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COVID-19 Policy
Thank you for visiting our COVID-19 Policy page and reading our guidelines and requirements to help keep our community as healthy as possible. As the situation in NYC evolves and requirements from the CDC are updated, we continue to update and adapt our policies to align with the most current health and safety policies.
SPACE GUIDELINES
-To prevent the spread of Coronavirus, we are limiting class sizes and asking that students be dropped off for group classes. (RSP/Readiness and beginner group classes may have one adult in the classroom).
-Classrooms are equipped with a blue air filter and window access
-All shared instruments and materials will be sanitized regularly
-All persons over age 2 who enter the school must wear a mask for the duration of their stay. (Flute students/flute faculty may remove their masks during portions of the lessons. Additional protocols will be required of flute students).
-No eating or drinking is permitted inside the space
VACCINATION POLICIES
We are require everyone aged 12+ to show proof of vaccination in order to participate in our in-person Silver Music programs, or spend more than 10 minutes inside the school.
- All eligible Silver Music students/adults must receive one dose of the Covid-19 vaccine by their first lesson or class. (VACCINE FORMS ARE BELOW).
- If you intend to seek an exemption from the vaccine requirement due to medical circumstances, a letter from a medical provider must be emailed to silvermusic@silvermusic.org prior to the start of your lessons/class
If a student (12 years and older) does not plan to receive the vaccine and does not have a medical exemption letter from a medical provider, the student’s lesson or class will need to take place online.
All staff and faculty must provide a proof of vaccine or submit to weekly testing along with a letter of exemption from their medical provider. Facemasks must be worn at all times.
SYMPTOMS AND POSITIVE CASES:
All students and families entering our school acknowledge the contagious nature of the Coronavirus/COVID-19 and that Silver Music cannot guarantee that an individual will not become infected with the Coronavirus/Covid-19. All persons must comply with all set procedures to reduce the spread while attending lessons or classes.
Exhibiting Symptoms
No persons exhibiting symptoms of illness such as cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fever, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, or new loss of taste or smell, will be permitted to enter the facility.
Positive Cases
If parent or student has tested positive for COVID-19 or are aware that they have been in close contact* with an individual who has tested positive for COVID-19, they must wait 5 days from exposure/testing positive to enter our facility. Individuals may return on Day 6 if they have no symptoms and they have been fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication. Students returning from isolation on Day 6 must wear a well-fitting mask such as a KN95, KF94, or a cloth mask over a disposable surgical mask on Days 6–10.
For an unvaccinated person of any age who is exposed to COVID-19 in the home, if the COVID-positive household member and student are staying in the same home, the student must continue to quarantine for at least 5 additional days after the household member’s isolation period has ended.
Please note: if your child has recovered from COVID-19 in the last 90 days, they do not need to quarantine following an exposure and may continue to attend their lesson or class unless they develop COVID-like symptoms.
*Close contact means within 3 feet, masked or unmasked, for at least 10 minutes.
IN-PERSON INSTRUCTION AND FACILITY CLOSURE
For students participating in in-person lessons and classes, in the event Silver Music needs to close its facility for a period of time due to NYC, NYS, and CDC recommendations related to COVID-19, instruction for instrumental and introductory students will continue online. In this event, tuition and withdrawal policies will remain the same.
VACCINE FORMS
- If the student or accompanying adult has been fully vaccinated please complete this form (Note: this form requires a Google or Gmail account; if you do not have one, please email the vaccine card directly to silvermusic@silvermusic.org)
- If you/your child will have only received one dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine by your first lesson, please fill out this form indicating the date of first dose and the date of appt for the second
- If you intend to seek an exemption from the vaccine requirement due to medical circumstances, please acquire a letter from a medical provider and email to silvermusic@silvermusic.org prior to beginning lessons. A Negative COVID test will be required to accompany your child.
Music Storytime 5/23
Join us for Music Storytime at 4:00pm led by our flute teacher, Zara Lawler, and joined by our RSP and Violin/Viola teacher, Molly Goldman! This event is designed for young children to experience stories coming to life through music. Come celebrate books and music with us for just $10/family!
CLICK HERE to register!
2020-2021 Honors
Congratulations to our online 2020-2021 Twinkle Grads!:
Congratulations for our Spring 2021 Book Recital Graduates!
Congratulations to our Spring 2021 Practice Challenge Participants!
