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
2020 Arts Weekend Comes to a Close
2019-2020 has been an extraordinary and challenging year for all of our students, including our student-artists. After the School’s move to online learning in March, students and faculty alike had to rethink how to effectively deliver an important school event – 2020 Arts Weekend. Usually a vibrant, arts-filled weekend on campus where students showcase their works and talents, this year’s Arts Weekend was forced to go virtual. Thanks to the efforts of the faculty, staff, [...]
SKS Celebrates the Holidays with Music and Dance
The end of the fall semester is always bustling at SKS. As our students study for final exams and get ready to depart for [...]
Musical Ensemble Plays for Senior Citizens
On Tuesday, October 8, members of the Storm King Music Ensemble and Choir volunteered their time, talent, and enthusiasm for the senior citizens residing [...]
SKS Student Art Show Opened in Newburgh
The evening of April 12 was dubbed “Funky Friday” by those who attended the opening of Storm King’s annual Student Art Show at the [...]
Videos from the Classroom