Join us for our December 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:
December 21: Open to all ages and levels!
Date: Monday, Dec. 21, 2020*
Time: 8:00am
Host: Ellen Silver
Location: Zoom
*This month’s playing party is held on a Monday morning! December 21 is the last day of Silver Music classes before break, and the first official day of winter. Come celebrate the Winter solstice with music!
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!!!
Musical Movies
While we all practice social-distancing and are encouraged to stay inside, Silver Music has put together a list of movies that feature classical music or highlight a musician, music teacher, or composer. (Ratings and streaming platforms are listed). Enjoy!
Fantasia 1940 version NR (Disney+)
Walt Disney’s timeless masterpiece is an extravaganza of sight and sound! See the music come to life, hear the pictures burst into song and experience the excitement that is Fantasia over and over again.
Fantasia 2000 version NR (Disney+)
Walt Disney’s animated musical masterpiece is an extravaganza of sight and sound-now brilliantly restored for the first time ever in high definition!
Abominable PG (Amazon Prime, Youtube, Vudu, Google Play)
When mischievous friends Yi (Chloe Bennet), Jin, and Peng discover a young yeti on their roof, they name him Everest and embark on a thrilling adventure to reunite the magical creature with his family. On the journey of their lifetimes, Everest helps Yi, Jin, and Peng unlock an inner bravery they didn’t know they had. Yi is also a violinist who misses her late father, who was also a violinist.
The Music Man NR (Amazon Prime, Youtube, Vudu, Google Play, iTunes)
Based on the Broadway musical, Harold Hill arrives in River City, Iowa masquerading as a band instructor and plans to con the townspeople into paying him to create a boys’ marching band and then leave town. Enjoy the music and songs from one of Broadway’s biggest hits.
The Sound of Music or Sing-Along Edition G (Amazon Prime, Youtube, Google Play, iTunes, Disney+)
Rodger’s and Hammerstein’s cinematic treasure is the true story of Maria (Julie Andrews), a spirited young Austrian Woman who leaves the convent to become a governess for Captain von Trapp’s (Christopher Plumber) seven unruly children. Enjoy some of the most beloved Broadway songs of all time!
Mr. Holland’s Opus PG (Amazon Prime, Youtube, Vudu, iTunes, Hulu)
A composer turned teacher spends 30 years in the classroom inspiring students.
Amadeus PG (Amazon Prime, Yutube, Vudu, iTunes)
Based upon a Viennese urban legend, this film recounts the downfall of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, as orchestrated by his nemesis, the less talented but politically favored Antonin Salieri.
School of Rock PG-13 (Amazon Prime, Youtube, Vudu, Google Play) iTunes, Hulu
Overly enthusiastic guitarist Dewey Finn (Jack Black) gets thrown out of his bar band and finds himself in desperate need of work. Posing as a substitute music teacher at an elite private elementary school, he exposes his students to the hard rock gods he idolizes and emulates, helping students get in touch with their inner rock ‘n’ roll animals.
ALL PROGRAMS ONLINE through Spring 2021
This 2020-2021 academic year, all lessons and classes will remain virtual for the health and safety of our families, faculty, and staff.
Registration is open for our Spring Ready, Set, Play! program. Classes will be offered throughout the week and students will be grouped by age/experience. Late starts will be prorated.
On Saturdays, Violin/Viola, Flute, and Piano Readiness Classes will be offered.
Instrumental Lessons and Group classes are offered throughout the week. This year, online group classes have been shortened to 45 minutes for string players, and 30 minutes for piano students. (All flute, guitar, and beginning string groups will also be 30 minutes). We are also offering Suzuki group classes in select levels to string/flute students outside our instrumental program this fall.
One-on-One Composition Lessons are available in 5 week sessions. Music & Yoga classes are available in 10 week sessions. Music Theory is offered for multiple levels, in 7-week sessions.
Check out our Online Tips & Resources page to find helpful information regarding online lessons and additional resources to engage with music.
The best way to reach us while the school is online: silvermusic@silvermusic.org. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions!
We are thankful that we have music in our lives and in our homes to help keep us present and focused on what is beautiful.
Our Fall Semester begins September 12th and ends January 15th. Our Spring Semester begins January 19th and ends June 6th. Our academic calendar is available online here.
