Stay safe and support local businesses with these fun, at-home or virtual activities/classes in Westchester County. Try online music or voice lessons, have a pottery-to-go kit delivered to your home, log on to a painting class and more!
​

1. Groove Family Music of Larchmont is live-streaming 30 minutes of joyful, interactive, family music. Grandparents are welcome!
   
   
2. Choice Music Studio offers online music lessons —piano, voice, guitar and more.
   
   
3. Music Conservatory of Westchester has virtual private lessons taught by world-class faculty.
   
   
4. Songs for Seeds Armonk, Scarsdale & Port Chester has live, online classes to keep little ones rockin'.
   
   
5. Sounds Good Westchester has Music Together classes on Zoom — enjoy unlimited drop-in classes.
   
   
6. ArtsWestchester has FREE online workshops and art activities for kids and teens.
   
   
7. D.I.Y. Slime in Larchmont offers Slime Kits To-Go— pick up or delivery.
   
   
8. One River School in Larchmont & Hartsdale have online winter vacation camps.
   
   
9. The Digital Arts Experience (DAE) has virtual classes, workshops and gaming classes.
   
   
10. A Maze in Pottery in Briarcliff has Pottery To-Go with free delivery.

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Many articles and blogs have written about the benefits of musical instruction, you may have read some of them. The instructors at New York Piano School want you to know these 5 ways that their students and their families have benefited from lessons.

​Proper and consistent musical teaching can:

1. Develop and improve your child’s fine motor skills:
   Proper technique for two hands to work separately but together, for fingers to press lightly or with more weight, for eyes to follow the written music while following notes and rests will develop motor skills that will be transferrable to many things later in life. Whether your child becomes a poet or a surgeon, an athlete or, we couldn’t leave this one off the list, a musician, they will forever benefit from learning to engage their fingers, hands, arms and bodies earlier in life.
   
   
2. Help them learn creative problem solving:
   Mistakes happen. A good music teacher will help your child address the wrong notes and help them assess the situation and work toward fixing it – creative problem solving. For beginners, this can be as simple as change a finger placement to hit the right note. Wrong notes happen. With more advanced students, the teacher will work on helping the student find the essence and form of the piece, dissect the beginning, middle and end, and find the right personal approach to the piece’s structure for each student.
   
   
3. Reinforce self-discipline and patience:
   We all wish we had more self-discipline and patience, why not help you child reinforce these while learning a new skill in a nurturing environment. Learning to play the piano will help with objective setting, keeping accountability, following through on pre-set plan, adapting to mishaps, building patience and self-confidence, all while working toward achieving a goal.
   
   
4. Boost your child’s imagination
   What is a piece of music? Objectively speaking it is a set of notes and rests with instruction on how to play it. Subjectively speaking it is a bird song, a rush of a river, a love ballad, a freedom dance, an exciting adventure from beginning to end. Great instructors will inspire your child to think about what each piece means to them and to write their own adventure.
   
   
5. Make it a cherished family activity: 
   Many a morning, day and night is spent planning social activities for our kids. While playing music can greatly improve their social skills when playing with others (listening, waiting and harmonizing with fellow musicians), it can also bring you closer as a family. Your child will love showing off their new learned skills and showing off progress as they practice at home. Parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings, neighbors alike will come together to see your child find joy in music.​

Help your child and you enjoy these benefits at New York Piano School.

Click the links below for more information about its programs and instructors.
www.nypianoschool.com
www.nypianoschool.com/about-new-york-piano-school

According to Music Together, "The effects of music on children are magical. Music can be both energizing and calming, and it can enhance bonding and help with transitions."

Music can be enjoyed and learned at any age. In fact, Unicef refers to music as the "The soundtrack to your child's development."  The benefits of music for children are impressive, according to the the United Nations’ organization for children. Music can:

• Improve moods and empower young children by reducing stress levels. Even listening to sad music can be good thanks to its cathartic power, making it easier for children to get in touch with their emotions. 
• Stimulate the formation of brain chemicals such as dopamine and oxytocin. When these are released, children are encouraged to share toys, empathize and trust others.
• Boost concentration skills and productivity.
• Improve learning and grades.
• Develop spatial intelligence – laying the ground for an interest in mathematics, engineering, computer science and architecture. 
• Improve vocabulary and creativity. 

