Private Lessons

Private Lesson students of all ages are also eligible for free or reduced tuition for many of our Group Classes and Ensembles. CLICK HERE to browse our full class offerings.

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.

Every student is encouraged to perform in a recital twice per year in our state-of-the-art concert hall. Private lesson students can take advantage of our flourishing ensemble scene with opportunities to join one of our many ensembles, from chamber music to jazz to bluegrass. Many private lesson students add on other enrichment classes such as ear training and composition. Private lesson students receive reduced tuition for enrollment in ensembles, classes and programs.

For guidance in finding your next instructor please call the registration desk at 718-622-3300.

Financial aid is available for qualifying students. To apply please contact kris.mandapat@bkcm.org and fill out the financial aid application.

PIANO: Our world-class piano faculty are experienced in teaching a range of styles from classical to jazz to pop and have experience working with students at all levels, ages and interests. Students learn to read and interpret music and develop proper technique, finger dexterity and ear training. Students perform repertoire that is suitably challenging and follows their interests from a variety of method books, songs and composers – and all on our 19 beautiful Steinway pianos.

GUITAR, BANJO, UKULELE: From rock and pop to classical and jazz, beginners of all ages learn how to properly care for and tune the guitar, pick melodies and strum chords. Our youngest beginners start on appropriately sized acoustic guitars that fit their hands and fingers. Older students learn to read and interpret standard notation as well as advanced chords and finger patterns. Students build skills in improvisation and accompaniment for singing. Students of all ages who are ready to take their guitar playing to the next level often come to the Conservatory to refine and develop their technical, reading and improvising skills.

STRINGS – VIOLIN, VIOLA, CELLO, BASS, HARP: BKCM offers lessons in violin, viola, cello, bass and harp under the guidance of experienced teachers whose expertise ranges from classical to bluegrass to jazz. Our teachers take a gentle approach to the fundamentals of string playing, such as bow technique, posture and body awareness so that students may achieve excellence in pitch and tone. In the early years, teachers and caregivers work together to assure that the proper technique is being practiced at home and that a suitable practice routine is in place.

BRASS – TRUMPET, TROMBONE, FRENCH HORN, TUBA: Brass lessons are generally suitable for students ages 9 and up. Students develop a foundation for an excellent sound by playing duets and studying breath control, articulation and expression. A great supplement to participation in elementary, middle and high school band programs, our brass and woodwind students are invited to take advantage of our plentiful ensemble offerings, including the BKCM Jazz Program, Brass Ensemble, Chamber Music and the Big Bad Brass Band.

WOODWINDS – FLUTE, CLARINET, SAXOPHONE: Woodwind lessons are generally suitable for students ages 9 and up. Students develop a foundation for an excellent sound by playing duets and studying breath control, articulation and expression. A great supplement to participation in elementary, middle and high school band programs, our brass and woodwind students are invited to take advantage of our plentiful ensemble offerings, including the BKCM Jazz Program, Brass Ensemble, Chamber Music and the Big Bad Brass Band.

DRUMS, PERCUSSION, TABLA: Our percussion students jam on familiar songs and rhythms, including rock and roll, classical, jazz, African, Latin American, South American, traditional Indian and contemporary music. Students learn drum notation, rhythmic studies, limb independence and stick technique. We encourage our drum students to join one of our many ensembles. Students prepare and perform for recitals with a live ensemble, giving them a real-world experience as a drummer.

VOICE: Specializing in genres ranging from musical theatre and opera to pop, rock and jazz, our voice faculty focus on building solid vocal technique and developing habits that will help keep your voice healthy and strong. Students gain music skills such as reading notes, matching pitch, harmonizing and interpreting songs. Students also have the opportunity to prepare for performances and recitals with a live accompanist. Private voice lessons are recommended for students ages 8 and up.

Registration Info

To be matched with the right teacher and sign up for a trial lesson, call the registration desk at 718-622-3300.