Summer Instrumental Camp Registration
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Westbound Situation 3/4
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Music for Refugees 3/21-POSTPONED
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February NYC Music Events
NY Philharmonic
Saturday, Feb 1, 2pm
David Geffen Hall
This concert begins with Dvorak’s String Sextet and follows with Elgar’s famous Enigma Variations. An inspiring concert for our string players! Tickets start at $34
The Munchkins Piano Trio
Saturday, Feb 1, 4pm
Book Culture LIC
Have you said hello to the violin, cello or piano recently? Join us for our new, sparkly program for piano trio! Enjoy works from Beethoven, Mendelssohn, Mozart, and more! Tickets start at $35. Kids FREE
Very Young People’s Concert: Strings
Sunday, Feb 2, 12:30pm and 3pm
Merkin Hall
Mini musicologists can join host Becky Young and members of the New York Philharmonic for a playdate with classical music—the three-concert season begins with an introduction to stringed instruments. Tickets start at $26
Orchestra of St. Luke’s
Thursday, Feb 6, 8pm
Carnegie Hall
Hear the Orchestra of St. Luke’s perform works by Vivaldi and Handel–there’s something for everyone at this concert for with string, winds, and vocal music featured. Tickets start at $12.50
Beethoven String Quartets
Friday, Feb 7, 7:30pm
Alice Tully Hall
Throughout the month of February, The Danish String Quartet will be performing Beethoven’s 16 string quartets in the order that Beethoven composed them, between 1798 and 1826. The first concert is February 7th! Tickets start at $15 .
MSM Pre-College Faculty
Saturday, Feb 8, 3:30pm
Manhattan School of Music
Come hear our flute teacher, Zara Lawler, perform with other Manhattan School of Music faculty. She’ll be performing “By the Brook” which is in Suzuki Book 7! FREE
Sonatenabend
Wednesday, Feb 19, 7pm
Paul Recital Hall
Pianists from Juilliard’s Collaborative Piano department perform sonata repertoire in partnership with student instrumentalists. FREE
Mark O’Connor & Maggie O’Connor PUBLIQuartet
Monday, February 24, 7:30pm
Advent Lutheran Church, 2504 Broadway
Hear fiddle players Mark O’Connor and Maggie O’Connor joined by the PUBLIQuartet. Reserve FREE tickets.
January NYC Music Events
Poetry and Music
Friday, Jan. 3, 7pm
The New York Public Library
This evening of American poetry and Beethoven recordings focuses on the themes of healing, gratitude, and self-discovery, incorporating manuscripts and rare recordings from The New York Public Library’s archival collections. FREE
Backstage Violin Recital
Sunday, Jan. 5, 4:30pm
Silver Music Tiemann Place
Check out our newly renovated space at 45 Tiemann Place while enjoying works for violin and piano by one of our alumni violin students. The program will be less than an hour and a wonderful opportunity for our violin students to hear another student perform at a high level. FREE
Meet The Music!
Sunday, Jan. 12, 2pm
Alice Tully Hall
Beethoven himself will appear in Alice Tully Hall to help a young pianist play his music as he meant it to be played. Tickets start at $10
APAP Showcase
Sunday, Jan. 12, 2:20-3:20pm
Ailey Studio Theatre
Come see and hear our flute teacher, Zara Lawler, perform in three collaborative performances (The Flute on Its Feet, Lawler + Fadoul and The Fourth Wall) featuring the flute, percussion and movement! Wonderful for our flute students and our RSP kids! FREE
ChamberFest2020
Wednesday, Jan. 15, 1pm
Alice Tully Hall
Juilliard artists share their talent with the community in these hour-long lunchtime concerts on Wednesday afternoons throughout the season. FREE
Sonatenabend
Wednesday, Jan 22, 6pm
Pianists from Juilliard’s Collaborative Piano department perform sonata repertoire in partnership with student instrumentalists. FREE
Orpheus Chamber Orchestra
Saturday, Jan. 25, 7pm
Orpheus performs the world premiere of Jessie Montgomery and Jannina Norpoth’s arrangement of Tchaikovsky’s The Seasons. This collection of piano miniatures is paired with Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons, performed by violinist Vadim Gluzman. Tickets start at $25