With so much positive impact, it is no surprise that Westchester County is rich in music experience and education options for children at any age. Read this Must-Have List of Music Classes, Centers & More for Westchester Kids to find a location and curriculum that is right for your family. Included are classes for infants through adulthood. Start with mommy-and-me classes to bond musically with your baby. In toddlerhood and preschool, introduce them to toddler-friendly instruments and teach them how to make their own music through voice, rhythm and percussion. When they are older, voice and instrument lessons can give them the tools to boost confidence, creativity, patience and perseverance. Plus, group music classes, orchestra and band provide social benefits as well. Are you ready to get started?

Music contributes to child development and school readiness, including language and reading skills. These classes designed for young children will get your little ones rocking! Classes for the youngest musicians will be mommy-and-me while older children can attend drop off instruction. Are you ready to jam?
​

​Belle School of Music
Multiple locations (Scarsdale, White Plains, Yonkers)- https://belleschool.com/locations.htm
​
​Chloe's Kids
Multiple locations- https://chloeskids.com/classes-%2B-events

Crestwood Music Education Center
453 White Plains Road, Eastchester, NY

Groove
158 Larchmont Avenue, Larchmont NY​

Gymboree
450 Central Park Ave., Scarsdale, NY 

Hoff-Barthelson Music School
25 School Lane, Scarsdale, NY

Joanna's N'Bananas
Multiple locations- The Little Red Play, Zen Zone Sensory Gym 
​
Larchmont Music Academy
2089 Boston Post Road, Larchmont, NY 

Mike Risko
144 Croton Avenue, Ossining, NY

Music Conservatory of Westchester
216 Central Avenue, White Plains, NY

Musical Munchkins
Multiple locations- http://musicalmunchkins.com/Locations.html

Music School of Westchester
1328 Boston Post Road, Larchmont, NY

Mustard Seed Music Studio
23 Valley Rd. Suite 1, Katonah, NY

RiverArts
Multiple locations

Shake Rattle and Roll Music
Multiple locations- https://shakerattleandrollmusic.com/class-locations/

Sounds Good Westchester (Music Together)
Multiple locations- https://www.soundsgoodwestchester.com/locations.aspx

Starlight Smtarbright Music (Music Together)
78 Garth Road, Scarsdale, NY

Songs for Seeds
Multiple locations (Armonk, Scarsdale, Port Chester)

Tig & Peach
125 Wolfs Lane Pelham, NY

The Little Red Play
17 Cedar Street, Dobbs Ferry, NY

Zen Zone Sensory Gym 
2055 Albany Post Road, Croton on Hudson, NY

Pro tip: also check out your local town libraries, recreation departments and community centers like the YMCA and JCC. They may provide free or reasonably priced classes, special events and camps as well.

Learning to play a musical instrument can improve mathematical learning, improve long-term memory, lead to better brain development, and even increase school scores. Playing an instrument is a rich and complex experience. It integrates information from the senses of hearing, vision, and touch. Plus, in a world of overachievers, playing an instrument can actually be a stress reliever! Performances can provide a goal to work toward, confidence and achievement for children.

Singing is an excellent outlet for self-expression. Plus it aids learning, brain and language development. It can also have social benefits if your child participates in signing competitions, concerts or performs with a group.

Each of these music schools have a unique range of offerings including private lessons, group lessons, e-lessons, band, summer or vacation camps, musical theater, singing, concerts, college prep and more. They differ in their  teaching methods and instrument types as well.

​Bedford Music
317 Railroad Avenue, Bedford Hills, NY

​Belle School of Music
Multiple locations (Scarsdale, White Plains, Yonkers)- https://belleschool.com/locations.htm

Bennett Academy of Performing Arts
225A Main Street, New Rochelle, NY

Choice Music Studios
In home lessons
​
Cortlandt School of Performing Arts
24 Old Albany Post Road, Croton on Hudson, NY

Crestwood Music Education Center
453 White Plains Road, Eastchester, NY

Harrison Music School
253 Halstead Ave, Harrison, NY

Hoff-Barthelson Music School
25 School Lane, Scarsdale, NY

Joanna's N'Bananas
Multiple locations

Lagond Music School
9 Haven Street, Elmsford, NY 
​
Larchmont Music Academy
2089 Boston Post Road, Larchmont, NY
​
Mike Risko
144 Croton Avenue, Ossining, NY

Music Conservatory of Westchester
216 Central Avenue, White Plains, NY

RiverArts
Multiple locations

​The Mozartina Musical Arts Conservatory
43 Prospect Avenue, Tarrytown, NY

The Muzic Store Inc.
39 Cedar Street, Dobbs Ferry, NY

NY Piano School
In-home lessons

​Searching for the perfect gift for your kids this holiday season? Toys are fun for the moment; the gift of quality music education lasts a lifetime. 

