The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

music

The Chappaqua Orchestra’s *2018* Chamber Series – Brahms Sextets

by

TCO Chamber Players perform two educational concerts focusing on each of the Brahms Sextets for Strings Op 18 & 36.
Educational Commentary throughout w/Q & A.

Opus 36
Saturday October 27, 2018 – 3pm

Uli Speth, Violin

David Restivo, Violin

Nicole Peragine, Viola

Greg Williams, Viola

Bernie Tamosaitis, Cello

Seth Jacobs, Cello

Opus 18
Saturday November 10, 2018 – 3pm

Uli Speth, Violin

Clare Detko, Violin

Nicole Peragine, Viola

Greg Williams, Viola

Julian Langford, Cello

Seth Jacobs, Cello

Educational Commentary by esteemed Musicologist:
Joshua Berrett, Ph. D.

***

Free

Chappaqua Performing Arts Center,

480 Bedford Rd, Chappaqua, NY

Sponsored by the Town of New Castle

CityParks Summer Stage 2018

by

Editor’s Note: If you were lucky enough to catch any one of the outstanding performances of City Parks Summer Stage 2018, hats off to you. But if you were not, there’s still time to enjoy continued programming right through September!

For more info and updates, visit CityParksFoundation.org

– Grace Bennett

SEPT 8

Mac Demarco produced by The Bowery presents Canadian singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist brings his psychedelic pop-punk tunes to life

Saturday 6-10pm

Central Park | $ BENEFIT MUSIC

SEPT 26

Blood Orange produced by The Bowery presents genre-spanning musical performance from The multi-instrumentalist, vocalist and producer Dev Hynes

Saturday 6-10pm

Central Park | $ BENEFIT MUSIC

SEPT 27

Angelique Kidjo’s Remain in Light/Resistance Revival Chorus Africa’s premier diva stuns with songs from her much-anticipated talking heads cover album, opened with a Women’s Choir Collective

Thursday 7-10pm

Central Park | MUSIC

A Music-Ability Minded Program: Rock On Music School

by

(L-R) David Meyers and Sophia Tuohy, a music student from Armonk
PHOTO COURTESY OF DAVID MEYERS

David Meyers found his passion for teaching music to children with disabilities quite accidentally. Having spent most of his career in real estate, music was relegated to a side pursuit that he relished when afforded the time. In 2008, however, that all changed when he began teaching a youth music program at New York’s Patterson Recreation Center. Playing and writing music moved to the forefront of his focus as his career took an unanticipated turn.

A New Beat

As Meyers became acquainted with the learning style of today’s children, he saw that to resonate with his audience, he would need to devise his own curriculum. He explains, “I quickly found that kids no longer absorb music in the same way as when I was a student. Modern music is heavily electronic and lyrics are oftentimes not age appropriate.” As a result, Meyer’s unique “RockOnMusicSchool” technique was born. He created original music and developed a learning method that began with simple lyrics, accompanied by the most basic guitar string work that gradually advanced to intricate songs with chords requiring increasingly complex finger work.

Serving the Underserved

In teaching, Meyers found a renewed sense of gratification, saying, “It’s the first job I’ve had that isn’t just about the dollar and that is so personally fulfilling.” The role soon became even more meaningful when a friend approached him to give lessons to his son who has autism. Meyers adapted his mainstream curriculum and within a few months saw his new student develop confidence through music. That experience shaped Meyers’ music school. He says, “I made a personal commitment to cater to this audience. These children have a tremendous need for recreational opportunities and are such an underserved community. Music provides them with a creative and social outlet, while building self-esteem, fine motor and language skills.”

Meyers now teaches music lessons through organizations such as SPARC (Special Programs and Resources Connections) of Westchester County as well as through his RockOnMusicSchool, providing one-on-one sessions at students’ homes. “Conducting lessons in a child’s home is so beneficial to those with physical disabilities that may make it challenging to get out or those who thrive within the comforts of their own environment,” Meyers says. Lessons are fine-tuned based on each child’s unique abilities. As Meyers points out, “Depending on the child’s circumstances, we might select strings, drums or keyboard.”  He also modifies lessons by focusing on specific skills such as developing eye contact, sounds or social cues. To engage the kids, he often writes “silly, personalized songs” to get them excited and motivated for playing music.

Marilyn Tuohy of Armonk has become accustomed to hearing Meyers’ fun lyrics throughout the hallways of her home. “My daughter Sophia has Down Syndrome and loves music, which led a friend to recommend David to us. He really knows how to interact with her and gets her engaged no matter what her mood. He brings all instruments including drums, shakes, the keyboard and guitar and always comes up with new songs that are so alive and appealing to kids. They learn the lyrics right away. After David leaves, Sophia as well as my two sons and even my husband are still singing! I’ve seen my daughter’s speech and fine motor skills develop as a result. She speaks slower and clearer and is always singing in the house.”

Music is known to have therapeutic qualities and Meyers agrees, explaining, “Music has a natural timing and rhythm that serves to encourage children to use their voice in response to appropriate cues. Songs have a built-in conversational script that is valuable for children who have social challenges. Students learn to manage frustration, gaining the understanding that it’s okay to mess up and that they will eventually advance. It’s all in their control. These are skills they will take with them into adulthood.”

A Satisfying Crescendo

Today, that first client that inspired RockOnMusicSchool’s mission is now proficient in keyboards, bass, drums and guitar and has developed a love of The Beatles. Meyers proudly reports that this student has also integrated into a mainstream music class. “Each child already feels the music inside of them–some just need guidance to get it out,” he adds as we wrap up our conversation. And, it seems that Meyers has mapped the path as he continues to encourage all children to find a love of music in their own unique way.

