Blog

  • December Music Events in NYC

    Shine and the Moonbeams
    Saturday, Dec. 1, 11am
    David Rubenstein Atrium at Lincoln Center
    A soulful, groove-heavy R&B musical extravaganza in a rock ’n roll package, capturing the sweetness, uncertainty, and simplicity of youth. FREE (recommended for ages 2-5)

    Accordion Holiday Concert
    Sunday, Dec. 2, 6pm
    Berg’n
    A unique and jolly way to celebrate the season! Come sing holiday carols with 20+ accordion-players and other instrumentalists. Our program director, Blythe Bonnaffons, will be performing and MCing this event. Appropriate for all ages. $5-$10 sliding scale.

    Nouveau Classical Project: Currents
    Thursday, Dec. 6, 7:30pm
    David Rubenstein Atrium at Lincoln Center
    NCP has commissioned Currents, its latest evening-length performance featuring music for flute, clarinet, violin, cello, piano, and electronics by some of today’s most exciting composers: Olga Bell, David Bird, Gabrielle Herbst, and Isaac Schankler. FREE

    Jazz for Kids
    Sunday, Dec. 2, 9, 16, 2pm
    Jazz Standard
    The Jazz Standard Youth Orchestra, made up of talented youngsters between the ages of 11 and 18, provides the music including big band classics like “Cherokee” and “Billie’s Bounce.” Suggested donation $5.

    Sonatenabend
    Wednesday, Dec. 5, 6pm
    Paul Recital Hall
    Pianists from Juilliard’s Collaborative Piano department perform sonata repertoire in partnership with student instrumentalists. FREE.

    Handel’s Messiah
    Sunday, Dec. 8, 8:00pm
    Carnegie Hall
    Messiah has become the best known and most performed of all of Handel’s works, as well as the most performed choral work, throughout the world. Come hear the Cecelia Chorus perform this work at Carnegie and see if you can spot our viola teacher, Surai Balbeisi in the orchestra! Tickets start at $25.

    Wednesdays at One: Juilliard Lab Orchestra
    Wednesday, Dec. 12, 1pm
    Alice Tully Hall
    Juilliard artists share their talent with the community in these free, hour-long lunchtime concerts on Wednesday afternoons throughout the season. FREE.

    Brandenburg Concertos
    Wednesday, December 12, 6:30pm
    Temple Emanu-El
    Come hear the renowned St. Luke’s Orchestra perform one of the greatest works of the Baroque era, Bach’s Brandenburg Concertos, with each movement showcasing the virtuosity and distinct sonority of a different instrument. A perfect follow-up to our Faculty Concerts featuring concerti! FREE

    Carnival of the Animals
    Saturday, December 15, 1pm, 4pm
    Miller Theatre at Columbia University
    Miller’s annual holiday treat returns, a playful production that brings Camille Saint-Saëns’s beloved work to life—Carnival of the Animals. Experience the magic, as everyday objects take on new lives as lions, elephants, and birds, through the incredible vision of director Lake Simons and some of New York’s best puppeteers. $9-$30

    Colonial Christmas
    Saturday, December 15, 7:30pm
    The Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine
    Early Music New York presents 18th-century New England shape-note anthems and hymns sung by the men’s vocal ensemble, with English country dance tunes played by a band of fiddle, flute and bass. Tickets start at $20.

    Holiday Brass
    Sunday, Dec. 16, 3:00pm
    David Geffen Hall
    A family-friendly event for ages 4+, experience the power, brilliance, and virtuosity of the New York Philharmonic Brass and Percussion. $59

    Home Alone in Concert
    Thursday & Friday, Dec. 20-21, 7pm
    David Geffen Hall
    Don’t miss this holiday blockbuster as the Philharmonic performs John Williams’s score live to film. Tickets start at $45

  • November Music Events in NYC

    Recital: Keiko Tokunaga, Violin
    Saturday, Nov. 3, 6pm
    Paul Hall
    Pre-College and college alumnae Keiko Tokunaga and Mika Emily Sasaki present a recital featuring a work by Pre-College faculty member and college alumnus Evan Fein. FREE

    The Melita Ensemble
    Friday, Nov. 2, 7pm
    The Church of St. Paul the Apostle
    Come hear our viola teacher, Molly Goldman, perform with The Melita Ensemble on the Upper West Side!