Research proves that studying music teaches students lifelong skills. Learning to play an instrument or sing improves overall academic performance, strengthens motor skills and cognition, as well as develops self-motivation, self-confidence, teamwork, and leadership skills. 
​
Music Conservatory of Westchester, voted Best of Westchester’s ‘Best Music School’ for two consecutive years (2017 and 2018), provides the quality music instruction your child needs to begin their journey to future success.

Starting with its First Notes progressive curriculum for babies and toddlers, parents participate in their child’s early musical and developmental growth. Each First Notes class (Bravo Babies, Toddler Tunes, Pre-school Prodigies) begins with a welcoming “Hello Song” that invites each child to sing by repeating simple sounds. Activities involve moving to music, a variety of hand drums, playing a variety of hand drums, shakers, colorful scarves, and using other music aids to develop the child’s sense of hearing, sight, and touch. These classes are a great way to help build a bond with your child in a fun learning environment.
 
As young students advance from First Notes, they can participate in Pre-K Music Skills classes to introduce children to fundamental music theory concepts in an interactive way. In these classes, students learn in a fun group setting as they begin their music education. These classes help students as they progress into playing an instrument. 
 
The Conservatory’s comprehensive Suzuki program instruction in violin, cello or piano for students ages 4 and up focuses on an equal triangle of support and cooperation between the student, teacher, and parents. Our highly qualified Suzuki teachers train young musicians to become skilled instrumentalists, performers and ensemble players, while developing their motor skills and focusing ability.

Piano lessons are a great way to start a child’s introduction to learning to play an instrument. In the Conservatory’s Group Piano classes for beginners in Pre-K through grade 1, students are able to experience playing the piano in a fun and nurturing setting, preparing them for private lessons as they grow.

The Conservatory also offers Group Guitar classes for beginners in Pre-K through grade 1. These introductory classes teach students the basics of this popular instrument, to continue to private lessons and specialize in their favorite style of music, whether rock, jazz or classical. 
​

For young students who love to sing, the Conservatory’s Youth Chorus is the perfect way to experience singing in an ensemble. Singers in grades 1-6explore their vocal capabilities through unison and simple two-part vocal music ranging from folk songs to popular tunes.The chorus performs at the Conservatory and in various community locations.

As students develop skill with their instruments, they are encouraged to join ensembles at the Conservatory to experience making music together. There is something for everyone: rock band, string ensembles, chamber music, jazz groups, vocal ensembles, and more!

As part of our inclusive musical community, the Conservatory provides numerous performance opportunities throughout the year for students of all ages. With more than 80 expertly qualified faculty of professional musicians with exceptional academic and performance credentials in their specialized instruments, the Music Conservatory of Westchester truly offers your child the best possible start!

Giving your child the gift of music at early stages in their brain development provides a positive, creative outlet for your child with which to grow. 

This December 2019, the Conservatory is offering early registration for group classes and ensembles beginning new sessions in 2020. Visit musicconservatory.org for more information about all the Music Conservatory of Westchester has to offer your family. 

Music Conservatory of Westchester
216 Central Avenue
White Plains, NY 10606
914-761-3900
www.musicconservatory.org

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Did you know studying music can actually make your child smarter? Learning to play an instrument or sing improves overall academic performance, strengthens motor skills and cognition, as well as develops self-motivation, self-confidence, teamwork, and leadership skills. Having a strong foundation in music can positively impact the trajectory of your child’s life. Start early. Start with music!

Music Conservatory of Westchester, voted Best of Westchester’s ‘Best Music School’ for two consecutive years (2017 and 2018), provides the quality music instruction your child needs to jump-start their journey to future success. Starting with its First Notes curriculum for babies and toddlers, and progressing with its Suzuki program and Guitar program for young musicians, opportunities for your child’s best possible start are at the Music Conservatory. 

This fall, prospective students and their families are invited to attend and participate in the Conservatory’s Open Houses introducing its updated roster of classes in September!

“Music is all around us, virtually everywhere we go, yet most people listen to music without understanding what they are actually hearing,” Conservatory Dean of Students and Faculty Dr. Douglas Bish explains. “Children who develop a strong sense of musical concepts from their earliest years have a better chance of growing up with confidence, self-motivation, creativity, and other essential skills.”