250+ Minutes
Cassius N, piano
Leo C, piano
Liam D, piano
Tatem N, viola
Liv N, viola
Sylvie S, violin
Tessa N, violin
Liam P, violin
Gabriel W, violin
Clara W, violin
Lara L, violin
500+ Minutes:
Camilo A, cello
Sebby K, cello
Liam F, piano
William Z, piano
Ian D, piano
Sarina M, piano
Elizabeth L, piano
Catherine K, piano
Julia D, violin
Cora T, violin
Sybil T, violin
Nuri A, violin
1000+ Minutes:
Ollie W, cello
Anya E, cello
Francie L, cello
Marlowe W, flute
Roger R, piano
Roxanna R, piano
Max I, piano
Cecilia G, piano
1500+ Minutes:
Samson C-W, cello
Alexander T, piano
Claire Y, piano
Syam J, piano
Frida C-W, viola
Tristan V, violin
Suzanna A, violin
Elsa C-W, violin
Charlotte C, violin
Remi W, violin
Clara M, violin
Emily M, violin
Debbie T, violin
Felix V, violin
March Playing Party
Join us for our March Playing Party!
Playing Parties are an opportunity for students to come share music and support their peers! Everyone is invited to perform a piece for the group, or join just to listen. Please RSVP to silvermusic@silvermusic.org to receive the Zoom link.
Details below:
Open to all instruments, ages, and levels!
Date: Sunday, March 21, 2021
Time: 5:00pm
Host: Ellen Silver
Location: Zoom
Faculty Feature: Blythe
Blythe Bonnaffons is Program Director at Silver Music. Here is a bit of insight into her early study:
Age you began studying:
I began flute in fourth grade through my school’s band program and began taking private flute lessons that summer. I also started taking piano lessons around the same time.
Why did you choose the flute?
I thought it was the most beautiful instrument and I had a hard time understanding why anyone would NOT choose to play the flute if they heard it (played well). I still feel that way!
One memory from your lessons or early study:
One of the only negatives of playing a woodwind instrument is that you cannot LAUGH. I loved the social aspect of playing in band and in chamber ensembles but not laughing was a challenge throughout my early flute-playing life. Goofy rehearsals sometimes led to barely making it through a performance. And a couple times I didn’t make it. I have a pretty vivid memory of a NYSSMA flute trio that ended as a solo because two of us were behind our stands laughing.
Did you always like to practice? If not, how did you, or your parent motivate you to practice?
I didn’t mind practicing, but in middle and high school it was really challenging finding the time. Like many of our Silver Music students, I had a lot going on in school, and after school, and I was exhausted! Being consistent helped–if I could get in practice most days, even for just 10 minutes, it felt like I had kept a promise to myself and it was way easier to keep going. Of course concerts, recitals, and auditions, definitely motivated me too.
Did you ever want to quit?
I never did! Flute felt like a big part of my identity.
Current Favorite Suzuki Piece:
Humoresque. I’m glad that almost all the Suzuki students at Silver Music (violin, viola, cello, flute) learn this piece because I enjoy hearing everyone play it!
What else do you enjoy doing besides playing flute?
In the pandemic, I have enjoyed getting outside and hiking almost every weekend. During this time I’m also catching up on iconic series that I’ve somehow missed up until to this point. I’ve now watched all of Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, and I’m halfway through the seventh Harry Potter book.
Faculty Feature: Emily
Emily Wilcox teaches Ready, Set, Play! classes at Silver Music. Here is a little insight into her early study:
Age you began studying:
I was 3 years old when I started violin, 4 when I started piano, and 9 when I started trumpet.
Why did you choose the violin?
My mom and older sister played violin, and my mom was also an orchestra and Suzuki teacher, so I think I was naturally drawn to it just from so much exposure!
Did you always like to practice? If not, how did you, or your parent motivate you to practice?
I definitely did not always like to practice, especially in late elementary school and middle school. During these years, I saw practicing as a chore and my parents usually had to nag me to do it. It was challenging to motivate myself to practice after a long day of school and hours of homework because I just wanted to relax! What helped motivate me most during these years was having goals for myself or musical events to look forward to and work towards such as performances, summer music camps, competitions, and regional festivals (like area all-state and conference all-state).
How did music education affect your life?
Music education has played a huge role in my life. Both of my parents were music teachers, so my sisters and I all grew up with a great appreciation for the arts. My parents always nurtured my artistic and creative endeavors, but encouraged me to pursue whatever career path I wanted. So much of what I’ve learned from music education has helped me become a more empathetic, compassionate, and driven person and has given me invaluable life skills.
Do you have a musical role model?
My biggest role models are some of the music teachers and mentors I had between both my music education and music therapy training. I can think of a few who really stand out to me because they are not only incredible musicians and people, but are incredible teachers/music therapists too.
What else do you enjoy doing besides playing violin?
I love making jewelry, going for walks, exploring new places, and cooking! I also like doing photography or painting sometimes if I’m feeling inspired.
Faculty Feature: Marjie
Marjie Shemanski teaches Ready, Set, Play!, Music & Yoga, and violin group classes at Silver Music. Here is a little insight into her early study:
Age you began studying: I started piano lessons when I was 5 or 6, trumpet a few years after that, and had my first violin lesson when I was 10 years old.
