Fine Arts

Music Conservatory

About the St. Cecilia Music Conservatory

The St. Cecilia Academy Music Conservatory continues a long tradition of excellence in music under the patronage of Saint Cecilia herself, the patroness of music. Since 1904, the St. Cecilia Music Conservatory has striven to cultivate a love for music through private and group music lessons, and we continue to this day. Our Music Conservatory studios, located by SCA's Legacy Hall, are open to Preschool-4, kindergarten, elementary, junior high, and high school students from across the Dominican campus and surrounding areas.
 
We offer private lessons in piano, voice, violin, guitar, upright bass, and ukulele as well as a Suzuki program for aspiring string players and even a Harp School. This year, we are excited to offer several after-school classes for students in grades 7-12, including Songwriting, Music Theory/Composition, and Fiddle.  
 
Our commitment to all students and families is to provide a joyful experience in the learning process, excellent training in various genres of music by highly competent musicians and instructors who have studied and performed with their own instruments for decades, and to foster a desire to glorify God through the gift of music.  

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.”

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.

Class Offerings and Pricing

List of 8 items.

  • PIANO

    Piano Instructors:
    Justin Alcorn
    Marcina Hayden
    John Pennell

    Private Lessons - For 15 Weeks
    30 min private: $675
    45 min private: $1,012.50
    60 min private: $1,350
    Family Discount (3 or more children): 20% off rate
  • SUZUKI VIOLIN PROGRAM AND VIOLIN

    Suzuki Private Violin and Group Class Instructors:
    Deidre Bacco, private teacher & Bks 1-2 Group Class instructor
    Toni Ferguson, private teacher & Pre-Twinkle-Early Bk 1 Group Class instructor
     
    Private and Group Lessons - For 15 Weeks
    Suzuki Violin Instruction - (Levels determined by instructor)
    Suzuki Beginner: 30 min private & 45 min group: $787.50
    Suzuki Intermediate: 45 min private & 45 min group: $1,181.25
    Suzuki Advanced: 60 min private & 60 min group: $1,575

    Each 15 week semester concludes with a Solo Recital, a Group Recital, and local community performances, including playing for Overbrook Catholic School programs & musicals.

    Private Lessons - For 15 Weeks
    30 min private: $675
    45 min private: $1,012.50
    60 min private: $1,350
    Family Discount (3 or more children): 20% off rate

    Private violin instruction, without group, is available by prior permission of instructors only at the rates listed above.
  • GUITAR, UPRIGHT BASS, OR UKULELE

    Guitar, Upright Bass, and Ukulele Instructor: John Pennell
     
    Private Lessons - For 15 Weeks
    30 min private: $675
    45 min private: $1,012.50
    60 min private: $1,350
    Family Discount (3 or more children): 20% off rate


  • VOICE

    Voice Instructors:
    Megan Calgaro (Mondays/Wednesdays)
    Brianna Braun (Tuesdays/Thursdays/Fridays)

    Private Lessons - For 15 Weeks
    30 min private: $675
    45 min private: $1,012.50
    60 min private: $1,350
    Family Discount (3 or more children): 20% off rate
  • CAROL MCCLURE - THE HARP SCHOOL

    Group and Private Lessons Instructor: Carol McClure

    Click HERE to learn more about this program.
    Click HERE for more information on each class.

    Ages 3-4The Angel’s Harp™ Mommy & Me Class: $325
    Kindergarten-Grade 1 - The Angel’s Harp™ Beginner Group Harp: $500
    Grade 2-Grade 5 - Elementary School Private Harp I: $1050
    Grade 2-Grade 5 - Elementary School Private Harp II: $1275
    Grade 5-Grade 12 - Beginning Concert Harp: $1400
    Grade 6-Grade 12 - Intermediate Concert Harp: $1500           
    Grade 6-Grade 12 - Advanced Concert Harp: $1600
    Ages 11-111 - St. Cecilia Harp Ensemble: $75
  • MUSIC THEORY/COMPOSITION

    Music Theory/Composition Class: Justin Alcorn
    • 45 min group: $506.25
    • Grades 7-12
    • Classes for 15 weeks
    This class is for students looking to develop a deeper knowledge of their instrument and music as a whole. In class, we will cover a new topic every week to expand their musical knowledge and develop their ear. Students can use this to understand the music they already play, while also writing music of their own. At the end of the semester, they will perform a piece of music they have composed themselves.
  • FIDDLE

    Fiddle Class: Toni Ferguson
    • 45 min group: $506.25
    • Grades 7-12
    • Classes for 15 weeks
    Get ready to turn up the energy and make some noise—our new fiddling class for grades 7–12 is where tradition meets total fun. Whether you’re brand new to the instrument or already sawing out a few tunes, you’ll learn how to play lively reels, foot-tapping jigs, and even put your own spin on modern songs. This is about feeling it, jamming with friends, and building confidence every time your bow hits the strings. Grab a fiddle, bring your curiosity, and get ready to play some breakdowns! 
  • SONGWRITING

    Songwriting Class Instructor: Alivia Leigh
    • 45 min group: $506.25
    • Grades 7-12
    • Classes for 15 weeks
    Students in songwriting class will have the opportunity to explore different writing styles, discover their unique sound, and express themselves creatively in a supportive and encouraging environment. Classes will include lyric writing, melody creation, storytelling, song structure, vocal expression, and collaborative writing exercises designed to help students grow both creatively and technically as songwriters and artists.

    With an emphasis on both group collaboration and individual artistic development, students will participate in creative prompts, peer feedback, co-writing opportunities, and guided exercises that build confidence in sharing original ideas. Students will also have the opportunity to record demos of their songs and share their music with others in a positive and constructive setting.

    Whether a student is brand new to songwriting or already writing original music, the class is designed to help each student develop their creativity, confidence, and authentic artistic voice. Private lessons are also available for students who prefer a more personalized one-on-one coaching experience.

    Private Lessons
    30 min private: $675
    45 min private: $1,012.50
    60 min private: $1,350
    Family Discount (3 or more children): 20% off rate
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.

  
For more information about the St. Cecilia Music Conservatory, please contact Crystal Kurek at kurekc@stcecilia.edu.

Conservatory Documents

Instructors