    Elena Moon Park: Rabbit Days and Dumplings
    Saturday, Nov. 3, 11am
    David Rubenstein Atrium
    Elena Moon Park and Friends celebrates folk and children’s music from all over East Asia, reinterpreted to mix various musical traditions, languages, styles, and stories. FREE (ages 2-5)

    Mozart for Munchkins: Jazz for Juniors
    Saturday, Nov. 3, 4pm
    Greenwich House Music School
    MfM creates an interactive and engaging atmosphere in which families can experience and enjoy music! Each interactive performance is followed by an “instrument petting zoo” where everyone is welcome to try the instruments and meet the performers! Kids under 12: FREE, Adults: $30

    Sonatenabend
    Wednesday, Nov. 14, 6pm
    Julliard
    Pianists from Juilliard’s Collaborative Piano department perform sonata repertoire in partnership with student instrumentalists. FREE

    Silver Music Faculty Recital
    Saturday, Nov. 17, 5pm
    218 W 72nd St
    Come hear our faculty perform! One teacher from each of our departments (flute, violin, viola, cello, piano) will be performing a show piece or movement of a concerto. The recital will be interactive with questions and commentary specifically designed for our students. $12/advance, $15 at the door.

    CMS Kids
    Sunday, Nov. 18, 3pm
    Daniel and Joanna S. Rose Studio
    Program curated for ages 3-6 where families can explore the up-close and friendly world of chamber music in the intimate Rose Studio. $25

    Juilliard String Quartet
    Monday, Nov. 19, 7:30pm
    Alice Tully Hall
    Areta Zhulla and Ronald Copes, violins. Roger Tapping, viola. Astrid Schween, cello. Tickets start at $30 (15 for Juilliard Students)

  • Faculty Recital: 11/17

    A FACULTY RECITAL
    Saturday, November 17, 2018
    5:00pm sold out
    6:15pm new performance added!
    Silver Music
    218 W 72nd St
    $12 in advance/$15 at the door
    limited seating

    Selections from:
    Telemann Viola Concerto
    Quantz Flute Concerto
    Saint-Saens Allegro Appassionato
    Chopin Nocturne in Eb
    Kreisler Sicilienne and Rigaudon 
    Purchase tickets online in advance
    *advance tickets will be available until Friday, November 16th, 5pm
    *cash or check required for tickets purchased at the doorgeneral inquiries may be sent to silvermusic@silvermusic.org
    This recital is designed for children! Children under 4  ~ free

    Featured Faculty

    Zara Lawler

    Flute

    Sage Cole

    Violin

    Molly Goldman

    Viola

    Kayla Herrmann

    Cello

    Wenhan Anderson

    Piano

  • Music Makes a Difference

    Music Makes a Difference
    a mixed-age music class to benefit the ACLU
    Sunday, October 14
    10:30am
    Silver Music
    45 Tiemann Place
    $10 suggested donationWe are kicking off our community events this fall with a musical jam geared towards young children, ages 0-7 years old. This event will be led by our music teacher, Molly Goldman, and will include live music, hands-on percussion, movement activities, and singing. A $10 donation is suggested and all proceeds will be donated to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), a nonprofit organization whose mission is to defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties of every person in the country. RSVPs are appreciated.

    RSVP by email below!
    Cash donation preferred at the door
    RSVP HERE

    ACLU

    Learn more about the ACLU’s mission

    Community Concerts

    Learn more about Silver Music’s community events for a cause

  • Suzuki Flute FUN 1/28

    Suzuki Flute Fun!

    January 28
    218 W 72nd St
    4:00-4:45pm

    Join Zara Lawler, our Suzuki flute teacher, on Monday, January 28 for an introduction to the flute!

    This event is for children and parents to hear live flute music, try a few flute activities from our introductory classes, and learn more about the Suzuki method for flute and Flute Readiness.

    This event is FREE, but RSVPs are appreciated.
    If you can’t make the event but would like to learn more, please email silvermusic@silvermusic.org.

    FLUTE FAQ’s with Zara:

    Do young children have enough lung power to play the flute?
    Yes! It takes the same kind of lung power that children use when they run around outside screaming their heads off.

    Do young children play real flutes?
    Yes, there are specially designed flutes that curve back on themselves,
    making them short enough for small people to play comfortably. They are
    real flutes that play the same pitches as professional flutes, with a few
    modifications to make them lighter and easier for small hands to hold.
    However, most young beginners will start on a “faux flute,” for a lesson or
    two: this is a pvc mock-up of a real flute, on which the young beginner can
    learn the basics of how to hold the flute, where to put their fingers, and
    how to stand while playing. Silver Music can help guide you to find an appropriate instrument to begin lessons.

