Silver Music was founded by Ellen Rose Silver in 2005 after 14 rewarding years of teaching Suzuki cello. Ellen created the Ready Set Play class for children in her son’s preschool who were interested in exploring instruments, as a response to many parents asking which instrument their child should play and when and how to start them. She took the Pre-Twinkle stage of the Suzuki approach and added the physical and improvisational elements of Dalcroze methodology to help children develop the preliminary skills and interest in strings and piano before they chose one instrument for private study. Students then went on to study violin, viola, cello, and piano when they were truly ready to learn from a teacher in a focused way. Silver Music has now incorporated guitar and flute into our introductory and instrumental programs. Our goal is to carry the enthusiasm generated in our beginning classes forward into the discipline and structure of the private lesson when children and parents are ready.
Over 1000 children have enrolled in our classes, and our Instrumental Program is 175 students and growing. We have a close-knit and incredibly committed and professional group of teachers, an engaged group of parents, and wonderful students who inspire us to be our best each week. Now with two locations on the Upper West Side and Morningside Heights, Silver Music offerings have expanded to include chamber music, chorus, adult programs, school partnerships, outreach events, and additional opportunities to connect with our community. Of course, we continue to nurture our early childhood program where it all began. We hope you’ll explore our website or contact us to learn more about our school and our approach.
Testimonials
“Silver Music has been an amazing place for our 7 year-old daughter and for our family. Our daughter started at Silver Music at age 4 with an introduction to piano, violin, and cello. She chose to play the cello. She has had great teachers for individual and group classes. They are motivating, patient, knowledgeable, and know how to incorporate games into the lessons to keep the children engaged. There is also support for parents to learn how to help children practice. The director of the school, Ellen Silver, is one of the most gifted teachers I have ever seen. She is incredibly inspiring. We feel lucky that our family is part of this positive, upbeat, and encouraging community.”
“Silver music is a wonderful music school. Ellen Silver and her wonderful teachers have developed a child appropriate music curriculum through their introductory and Suzuki lessons. The children are required to take both individual and group lessons, which strengthen their interest, skill and commitment to their instruments. The teachers are firm but fun, and know how to be both gentle and appropriately demanding of their students. I highly recommend this program.”
“Silver Music has fantastic camp programs where kids can meet other young musicians and be challenged and inspired to learn new pieces together. My son has returned for a few weeks each summer and is looking forward to chamber music camp again this summer!”
“My son joined your string camp in summer 2018 and it seemed so enjoyable. I think the kids’ show on the last day was just fabulous. I was so impressed that the teachers at Silver Music were not just so happy but also sincere to the children.”
“Since a child I have always wanted to play piano. I started private lessons six months ago (at age 45!) and I’m happy to report that I’m already playing Chopin’s Prelude in A Major and Billy Joel’s “Just the Way You Are” by heart. My 10 year old started at the same time and we’re going to play in our first recital together next week. We argue over who gets to practice first! The school is extremely family oriented and they always have useful events for parents and kids. It’s a very special place.”
“The events at the Silver music speak through our loves towards music and the society, we are grateful to be there.”