Discover ‘Kitah Katan’ at Bet Torah Nursery School

by

Mount Kisco, NY– Registration is now open for Kitah Katan, Bet Torah Nursery School’s Toddler drop-off  separation program which begins September 6.  Children 18 months and older are eligible to attend.  Families enrolling by August 3 will also be able to attend a new musical Monday morning program from 9:30 to 10:10 in the fall at no charge for caregiver/parent and child.

Kitah Katan is a yearlong program that begins the gentle separation and learning through play on Tuesday  and Thursday mornings from 9:30 to 11:45 am.  Each morning is filled with music, art, movement, indoor and outdoor play. Library and literacy, science and animal programs, specials with our music educator and our movement educator round out each day. Healthy snacks are provided daily.  The program begins in September with family visits and shortened sessions until all students are comfortable and ready to separate, socialize and share by month’s end.

NEW THIS YEAR: Toddlers enrolled by August 3 in our fall Kitah Katan program on Tuesday and Thursday mornings may also attend our Monday Musical Mensch program on Mondays from 9:30-10:10  as our guest this fall through December 17 with our music educator, Pam Gittleman.

For information on registration for our toddler program and our musical Monday program or to inquire about registration for 2s, 3s, and 4s and to arrange a tour of Bet Torah Nursery School, please call 914 666-7595 ext. 110.  Space is limited.

Bet Torah (www.bettorah.org) serves as a leading center for Conservative Judaism in Northern Westchester.

25 Great Reasons to Discover Music in Chappaqua

by

Proudly celebrating its silver anniversary–a quarter century of service, music and harmony in the community, Music in Chappaqua, lead by director Janet Angier, salutes its students past and present, thanks its outstanding faculty and is excited for the next 25 years of music making! Here’s why:

1. You’re Never Too Young: Early childhood beginners, middle school and high school students are encouraged and welcomed to take up an instrument or improve their skills with our award-winning faculty

2. …And, You’re Never Too Old: Stopped playing when life became busy with career and family? In celebration of our quarter century, Music in Chappaqua is offering new adult students a 15 percent discount to come play and study with us.  Just mention this article during the month of June for your first time discount..

3. Amazing Faculty: Enthusiastic, caring, supportive, encouraging, accomplished, and dedicated teachers on staff

4. We Listen to You: We match teachers with students’ learning styles, music preferences, and personalities

5. Award Winning Students: Whether you’re interested in classical music competitions, NYSSMA, NYSMTA, singer-songwriter or vocal competitions, our students are prepared to perform at their highest potential and go on to win across the board

6. Students Pursue Their Passions: Many of our students go on to continue their study at prestigious colleges and universities including The Manhattan School of Music, Interlochen Arts Academy, Julliard, Harvard University, Yale University, Stanford University, Berklee, and more

7.  Students Become Professional Performers: Thriving careers in music started at Music in Chappaqua; such as world renowned mezzo soprano Stephanie Marshall, who now performs with the English National Opera, began her studies with our director, Janet Angier

8. All Genres of Music: Classical, Jazz, Broadway, Folk, Bluegrass, Country, Pop, Hip-hop, Rock, Progressive Rock, Metal and everything in between – we teach all styles and levels

9. All Instruments: Voice, Piano, Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass, Clarinet, Flute, Saxophones, Trumpet, Guitar, Electric Bass, Drums, Songwriting, Harmonica, and Ukulele

10. Easy Scheduling: Open 7 days a week all year round; generally follows the public-school calendar, extremely flexible summer opportunities

11. Flexible Teaching Locations: Lessons are offered in our Chappaqua studios or in the comfort of your home

12. Custom Tailored Curriculum: Your musical aspirations, needs and wants are listened to and a custom tailored program is designed for your private lessons or Rock Workshop experience

13. Specialized Approach: We aim to suit each individual student’s personal artistic and educational requirements

14. Serving Pros and Non-Pros: From absolute beginners to professionals who are preparing to go into the recording studio, all levels of skill are welcome to study with us

15. Positive Learning Environment: With opportunities to meet and make new friends performing or collaborating in rock bands, songwriting sessions, and recitals

16. Confidence and Self Expression: Students are encouraged and inspired with enthusiasm and exuberance; we believe real music making creates students who are comfortable and confident in their performances and with who they are as a person

17. Regular Performance Opportunities: Year-round performances offered including Open Mic Nights, Singer-Songwriter Shows, Formal Recitals, and Rock & Roll Shows

18. Fantastic Performance Venues: Performances take place where so many stars have launched careers; notable venues have included Steinway Hall, The Wainwright House, Rockwood Music Hall, and NYC’s The Bitter End

19. Beautiful Facility: Clean, modern exterior and interior designs, a relaxing lobby welcomes students and guests with visibility into cutting-edge, lesson studios

20. State of the Art Equipment: Four grand pianos, a fully equipped Rock rehearsal room, plus the latest computer hardware and software, all designed to enhance the learning and performance process

21. Beautiful Landscaping: Modern culture, art, architecture and design tucked into a convenient Chappaqua location, our space exudes peace and tranquility; a proud recipient of The Beautification Award from the Town of New Castle

22. Summer Rock and Roll Camp: A highly successful day camp that runs for 6-week long sessions, The New York Rock Academy places kids and teens at any playing level into bands with others of similar age, musical taste, and playing ability

23. Giving Back to The Community: Local groups and activities are sponsored by Music in Chappaqua such as the Town of New Castle’s Summer Concert Series and the recent March For Our Lives Benefit Concert

24. A Trustworthy Business For 25 Years: Proudly celebrating a quarter century of service, music and harmony in the community

25. You! Music in Chappaqua looks forward to welcoming you into our studios soon!