    Can young children play real music?
    Yes, again! The Suzuki method starts with tunes most children know
    already, including Mary Had a Little Lamb and Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.
    Once children gain some basic proficiency on the instrument, they move
    on to simple pieces by composers such as Bach, Handel and Schubert.

    Please contact us at silvermusic@silvermusic.org to RSVP to Flute Fun, register for a lesson or class, or to learn more!

    Why Choose Flute?

    Many students are captivated by the pure and shining tone of the flute, an instrument that can play above the orchestra at a wide range. Using breath to create the sound, there is both a meditative and singing quality to playing the flute. Compared to other instruments, the flute is relatively inexpensive and durable, and extremely portable (you can fit it in your bookbag)! The flute is a popular instrument in a many contexts and cultures; it pairs well with treble and bass instruments, and can be performed solo or in a variety of ensembles.

    Suzuki Flute Repertoire

    There is noticeable crossover between the Suzuki string and flute repertoire. For those children who have been in our RSP classes, many will recognize some of the early flute repertoire as we sing these pieces and rhythms in our current classes. Regardless of your child’s background, Suzuki Flute Book 1 starts with pieces most children know already, including Mary Had a Little Lamb and Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star and progresses to works by Bach, Schubert and Handel by the end of Book 1.

    Determining Readiness

    Most school band programs wait to begin introducing wind instruments until late elementary school or middle school. Students actually have the capacity to start flute much earlier, and through the Suzuki method young students learn to play musically and develop a strong tone from the start. If your child is ready to accept direct instruction from a teacher and your family is able to set aside time for practicing, your child may be ready to begin private flute lessons. (Depending on their size, children under 10 may use a modified flute that is easier to hold). Suzuki flute is also successful with older students as repertoire is designed to present technical problems to be learned in the context of the music rather than through dry technical exercises. Because there is nothing to look “at” while playing the flute, students are introduced to note-reading early in the repertoire and can feel successful joining an ensemble at school or in their community.

  • Register for a Fall Introductory Class!

    Fall 2018

    Ready, Set, Play!, String & Flute Readiness, and Music Shakers

    Introductory Classes for Young Children

    ONLINE INQUIRY FORM

    Let us know your child’s availability and preference for the coming semester!
    Are you interested in a nurturing music class for your young child this fall? Registration for Fall Introductory Classes is now open!

    Our Introductory Classes meet weekly for 45 minutes in small class sizes of approximately 4 children. Students are thoughtfully placed in classes with other children of a similar age and level, and continue with the same teacher and classmates for the full semester.

    Because we individually place your child in an appropriate class, we ask that you submit an Online Inquiry Form with the full extent of your child’s availability so that we can find the best match for him or her. We generally recommend our Ready, Set, Play! class for children who are between the ages of 2.5-6 years old, but we are happy to discuss all options in our introductory program with you. Please read below for more information or check out our Introductory Class Videoto learn ore about our approach. Any questions may be directed to silvermusic@silvermusic.org.

    You can view our tentative fall schedule online here!
    Updates will be made as forms are submitted and classes take shape.

    Our Fall Semester begins September 12th! Stay tuned for upcoming information about our Open House!

    Ready, Set, Play!

    Our RSP classes are designed to introduce the violin, viola, cello, flute, and piano along with a creative exploration of the elements of music. Students also play percussion instruments, move to music, read and write rhythms, listen, and sing. Most students take multiple semesters of RSP. Recommended for children ages 2.5-6 years old (grouped by age). Students pay by semester (rate of $45/class).

    String & Flute Readiness 

    Generally students are placed in this class based on a teacher’s recommendation after completing at least one semester of RSP. This class is designed as a transition step between the learning environment of a general group music class and the more focused and directed learning involved in a private lesson. This class focuses on one instrument only. Students pay by semester (rate of $45/class).

    Music Shakers

    Music Shakers is a mixed-age class for young children and their caregivers. In this class, children (8 months to 2.5 years) will combine rhythm instrument play and exploration to live music and seasonal songs, musical movement, story and active listening. These class sizes can be larger, able to accommodate up to 8 children attending with 1 parent. Students may register in advance for $20 a class, or drop-in for $25.

  • NO MUSIC SHAKERS 6/1, 6/8

    We are cancelling the last two classes of Music Shakers due to construction. Apologies for the inconvenience!

  • NYC Musical Events in May

    Community Concert for a Cause
    Sunday, May 6, 2pm
    Goddard Riverside Bernie Wohl Center
    Our May concert will combine not only music, but dance and theater as well! Join us on a Sunday at Goddard for a unique twist on our Community Concert series. This particular event will be interactive and geared towards kids. $10 suggested donation.

