Our Program
At the Special Music School we combine a highly structured music program and standards-based academics with a commitment to integrated curriculum development. This means that our students and their parents understand their degree of progress while being supported to learn in a holistic way.
Our interactive approach to learning includes hands-on exploration and collaborative learning experiences. Students and teachers make connections between all forms of knowledge, from music to mathematics, and our multi-cultural classrooms integrate, celebrate and encourage respect for diversity.
Small class sizes work best with this kind of educational approach, so we have a maximum of fifteen students per class, which means that students get more teacher support. Academics take up about 80 percent of a child's time and the remainder is spent on music lessons. Students take gym class once a week.
Our Music Program
Our music program provides limitless opportunity for a motivated, musically gifted child, who can pursue his or her musical interests to the full. The curriculum includes two private instrumental lessons each week and group classes in music theory, solfege, music history and chorus.
Our Academic Program
Our academic program emphasizes the development of problem-solving skills and encourages independent thinking and creativity. The curriculum is based on New York State and New York City learning standards and responds to the special needs, abilities and interests of each child.
Our After School Program
We provide a wide range of tuition-based after-school programs. These are held at the Kaufman Center's Lucy Moses School and include chamber music/ensemble classes, improvisation lessons, piano, musical theater and dance.
Additionally, the Special Music School hosts the intensive, pre-collegiate Young Artist Program for grades 9-12, together with the Kaufman Center and the Lucy Moses School.