Thurnauer School of Music

Instrumental Group Classes

AgesAll

For students taking private music lessons, the Thurnauer School of Music offers a variety of classes designed to enhance students’ understanding and enjoyment of music. We offer instrumental groups in violin, flute, cello, clarinet, percussion, piano, guitar, and saxophone.

Instrumental group classes for private-lesson students are a key component of instrumental instruction and provide an outstanding ensemble and social experience for our students.

We offer groups in violin, flute, cello, clarinet, percussion, piano, guitar, and saxophone.

For information, please call 201.408.1466.

Instrumental Group Classes

Instrumental group classes for private-lesson students are a key component of instrumental instruction. The Suzuki approach is used for violin, cello, flute, and guitar. We also offer groups in clarinet, percussion, piano, and saxophone. Concurrent private lessons, either at the Thurnauer School or elsewhere, are required.

Flute Repertoire Class

Period opportunities to rehearse flute choir repertoire with other flutists. Open only to flute students who are also enrolled in private lessons. The class will be five sessions, days and times to be determined.

Cello Group Beginners Yo-Yo Ma

Ages 4-6 Years Old

Instrumental group classes for private-lesson students are a key component of instrumental instruction. The Suzuki approach is used for violin, cello, flute, and guitar. We also offer groups in clarinet, percussion, piano, and saxophone. Concurrent private lessons, either at the Thurnauer School or elsewhere, are required.

Sundays at 1:15-1:45 PM
30 Classes: Sept 29
$840 / JCC Member
$920 / Public

Cello Group Casals

Ages 7-10 Years Old

Instrumental group classes for private-lesson students are a key component of instrumental instruction. The Suzuki approach is used for violin, cello, flute, and guitar. We also offer groups in clarinet, percussion, piano, and saxophone. Concurrent private lessons, either at the Thurnauer School or elsewhere, are required. 

Tuesdays at 4:30-5:15 PM
30 Classes: Oct 1
$840 / JCC Member
$920 / Public

Cello Group du Pré

Ages 10+ Years Old

Instrumental group classes for private-lesson students are a key component of instrumental instruction. The Suzuki approach is used for violin, cello, flute, and guitar. We also offer groups in clarinet, percussion, piano, and saxophone. Concurrent private lessons, either at the Thurnauer School or elsewhere, are required. 

Tuesdays at 5:15-6:00 PM
30 Classes: Oct 1
$840 / JCC Member
$920 / Public

Clarinet Group Clarinos

Ages 8+ Years Old

Instrumental group classes for private-lesson students are a key component of instrumental instruction. The Suzuki approach is used for violin, cello, flute, and guitar. We also offer groups in clarinet, percussion, piano, and saxophone. Concurrent private lessons, either at the Thurnauer School or elsewhere, are required. 

Thursdays at 6:00-6:45 PM
30 Classes: Sept 26
$840 / JCC Member
$920 / Public

Flute Group

Ages 5-9 Years Old

Instrumental group classes for private-lesson students are a key component of instrumental instruction. The Suzuki approach is used for violin, cello, flute, and guitar. We also offer groups in clarinet, percussion, piano, and saxophone. Concurrent private lessons, either at the Thurnauer School or elsewhere, are required. 

Wednesdays at 4:30-5:15 PM
30 Classes: Sept 25
$840 / JCC Member
$920 / Public

Guitar Class 1A

Ages 4-8 Years Old

Instrumental group classes for private-lesson students are a key component of instrumental instruction. The Suzuki approach is used for violin, cello, flute, and guitar. We also offer groups in clarinet, percussion, piano, and saxophone. Concurrent private lessons, either at the Thurnauer School or elsewhere, are required. 

Mondays at 5:15-6:15 PM
30 Classes: Sept 30
$840 / JCC Member
$920 / Public

Guitar Class 2/3

Ages 4-8 Years Old

Instrumental group classes for private-lesson students are a key component of instrumental instruction. The Suzuki approach is used for violin, cello, flute, and guitar. We also offer groups in clarinet, percussion, piano, and saxophone. Concurrent private lessons, either at the Thurnauer School or elsewhere, are required. 

Sundays at 5:15-6:15 PM and Thursdays at 6:45-7:45 PM
30 Classes: Sept 26
$840 / JCC Member
$920 / Public

Guitar Class 4+

Ages 12+ Years Old

Instrumental group classes for private-lesson students are a key component of instrumental instruction. The Suzuki approach is used for violin, cello, flute, and guitar. We also offer groups in clarinet, percussion, piano, and saxophone. Concurrent private lessons, either at the Thurnauer School or elsewhere, are required. 

