Music
The Storm King School is a member of the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA). The Music Arts curriculum features the fundamentals of music in theory and practice. Melody, harmony, rhythm, and form constitute the building blocks. We study ear training, transcription, composition, orchestration, analysis, melody writing, counterpoint, and more, through individual personalized sessions and group seminars. Students read music, compose their own songs, explore different instruments — all in an effort to better understand each student’s personal means of musical expression. Students’ work is performed on both formal and informal concerts and every effort is made to produce near professional recordings. Students have the opportunity to provide soundtracks and may work with dancers, poets, playwrights and more.
Meet the Faculty
Classes Offered
Private music lessons for most instruments are offered weekly. Sessions are taught by some of New York City’s most accomplished professional musicians.
(Guitar, Bass guitar, Ukulele, Mandolin)
These courses instruct beginners through advanced students in all genres of music. Students enrolled in these courses learn the fundamentals of their instrument, how to read music, introductory and advanced techniques and music theory. Other instrumental lessons may be arranged.
This course is about learning to play the piano with an emphasis on technique, reading, theory and performance. Piano lessons at SKS provide serious preparation for musical goals both short and long term. Whether a student is preparing for higher education or wishes to hone compositional, technical or theoretical skills, a balance of technique, reading and true musical satisfaction is emphasized.
Choral groups, small ensembles, and individual voice lessons can be arranged within the creative arts program. Performances take place during Fall, Winter, and Spring Recitals, Parents Weekend, Winter Solstice Celebration, Holiday Dinners, Commencement, and more.
To learn music production from start to finish, students produce and engineer records using Pro Tools, and Midi hardware and software in our LE state-of-the-art recording studio. Production techniques include audio reference scales, use of proper microphones, editing, effects, and general knowledge of audio consoles. Theater and live audio production is also included.
(Audition required)
Students who play an instrument or sing are welcome to audition for bands or ensembles. The bands/ensembles change to accommodate the students selected.
This course prepares students for the AP exam.
Private Lessons
Our curriculum includes private lessons with musicians who are not only gifted teachers, but successful professionals with New York’s world-class symphonies and recording studios.
Take advantage of this wonderful opportunity and learn to make beautiful music.
For more information on the private lessons offered at SKS:
Productions
The SKS Community Comes Together for the Holidays
As our students were busy studying for final exams and getting ready to depart for Winter Break, they also took some time out to get into the holiday spirit. This year, the fun and festivities began on the evening of Saturday, December 15, when students converged on The Homestead, home of Headmaster Jonathan Lamb and Toni Scherrer, to realize a long-standing Storm King tradition – holiday cookie decorating. Ms. Scherrer, affectionately known as “Ms. [...]
Spring Music Concert Showcases a Year of Talent
As the School moves closer to its historic 150th commencement, Storm King’s talented music and voice students treated the SKS community to a spring [...]
A CELEBRATION OF THE ARTS ON THE MOUNTAIN
Cornwall-on-Hudson, NY This past weekend, the Mountain was blooming with more than just flowers. The Arts came to life as The Storm King School held [...]
Videos from the Classroom