The Music Conservatory of Westchester prepares children as young as 3 months old for their future through its First Notes sequence, with three levels of classes to begin your child’s musical understanding: Bravo Babies (3 – 18 months), Toddler Tunes (1 ½ - 2 ½ years), and Preschool Prodigies (3 – 4 years). Children explore musical sounds and rhythms, and learn songs from around the world, attending classes with a parent or caregiver.
 
The Conservatory’s Suzuki programoffers instruction in violin, cello or piano for students ages 4 and up, focusing on the philosophy that “Every Child Can” learn to play an instrument. The Suzuki music training process is based on an equal triangle of support and cooperation between the student, teacher, and parents.Our highly qualified Suzuki teachers train young musicians to become skilled instrumentalists, performers and ensemble players, while developing their motor skills and focusing ability. Our new Guitar Program offers a progressive curriculum on this popular instrument, preparing young students ages 4 and up to specialize in their favorite style of music, whether rock, jazz or classical, when they get to middle school.

No other activity activates both sides of the brain like playing a musical instrument. Giving your child the gift of music at early stages in their brain development provides a positive, creative outlet for your child to grow with. 

As part of our inclusive musical community, the Conservatory provides numerous performance opportunities throughout the year for students of all ages. With more than 80 expertly qualified faculty of professional musicians with exceptional academic and performance credentials in their specialized instruments, the Music Conservatory of Westchester truly offers your child the best possible start!

Preparing your child for a successful future starts early. Start with music.

Explore music classes that appeal to student of all ages, toddlers, children, teens, and adults – open for registration now!
 
New Students Register for FREE this Fall! 
Sign up for private lessons or group classes at the Music Conservatory of Westchester using code: FALL18 and we’ll waive your registration fee. ($60 value for private lesson registration & $30 value for group class registration) Enroll now and save!*
​
Join us at Open Houses at our 216 Central Avenue location in White Plains on:

• Tuesday, September 4 (6:00 – 7:30 PM)
• Saturday, September 15 (10:00 AM – 1:00 PM)

• Monday, September 17 (5:00 – 7:00 PM)
  
  

See us on Saturday, September 15 and September 22 at 9:30 AM for our Suzuki Open Houses!

Music Conservatory of Westchester
216 Central Avenue
White Plains, NY 10606
www.musicconservatory.org
* Expires Sept. 30th, 2018. Offer only eligible for new students, one time use. Subject to class availability. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Not eligible for Music Therapy classes.

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On Saturday, June 2, the Music Conservatory of Westchester will hold an immersive Open House for parents and their children to experience and understand the Suzuki philosophy of music education designed for young students ages 4 and up. The Open House will start at 9:30am with special musical performances from violin and cello Suzuki students on the front steps of the Conservatory, followed by open studio lessons at 11:00am, and a question and answer session at 1:00pm. 
​
Students in the Conservatory’s Suzuki Program study music with the belief that “Every Child Can” encouraging every student’s innate musical talents at an early age. The Suzuki philosophy extends to all ages and abilities, and the Conservatory’s program welcomes students of violin, viola, cello, and piano.

Try the Suzuki Program during the regular school year or over the summer. This summer, the Conservatory is offering a Suzuki Beginner Special for introductory lessons for young beginner students starting at age 4 in sessions from August 6th-10th and/or August 13th-17th. 

Come learn about the unique and proven Suzuki philosophy for learning to play a musical instrument on Saturday, June 2 at 9:30am.

Give your children the best possible start with music at the current ‘Best of Westchester’ Music Conservatory of Westchester, a musical community like no other. Visit www.musicconservatory.org for more information.

Suzuki Open House and Student Performance
Saturday, June 2nd, 9:30am
Music Conservatory of Westchester
216 Central Avenue
White Plains, NY 10606
[email protected]

​With so many places offering Baby & Me classes, it can be hard to choose. Here’s a great one for free! Music Conservatory of Westchester of White Plains is giving Westchester County families a chance to experience their bilingual (English and Spanish) early childhood music education program, First Notes/Primeras Notas, for FREE. It’s free Baby & Me – for music!
 
The introductory First Notes/Primeras Notas early childhood music classes will be held at libraries in White Plains, New Rochelle, Greenburgh, and Ossining during early afternoon hours in a total of 22 classes starting January 20 through May 12, 2018. Classes will be organized by age from 4 months to 5 years. You can find the schedule below.
 