Mondays at 7:00-8:00 PM
30 Classes: Sept 30
$840 / JCC Member
$920 / Public

Oboe Group Class

Ages 8+ Years Old

Instrumental group classes for private-lesson students are a key component of instrumental instruction. The Suzuki approach is used for violin, cello, flute, and guitar. We also offer groups in clarinet, percussion, piano, and saxophone. Concurrent private lessons, either at the Thurnauer School or elsewhere, are required. 

Mondays at 7:00-7:45 PM
30 Classes: Sept 30
$840 / JCC Member
$920 / Public

Piano Group and Duos for Ages 8-10

Ages 8-10 Years Old

Instrumental group classes for private-lesson students are a key component of instrumental instruction. The Suzuki approach is used for violin, cello, flute, and guitar. We also offer groups in clarinet, percussion, piano, and saxophone. Concurrent private lessons, either at the Thurnauer School or elsewhere, are required. 

Mondays at 5:00-5:45 PM
30 Classes: Sept 30
$840 / JCC Member
$920 / Public

Piano Group and Duos for Ages 11+

Ages 11+ Years Old

Instrumental group classes for private-lesson students are a key component of instrumental instruction. The Suzuki approach is used for violin, cello, flute, and guitar. We also offer groups in clarinet, percussion, piano, and saxophone. Concurrent private lessons, either at the Thurnauer School or elsewhere, are required. 

Thursdays at 5:00-5:45 PM
30 Classes: Sept 30
$840 / JCC Member
$920 / Public

Piano for Non-Pianists 

Ages 10+ Years Old

Instrumental group classes for private-lesson students are a key component of instrumental instruction. The Suzuki approach is used for violin, cello, flute, and guitar. We also offer groups in clarinet, percussion, piano, and saxophone. Concurrent private lessons, either at the Thurnauer School or elsewhere, are required. 

Thursdays at 4:35-5:20 PM
30 Classes: Sept 25
$840 / JCC Member
$920 / Public

Advanced Piano Seminar

Ages: 10+ Years Old

Open to advanced-level pianists, this class provides a deeper understanding of performance issues, musical structures, and the infinite possibilities that go\ into interpreting piano literature. The instrument has evolved greatly over the course of history, especially throughout the Industrial Revolution. Students study how composers in different eras approached the piano and how they responded to and were inspired by its development.

For all musicians with at least two years playing and performing experience. Students will need their instruments and will use music they are comfortable playing to learn these new concepts.

Sundays at 12:15-1:15 PM
30 Classes: Sept 29
$840 / JCC Member
$920 / Public

Voila Group Class

Ages: 8+ Years Old

Explore the beautiful sounds of the viola, the instrument most similar in range to the human voice. Playing the viola is a valuable skill for violinists. Students will explore the unique characteristics and subtle technical differences between the violin and viola, learn to read music in the alto clef, and play pieces written especially for the viola. There are many advantages and opportunities for violinists who also play the viola. This class is available to violinists who have completed Suzuki Book 3.

Wednesday at 5:00-5:45 PM
30 Classes: Sept 25
$840 / JCC Member
$920 / Public

Violin Group 1 Mozart

Ages: 4-6 Years Old

Instrumental group classes for private-lesson students are a key component of instrumental instruction. The Suzuki approach is used for violin, cello, flute, and guitar. We also offer groups in clarinet, percussion, piano, and saxophone. Concurrent private lessons, either at the Thurnauer School or elsewhere, are required. 

Mondays at 5:00-5:45 PM
30 Classes: Sept 30
$840 / JCC Member
$920 / Public

Violin Group 2 Bartok

Ages: 5-7 Years Old

Instrumental group classes for private-lesson students are a key component of instrumental instruction. The Suzuki approach is used for violin, cello, flute, and guitar. We also offer groups in clarinet, percussion, piano, and saxophone. Concurrent private lessons, either at the Thurnauer School or elsewhere, are required. 

Mondays at 5:00-5:45 PM
30 Classes: Sept 30
$840 / JCC Member
$920 / Public

Violin Group 3 Bach

Ages: 8-11 Years Old

Instrumental group classes for private-lesson students are a key component of instrumental instruction. The Suzuki approach is used for violin, cello, flute, and guitar. We also offer groups in clarinet, percussion, piano, and saxophone. Concurrent private lessons, either at the Thurnauer School or elsewhere, are required. 

Thursdays at 5:00-5:45 PM
30 Classes: Sept 26
$840 / JCC Member
$920 / Public

Violin Group 4 Mendelssohn 

Ages: 10-14 Years Old

Instrumental group classes for private-lesson students are a key component of instrumental instruction. The Suzuki approach is used for violin, cello, flute, and guitar. We also offer groups in clarinet, percussion, piano, and saxophone. Concurrent private lessons, either at the Thurnauer School or elsewhere, are required. 