    Emmanuel Ax
    Thursday, May 10, 8pm
    Stern Auditorium
    Come watch one of the greatest pianists of our day perform works by Mozart, Liszt, Bach, and Beethoven. Great for our older piano students! Tickets start at $16.50

    Carnegie Hall Family Concert
    Saturday, May 12, 2pm
    Zankel Hall
    New York City–based artists perform in My City, My Song, a colorful, participatory experience that provides children with the opportunity to discover music from different parts of the world that can be found right in their own city. $10

    Student Chamber Music Recitals
    Saturday, May 12, 5:45pm
    The DiMenna Center for Classical Music
    Come hear Silver Music students perform chamber music in this gorgeous space! Recital will include string trios and quartets, and a piano quartet. FREE

    Tonal Fusion
    Sunday, May 13, 6:30pm
    AC Pianocraft
    Support our piano teacher, Racqui Borromeo and her musical partner as they perform two-piano works by Rachmaninoff, Copland, Lutoslawski, and Bolling, in collaboration with a percussion ensemble and double bass. Proceeds benefit the “Move the Nuclear Weapons Money” movement. $20-$40.

    The MET Orchestra
    Wednesday, May 30, 8pm
    Carnegie Hall
    Mozart’s Violin Concerto No. 5, and Mahler’s 5th Symphony surely won’t disappoint as played by the MET orchestra on May 30th. See if you can spot our MET parents! Tickets start at $28.

  • 5/6 Tapping the Young Artist

    Community Concert for a Cause

    Tapping the Young Artist
    May 6, 2018
    2:00pm
    Goddard Riverside Bernie Wohl Center
    647 Columbus Ave
    $10 suggested donation
    Silver Music
    Ballet and Beyond NYC
    GRCC Beacon Program

    Our May Community Concert for a Cause will combine not only music, but dance and theater as well! Join us at Goddard Riverside Bernie Wohl Center on Sunday, May 6 for a unique twist on our Community Concert series. This concert will feature Silver Music advanced violin students and faculty Karolyn Bethke and Ellen Silver, in collaboration with Ballet and Beyond NYC, and Goddard Riverside Community Center Beacon Program. All proceeds for this event will benefit Goddard Riverside Performing Arts Camp, a summer program open to campers of any skill level with a desire to experience the performing arts.

    This will be an interactive event specifically geared towards kids.
    RSVPs to silvermusic@silvermusic.org very much appreciated!

  • NYC Musical Events in April

    The Juilliard Orchestra
    Monday, April 2, 8pm
    Carnegie Hall
    Enjoy The Juilliard Orchestra in this magnificent hall performing works by Dvorak, Bartok, and Ives. $15-30

    Julliard Pre-College Recitals
    Saturday, April 7, 12:00-6:00pm
    Morse Hall
    An inspiring opportunity for our string-players to hear students perform at a very high level. Solo performances on violin, viola, and cello are scheduled throughout the day, as well as a chamber music recital at 6pm. FREE.

    Viola Masters Degree Recital
    Tuesday, April 10, 8:00pm
    Bruno Walter Orchestral Studio
    For those of you who enjoyed En-Chi Cheng’s performance at our March Concert for a Cause, you can hear him perform again with pianist Chuang-Chuang Peter Fang at Julliard. We highly recommend this event to all our viola students (stop by after Tuesday group!). FREE

    Boston Symphony Orchestra
    Friday, April 13, 8:00pm
    Carnegie Hall
    Check out the Boston Symphony Orchestra, with violist, Steven Ansell, and cellist, YO-YO MA! Limited availability, call for tickets 212-247-7800.

    Silver Music Faculty Recital
    Saturday, April 21, 5:45pm
    The DiMenna Center
    Throughout the school year, Silver Music hosts 4 Faculty Recitals, each focusing on a different time period in music. Join us on April 21 for our recital featuring music from the Romantic era. The event includes an interactive discussion designed for children. $18 online in advance/$20 at the door.

    Meet the Music!
    Sunday, April 22, 2:00pm
    Alice Tully Hall
    Check out this event for young children to explore the concept of “theme and variations” in music! Ticket holders are also invited to an instrument petting-zoo prior to the event. This is a great opportunity for our intro class students! $10-$30.

    Community Concert for a Cause
    Friday, April 27, 7:00pm
    Silver Music Tiemann Location
    Come enjoy a unique performance of Silver Music faculty and friends at our cozy uptown location and support the environment at the same time! $10 suggested donation (all proceeds will be donated to NRDC).