Why did you choose the violin? My Grandma grew up in Jerusalem, and learned to play the violin when she was in school there. My parents had her old violin from that time, and I used to always look at it in awe and wonder if I could play it someday too.
One memory from your lessons or early study: When I was first learning Minuet 2, my teacher did not let me move to the next piece for 6 months! At the time it was frustrating! Looking back on it later, I realized it was one of the first big challenges for me as a musician where I really started to develop patience and discipline.
Did you always like to practice? If not, how did you, or your parent motivate you to practice? I did not always like to practice! Practice charts really motivated me. Sometimes there would be a goal, but other times just finishing the pattern was enough of a reward. My friends and I would have practice challenges too, that really helped motivate me!
Did you ever want to quit? Yes! When I was 12, I had played the violin for two years, and was ready to move on to something else – something easier! By practicing with me consistently, my dad helped me stick with it. My music friends and group class community also encouraged me to keep at it even when it was hard.
How did music education affect your life? Music education has taught me so many things! It’s taught me to listen deeply, which helps me every day as I listen to others, to the world around me, and to myself. It’s helped me learn that with patience, practice and the help of a supportive community, I can accomplish almost anything!
Current Favorite Suzuki Piece: Chorus from Judas Maccabaeus. I love the clear, smooth tones of this piece, and how closely it relates to Tonalization!
What else do you enjoy doing besides playing violin? I love cooking big dinners with seasonal foods from the farmers’ market, listening to and playing music with friends, practicing yoga, and reading about the lives of artists and musicians.
Spring 2020 Honors
It has been a challenging spring and we are extra proud of all our students who met milestones in 2020!
Congratulations to our online Spring 2020 Twinkle Grads!:
Congratulations to online Book Recital students!:
Congratulations to our Practice Challenge Champions!
100 POINTS ACHIEVED!
Pippa C, flute
Zadie L, flute
Chase L, violin
Cora T, violin
Emily M, violin
Jackson H, violin
Lila Jane H, violin
Suzanna A, violin
Tristan V, violin
Lisa S, cello
Maddie Y, cello
Sebby K, cello
Nora B, piano
200 POINTS ACHIEVED!
Emery C, violin
Remi W, violin
Francie L, cello
Ollie W, cello
Congratulations to our online Suzuki 2020 Festival Participants!:
Faculty Feature: Victor
Victor Dizon teaches private piano lessons at Silver Music. Here is a little insight into his early study:
Age I began studying piano: Around 5/6, like most of us!
Why did I choose piano? Good question, I actually did not choose piano, my mom decided…sounds familiar? 😉 I also tried guitar at some point, as well as the electone organ (folks who grew up in the late 70’s and early 80’s would know what it is)! I enjoyed the electone more at some point, but, with a wonderful twist of fate, I ended up being a pianist…
One memory from my lessons or early studies: One thing that comes to mind as of writing this (during my early studies) is that my piano teacher (1st piano teacher) would use note flashcards and she will make me arrange them from lowest to highest, from left to right against the fallboard of the piano.
Did I always like to practice? If not, how did I (or my parents) motivate me to practice? Of course not! I was a kid…;) for myself, I did enjoy practicing music that I liked, even those that are way to difficult for me at that time. As for my parents motivating me? Well…I grew up in Asia…go figure 😀 …(just kidding)!
Did I ever want to quit? Yes, and I did, for a while, BUT…my mom and I had an agreement: That I will keep playing on my own, and I’m proud to say that I kept my promise!
How did music education affect my life? Oh, this will need to be a book, but then you won’t read it, so…I would say music has made me the person I am today. Key words that come to mind: respect, patience, understanding, tradition, hard work, love, perseverance. Everyday of my adult life I’m grateful that I decided to be a musician, both as a performer, and as a music educator.
Do I have a musical role model? Yes I do, but I will have to say model(s) because there are five! They would be my piano teachers, because each of them, in their own way have helped me grow into who I am both as a person and as a musician!
Current favorite student piece to teach: I would say, for the young ones, it would be pieces that will make the student light up! And that is different for each student! For the advanced student, the moment we get to the level of a classical Sonata, i.e. Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, that would be any of them, because each of them (to me) are musical journeys in their own unique way. Personally (as a musician), I have been in a Mozart phase for a number of years now – that would be specific to the Classical period. However, given the choice, I will always gravitate to repertoire from the Romantic period.
My advice to budding piano players: Keep at it especially the moment it gets challenging, because that’s when you will really start to grow with music. The moment you realize that it’s not about mastering a piece(s), but rather growing with them, that’s when music will become a lifetime companion.
What else do I enjoy doing besides playing the piano? There are many…I love exploring/walking around NYC (though not feasible at the moment), photography, spending time with friends, travelling, and definitely a foodie here…and many more!!!