Thursdays at 5:00-5:45 PM
30 Classes: Sept 26
$840 / JCC Member
$920 / Public

Violin Group 5 Kreisler 

Ages: 14+ Years Old

Instrumental group classes for private-lesson students are a key component of instrumental instruction. The Suzuki approach is used for violin, cello, flute, and guitar. We also offer groups in clarinet, percussion, piano, and saxophone. Concurrent private lessons, either at the Thurnauer School or elsewhere, are required. 

Thursdays at 5:30-6:30 PM
30 Classes: Sept 26
$840 / JCC Member
$920 / Public

FAQs

Why should my child study music?

  • In addition to the enormous personal enjoyment music brings, music study helps children learn how to learn.
  • Attending lessons and practicing an instrument each day teaches focus, concentration, patience, critical thinking and reflection – skills we use throughout our lives.
  • Studies have shown that “students engaged in music programs outperformed their peers on every indicator: grade-point average, graduation rate, ACT scores, attendance and discipline referrals.”
  • KU research establishes link between music education and academic achievement
    Why should my child study at the JCC

Thurnauer School of Music?

  • A school environment creates a community of musicians who inspire, motivate and befriend each other.
  • Students benefit musically and psychologically from the expertise of our excellent faculty, the School’s warm, nurturing atmosphere and the experience of hearing other students make music at different levels of musical development.
  • The Thurnauer School offers a stimulating variety of classes, performances, workshops, and recital opportunities.

Can my child just take private lessons at the Thurnauer School?

  • As an introduction to learning an instrument, students can take just a private lesson, but only during their first year at the school. Thereafter, all students must take one or more components as part of their music program.
  • Making music with others quickens the pace of learning and accomplishment. We also find that students have fun in these classes and that this is not only enriching but also highly motivational to them.
  • Children in a full program of music study are “stretched”, musically and intellectually, as they learn new things and exchange musical and verbal ideas with their peers.
  • A program that is limited to private lessons lacks the richness of learning about music. The more we understand, the more joy there is in playing and listening.

When should my child begin the study of music?

  • Learning about music can begin at birth. However, the best age to start an instrument varies with the instrument and the child’s physical development. For example, violinists and flutists can begin as young as 3, whereas trumpet players should be at least 8.
  • For children who are not yet ready to begin private lessons, we recommend our early childhood classes: Musical Explorers, Instrument Exploration, Piano Partners, and Young Drummers.
  • Our classes for young children stand on their own, but they are also developmental, and will introduce skills to help your child with further musical study if it’s desired. “Developmental” also means dynamic; each week builds on the previous lesson.

How should we help our child select an instrument?

  • The choice of instrument depends on the child’s interests, temperament and size. Most children have a natural affinity for a particular instrument or sound and, if given the chance to choose, will know what they like.
  • We encourage sitting in on lessons and classes at our School. Please contact our scheduling director to arrange for a visit or a trial lesson: 201-567-7900 Ext. 375 or rsearles@jccopt.org
  • Attending professional concerts and student recitals with your child can also spark interest in a particular instrument. Children are welcome to attend any of our student recitals.

How do we select an instrumental teacher for your child?

At the Thurnauer School, a great deal of care is given to finding the best “match” from among our fine faculty. Music School Director Dorothy Roffman meets individually with each new student and parent(s) prior to enrollment, observing the child and learning about the family before assigning a teacher.

What is the registration process for new students?

The process is all handled online. It includes completing the registration form, enrolling in your choice of lessons and class, completing the scheduling forms, submitting a tuition deposit and, if you are enrolling ina private lesson program, scheduling a meeting with the Music School Director.

Do I need to register for the entire year?

With the exception of some early childhood classes, our curriculum is designed as a full, 30 week program. That said, you can withdraw within the first five weeks of classes for a prorated tuition and a $75 processing charge. Thereafter, partial refunds are available as stipulated in our Terms and Conditions.

Does the Music School offer a payment plan?

Yes. You can set up an eight month payment plan that withdraws funds from your bank account or charges your credit card automatically each month.

Does the Music School offer Financial Aid?

Yes. The Music School has a number of endowed funds earmarked for this purpose, and over 15%of our students receive some form of tuition scholarship. Scholarship forms are available online, or you may request one from the Financial Manager, Dan Jatovsky at djatovsky@jccotp.org.

Are discounts available?

Yes. The following discounts are available for you and your family to enjoy the gift of music.

Sibling Discount
Save $25 off total tuition for a class or performance ensemble (if not part of a Private Lesson Program) SAVE $90 off total tuition for a Private Lesson Program

Refer a Friend Discount
Refer a new family who registers for private music lessons and you both get $100 off tuition

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