Silver Music was founded by Ellen and Daniel Silver in 2005 after thirteen years of Ellen teaching Suzuki cello inside and outside the home. The first Ready Set Play class was created for children in their son’s preschool to explore instruments and the elements of music before choosing an instrument to study. Ellen’s Suzuki training as well as Dalcroze and Music Together training shaped the class curriculum, while Daniel’s childhood experience of choosing an instrument led to the creation of the Ready, Set Play concept. Five-year-old Danny had wanted to play the guitar, but he had thought it was called the “violin”! He was mistakenly steered toward the violin at the local music shop and then went on to study it for years to come. He wanted to be sure that children get the chance to try multiple instruments and choose what they want to play for themselves. Daniel’s architecture and design background led to the idea and realization of a music school for graduates of that first RSP class, leading over many years to the development of two inviting spaces for students of all ages in Morningside Heights and on the Upper West Side. We strive 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 1500 children have enrolled in our classes, and our Instrumental Program in violin, viola, cello, flute, and piano is 220 students strong with performance opportunities for students of all levels throughout the year. 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. With two locations on the Upper West Side and Morningside Heights, Silver Music offerings have expanded to include summer camps, musicianship classes, chamber music, orchestra, 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.”