Fine Arts

Music Conservatory

The St. Cecilia Academy Music Conservatory will open registration to new students for the Spring Semester on Monday, November 21st. Space is limited, particularly in the piano studios, but there is good availability in many other areas! 

Please look over our many offerings! Group voice classes, intermediate/advanced woodwinds, beginning band instruments, and much more! 


Please be in touch with any questions you may have! 
Stephanie Hahn Nolan, Director nolans@stcecilia.edu
The St. Cecilia Academy Conservatory of Music continues a long tradition of excellence in music under the patronage of Saint Cecilia herself, the patroness of music. Our Conservatory of Music studios are open to elementary and high school students from across the Dominican campus and surrounding areas. Our commitment to all students and families is to provide excellent training by highly competent musicians and instructors who have studied and performed with their own instruments for decades! In addition, each teacher has pursued continuing education in the best pedagogical practices worldwide and across the centuries.

The practice of music adds joy to life. Many formal studies have shown that the study of music engages the whole brain and body while building individual confidence, personal discipline, and patience.
At SCA, we believe that we were born to make music! Psalm 98: 1-7  (excerpts) “Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things… Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music; make music to the Lord with the harp, and the sound of singing, with trumpets and the blast of the ram’s horn.” Though we do not at this time have any ram’s horn instructors, we as faculty, make the following commitments:
  •  To provide a joyful experience in the learning process
  •  To foster mutual respect between teachers and students
  •  To  continue our own adult learning and become ever more proficient and effective teachers
 
All styles—Classical, Pop, Broadway, Jazz, Liturgical, and more—will be taught in the Conservatory, with the permission of each instructor and in keeping with good pedagogical practice for each student regarding age and personal progress. 

New Classes for 2022-2023 School Year

List of 6 items.

  • Guitar or Upright Bass

    John Pennell, Guitar or Upright Bass, Private Lessons, in addition to guitar and ukulele!
  • Studio Recording Class

    Alan Suska, Studio Recording Class, Thursdays 3:30 - 4:30
    Will you need an audition recording?  Do you want to create a podcast?  Are you curious about utilizing the modern recording software that can be used to create these recordings?
    In this class, we will cover the following:
    • Fundamentals of sound, microphone types, usage, and placement
    • Methods of recording different instruments and voice
    • Various Hardware that is needed for the differing recording situations
    • Creating, setting up, recording, editing, mixing, saving, and uploading a finished project
    This will be a fun and engaging class for up to 4 students per class. Each student will have the role of audio tech, performer, recording engineer, and producer.
  • Voice Class - Adult

    Instructor: Caroline Bergan
    Adult Class, Monday 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM
    Grades 7-9, Tuesday 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
    Whether you have studied singing before or have a newfound interest, class voice study offers a unique opportunity to focus on your instrument in a group setting. 
    In addition to learning about the singing mechanism, healthy voice technique, and music learning methodology, you will gain a sense of confidence from your new set of skills. You will do this by observing your colleagues work with the instructors and engaging in group and solo singing. You will be asked to prepare and perform at least 1 song, in addition to group-assigned songs. 
     
    Goals for this class:
    • Discover or rediscover your singing voice 
    • Develop fundamental habits of singing: vocal performance and technique 
    • Learn at least 1 solo song 
    • Experience private voice lessons in a masterclass setting 
    • Discuss readings and listening assignments 
    • Maintain vocal health 
    • Prepare and practice assigned music (outside classwork) 
  • Voice Class for Grades 10-12

    Stephanie Hahn Nolan Voice Class for Grades 10 - 12. Wednesdays from 5 to 6 PM. Students, when you love to sing, there is a great temptation to believe that you are all alone in the belief that you actually can do it! All kinds of social criticism warn against singing in front of others - from Simon Cowell to friends and family members! Voice class provides a place where students can be brave "together"; to realize the good news that you were made to sing and that you will find joy and growth in the discipline. Students will learn techniques for using their God-given instrument and learn to sing songs with a piano accompaniment in a way that communicates meaning. Together with others, in a safe and caring environment, you will discover your own unique voice! (For 3 - 5 students)
  • Voice Class Grades 5-6

    Marcina Clark New Voice Class for Grades 5 and 6! Tuesdays, 4:00 - 5:00 PM
     
  • Voice Class Grades 7-9

    Instructor: Caroline Bergan
    Class voice study offers a unique opportunity to focus on your instrument in a fun and supportive group setting. 
    In addition to learning about the singing mechanism, healthy voice technique, and music, you will gain a sense of confidence from your new set of skills. You will observe your classmates work with the instructor and engage in group and solo singing.  Class sessions will cover topics from healthy singing habits, singing and breathing technique, musicality, and interpretation. You will be asked to prepare 1 song (chosen in consultation with your teacher) and group-assigned songs.
     
    The goals for this class are:
    • Develop fundamental habits of singing: vocal performance and technique 
    • Learn at least 1 solo songs 
    • Experience private voice lessons in a masterclass setting 
    • Discuss readings and listening assignments 
    • Maintain vocal health 
    • Prepare and practice assigned music (outside classwork) 

Fall & Spring Class Descriptions & Pricing

All Instruction (with the exception of Suzuki violin)
30 minutes x 15 lessons = $587
45 minutes x 15 lessons = $805
60 minutes group lessons x 15 lessons = $484 (non-violin)
 
Private violin instruction, without group, is available by prior permission of instructors only at the rates listed above.
60 minutes private violin = $1053

Suzuki Violin Instruction: (Levels determined by instructor)
Beginner - 30 minutes/30-minute group x 15 lessons = $689
Intermediate - 45 minutes/45-minute group x 15 lessons = $758
Advanced - 45 minutes/60-minute group x 15 lessons = $894
 
Lessons are not refundable. All students must inform their coaches and club directors of their commitments immediately. For a very limited range of issues, we will try to accommodate families (such as incremental athletic tournaments that could not be forecast in advance or serious personal illness with a doctor's note.)
If school is canceled, we will work with students to reschedule lessons.

New Classes for Fall 2022

  • Recording Studio Techniques - Group Class (max. 4)
  • Bass Guitar / Standing Bass 
  • Voice - grades 7-9
  • Voice - Group Class, grades 10-12
  • Voice - Group Class, adult

List of 11 items.

Instructors