This new free Library Lesson Series from the Music Conservatory of Westchester is introducing Westchester County families to a sample of the range of music education programs that the community music school teaches regularly at its 36,000 sq. ft. facility to students of all ages, including First Notes/Primeras Notas. The Conservatory is also hosting free, educational performances at local public libraries and plans to expand the Library Lesson Series throughout 2018.
 
The Baby & Me classes will be led by Music Conservatory of Westchester teacher and certified Music Together instructor Sandra Muñoz. These First Notes/Primeras Notas classes in the free Library Lesson Series are an introduction to music geared toward jump starting early childhood education for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers through songs, sound exploration, rhythm and movement in an upbeat, nurturing environment. Children attend classes with a parent or caregiver, sharing the joy of singing and experiencing music together, in two languages. Parents who speak any language are encouraged to join the class with their child. Parents and their children will experience a sample of the quality music education provided at the Music Conservatory of Westchester for students of any age from four months to 80+ years.
 
If you like the free, introductory First Notes/Primeras Notas program and want to continue beyond the Library Lesson Series, the Music Conservatory of Westchester invites you to sign up for its young children’s programs: First Notes/Primeras Notas, Music Skills classes for children from Pre-K through Grades 2-3, a Piano Program and Suzuki Program all taking place as regularly scheduled classes at the Conservatory’s White Plains location with scholarships available for affordable tuition.
 
There are so many opportunities to get your kid interested in music at such an early start!
 
You can find out more information about the Music Conservatory of Westchester’s library lesson series and other offered music classes, call 914-761-3900 or visit www.musicconservatory.org.
 
Free First Notes/Primeras Notas Library Lesson Schedule:
New Rochelle Public Library – Jan 20, Jan 27, Feb 3, Feb 10, Feb 17 (1:00pm, 3-5 yrs)
Greenburgh Public Library – March 3, March 17, March 24 (1:00 pm, 2 mo-2 yrs &, 1:45pm, 3-5 yrs)
Ossining Public Library – April 15, April 22, April 29 (2:30pm, 3-5 yrs)
White Plains Public Library – April 14, April 21, May 5, May 12 (1:00pm, 2 mo-2 yrs & 2:00pm, 2-4 yrs)

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Back to school means back to the grind of shuttling between soccer practice, dance classes, and violin lessons. Luckily, starting this fall, White Plains community music school, the Music Conservatory of Westchester, has carved time out of you and your children’s busy schedules to make life a little easier.

Voted Best of Westchester’s “Best Music School” of 2017, the Music Conservatory of Westchester has been providing music education to Westchester County and the Tri-State area since 1929 will extend its class schedule to seven days per week, offering private lessons on Sundays starting the week of September 4, 2017. Offering classes and lessons every day of the week will accommodate those busy students juggling after-school programs so that music can still be a priority.

“This was a great opportunity to meet the needs of our students,” Jean Newton, Executive Director of the Music Conservatory of Westchester, said. “With today’s families living such busy lives, we feel this is an important expansion for the students and community.”

The Conservatory maintains a robust schedule of lessons, classes, and ensembles for students to get involved in with instruction for over 25 different instruments and a variety of musical genres. A musical community for the next generation, the Conservatory will also introduce new classes to the overall fall schedule to appeal to the diverse musical interests of its students.

​The new fall classes include:

• Hip-Hop Composition for middle school aged students and older. This program is inspired by the influence of hip-hop on classical music, as seen in Hamilton the Musical on Broadway. “This is our most adventurous offering,” Conservatory Dean Douglas Bish said. “We teach hip-hop using state of the art equipment to produce this music in the best possible way.” Students are taught how to use the Conservatory’s brand new Yamaha Motif XF8 music workstation to create beats and loops inspired by pop and hip-hop hit makers.
• The Suzuki program that currently includes specialized violin, cello, and guitar instruction, will add piano to its lineup of instruments with weekly private and group lessons as part of the Suzuki philosophy of instruction.
• Introduction to Rock Band for middle school aged students and older. “This is a movement to expand our jazz/rock/pop offerings with a beginner rock band class,” Dean Bish said.

Dean Douglas Bish said of the distinctive programs being introduced this fall at the Music Conservatory of Westchester, “We are constantly expanding the offerings of our music programs beyond our classical roots.”

The Music Conservatory of Westchester is making it possible for its students to be prepared with the musical knowledge and skills they need to strike a chord this fall.
​
Students can enroll in classes for the fall by visiting http://www.musicconservatory.org or call 914-761-3900.

Photography by Alye Carlevaro.

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