how to combine hands together and build finger strength and agility through patterns and finger exercises.
Beginner Guitar (Adults)
Open to adults who are either completely new to the guitar or have had minimal prior experience, this relaxed, small group class gives students individual attention and helpful resources to learn simple chords and melodies. Students learn how to coordinate switching from one chord to the next in rhythm while learning familiar songs from a wide variety of genres, from pop and rock to jazz and folk.
GLOBAL BEATS
Through call and response, language, repetition and layers, students will connect with the rich history and culture of various musical drumming traditions and learn basic hand drumming and percussion techniques.
Brooklyn Harmonics Twenty+
Brooklyn Harmonics Twenty+ sing arrangements of pop tunes (and some originals) written specifically for the group, which are featured in concerts that will also showcase Brooklyn Harmonics Teens and Tweens. The three groups rehearse separately, then connect across generations in performance. Auditioning is required for this group.
BKCM BLUES BAND
In this ensemble, students play a variety of popular blues forms, scales, lyrics and performance styles connected to the blues. The repertoire follows the blues from the Fife and Drum era through Delta, Hill Country, and New Orleans to the eventual migration to places such as St Louis, Chicago and Texas. Students explore the rhythms, harmony and historical context of blues songs and learn a variety of regional styles such as Texas or Chicago blues. They’ll delve into the music of various artists such as Othar Turner, Rosa Lee Hill, Victoria Spivey, Muddy Waters and Howlin Wolf to name a few. Students will also try their hand at performing, writing and singing the blues. All instruments and voices are welcome.
Jazz Instrumental Lab (Adults)
In this weekly small group ensemble, adult musicians with intermediate to advanced skills on their instrument, have the opportunity to collaborate, improvise, rehearse and develop confidence in their jazz playing. Coached by professional jazz musicians, students work with classic jazz repertoire, highlighting blues forms and standards from the Great American Songbook while digging deep into the world of improvisation. Taught by experts in the jazz world, our faculty perform alongside the students in a mentorship model experience. Students perform a minimum of once per semester, with additional performance opportunities throughout the year.
Brooklyn Conservatory Chorale (BCC)
Now in its 17th season, Brooklyn Conservatory Chorale (BCC), is comprised of 50-plus members and performs a rich variety of musical styles, both a cappella and with a variety of instrumental accompaniment. Conducted by Dr. Nicholas Nicassio, this ensemble meets on Monday evenings and performs two to three concerts per season in Brooklyn. Members develop their vocal skills through exciting and stimulating repertoire chosen from the music of the Renaissance to contemporary songs and everything in between. Chorale singers have the opportunity to build essential skills for singing and musical performance including sight-singing, breath support, tone production, vocal range and much more.
Intro to Singing for Adults
If you’ve never had formal training or would like to start singing again, this course is for you. Intro to Singing will help students discover vocal technique, warm-up exercises and guided meditations that bring an awareness to the body in preparation for singing.
Jazz Instrumental Lab – Intro Level (Adults)
In this weekly small group ensemble, jazz musicians at a beginner to intermediate level have the opportunity to collaborate, improvise, rehearse and develop the confidence for public performance.