Music and Art

Violin instruction at NNM begins as early as age three. First years at the 3-6 level (P1) are not scheduled for music lessons until they have had time to adjust to classroom routines. Typically by mid-October they are more settled and able to begin lessons.

Scheduling of all lessons is subject to approval of the head teacher and academic director.

Children ages 5 and up are encouraged to attend two violin lessons per week: a lunchtime or private lesson and a large group class. Instructors Christiane Capshaw and Sylvia Myintoo received master’s degrees in violin performance, are trained in teaching the Suzuki method and have each been instructing children at NNM for more than ten years.

The Suzuki philosophy is based upon the principle that every child has the ability to learn music, just as every child has the ability to learn his or her native language. Dr. Shinichi Suzuki of Japan, the founder of the Suzuki Method, believed that the years of early childhood should be cultivated with love and care when it comes to learning music. Dr. Suzuki’s goal was not to produce prodigies but to help children develop sensitivity, discipline and become what he called “noble human beings.” Recommended readings for the new Suzuki parent include Dr. Suzuki’s books Nurtured By Love and Ability Development from Age Zero.

Lunchtime Suzuki Violin
In this program, four children work one-on-one and in small group exercises with a Suzuki-trained instructor. Lessons meet once per week during the lunch hour, 12:15-1:15pm. Children attend immediately after recess and should bring their lunch to the lesson. Children who go home at 12:00pm must attend with a parent or caregiver. Parents and caregivers of ¾-day students are welcome but not required to attend. Students who are performance ready will have the opportunity to participate in a solo recital, group recital and additional performances.

Private Violin Lessons
Recommended for children ages 5 and older. Children meet one-on-one with a Suzuki-trained instructor. Lessons meet once per week during Afterschool, or in the afternoon hours of the school day with approval from the head teacher and academic director.

Beginner Large Group Lessons
These large group after school lessons, which help student learn ensemble skills, are recommended for children ages 5 and older. This group accommodates P3 students, as well as students at the 6-9 level. Families should contact NNM Programs to register for 3-6 General Afterschool from 3:15-4:00pm at a prorated cost.

To register your child for music lessons, please email programs@nnms.org

Near North Montessori supports extracurricular music as dynamic opportunities for children to pursue individual interests, promote personal responsibility and collaborate with peers. Benefits of music education have been shown to extend into language development, spatial awareness and increased self-expression.

Students at the 6-9 level may participate in private music lessons on a variety of instruments or Lunchtime Suzuki Violin.

Private Music Lessons
Guitar, voice, piano and violin private lessons are available to students at the 6-9 level. Lessons begin at 30 minutes once per week during the school day or after school. Our instructors are talented, professional musicians with a vast array of experiences. Participation in private lessons at the 6-9 level includes a solo recital in the spring for students who are performance ready.

Lunchtime Suzuki Violin
In this program, four children work one-on-one and in small group exercises with a Suzuki-trained instructor. Lessons meet once per week during the lunch hour, 11:30-12:15pm. Children should bring their lunch to the lesson. Parents and caregivers are welcome but not required to attend. Participation in lunchtime lessons also includes a solo recital, group recital and additional performance opportunities.

Beginner Large Group Lessons
Violin students are encouraged to attend two violin lessons per week: a lunchtime or private lesson and a large group lesson. Participation is highly recommended so that students learn ensemble skills. Families should contact NNM Programs (programs@nnms.org) to register for 6-9 General Afterschool from 3:30-4:00pm at a prorated cost for the Monday Group Lesson.

To register your child for music lessons, please email programs@nnms.org

Intro to Band

Required 4^th grade instrumental music class.
All 4th grade students are supplied an instrument and are taught the basics of instrumental technique, music reading and ensemble playing.
Flute, clarinet, trumpet, trombone and percussion are offered at this level
Intro to Band A rehearses Tues 2:30 to 3:30
Intro to Band B rehearses Wed 2:30 to 3:30
Intermediate Band
Voluntary 5^th and 6^th grade instrumental music class.

Continuing students rent their own instruments and begin private lessons. The Intermediate Band continues to build upon fundamentals while placing emphasis on full-length band arrangements. All Intro to Band instruments plus the alto saxophone are offered at this level.

The Intermediate Band rehearses each Monday 2:30 to 3:30.

Private lessons occur after school once per week.

Concert Band

Voluntary Jr. High instrumental music class.

Continuing students rent their own instruments and take private lessons.

The Concert Band presents a challenging musical environment for the advancing instrumental music student with the introduction of technically demanding arrangements. Students begin to work towards integrating technical skill and knowledge with musical expression.

All Intermediate instruments plus tenor sax and tuba are offered at this level.

The Concert Band rehearses Monday and Thursday from 1:30 to 2:30.

Private lessons occur after school once per week.

Jazz Ensemble

Voluntary 6^th through 8^th grade instrumental music class.

This ensemble will concentrate on popular music from the 1940s thru to the present time. Swing, Blues, Rock n’ Roll and Latin styles will be the focus of this group. Due to the technical requirements of the music, interested students must receive approval from the director before participating.

Piano, guitar and bass players are encouraged to consider this ensemble.

The Jazz Ensemble rehearses Friday from 3:30 to 4:30.

 

Private Music Lessons
Guitar, voice, piano, violin, as well as band instruments are available to students at the 9-14 level. Lessons begin at 30 minutes once per week during the school day or after school. Our instructors are talented, professional musicians with a vast array of experiences. Participation includes opportunities for performance.

To register your child for music lessons, please email programs@nnms.org

How to Rent an Instrument
Quinlan and Fabish Music Company has been servicing the NNM Band Program since 1995. Q&F provides quality instruments, excellent service and a low cost four-month trial period. Parents looking to rent an instrument can place their order via the Q&F website. Q&F has on record the instrumental brands preferred by the NNM music teachers and the band method book used by the band director. Both Q&F and NNM offer matching trial periods. Parents may choose to opt-out of both the Q&F rental agreement and private lessons once the trial period ends in January. To address questions and concerns, please contact our band director Dan Stark.