HARBOR CONSERVATORY
MUSIC DEPARTMENT
Lessons in Classical, Jazz, Latin and Popular Styles
Whatever musical style you want to pursue, you'll find an exciting, innovative and challenging experience at Harbor Conservatory for the Performing Arts.
Our East Harlem school provides lessons in Piano, Violin, Cello, Voice, Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, Guitar, Acoustic, and Electric Bass, Tres, Jazz, Piano, Congas, Bongos, Timbales and Drums in a variety of different styles.
Music classes are available for beginner, intermediate and advanced students.
The Harbor is recognized internationally as a resource for Latin musicians and authentic Afro/Caribbean musical training, providing Latin music lessons in private, group, and workshop sessions.
Our faculty includes many exceptional artist-instructors, teachers who remain active in the professional New York music scene.
Students follow a curriculum that progresses from beginner to advanced, and prepares them for participation in a variety of performance experiences. They must attain basic skills before concentrating on one musical style.
Click here to download a brochure for
the 2009 Summer Programs
CLICK HERE to download application forms.

THE CLASSICAL MUSIC PROGRAM
Private and Group Classes
Student Performances
Guest Artist Recital Series
Two-week Summer Intensive Music Camp
Field Trips to the Great Concert Halls of New York City
Master Classes
Classes are offered throughout the year
(Fall and spring semesters and a seven-week summer session)
For additional information, please contact Dr. Martin Søderberg, Director of Classical Music Program @ 212-427-2244 ext. 557.
PRIVATE 45-MINUTE LESSONS
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D. Bass
Drums
Cello
Clarinet
Flute
Guitar
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Piano
Saxophone
Trombone
Trumpet
Violin
Voice
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SPECIAL PROGRAMS
Summer Music Camp
Pre-professional Program
CLASSICAL MUSIC GROUP CLASSES
Music Theory
Harmony
Instrumental Ensemble
Performance Class
Vocal Program for Children and Teens
Chorus
Student Performances
Guest Artist Recital Serise
Summer Music Camp
Pre-professional Program
Music Theory
Level I-V
Students must complete 12 weeks of class to move to the next level; there are 8 weeks per semester. Students become familiar with music notation, rhythm, recognizing notes, musical symbols, sight-singing and solfege. Completion of all three levels of this class is a requirement for all music students (up to age 21). Classes meet once a week on Saturday, Monday or Wednesday.
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Harmony
Level I, II
Students must complete 16 weeks of class to move to the next level; there are 8 weeks per semester. This class builds on lessons learned in Music Theory I-V. Basic harmonic concepts, music structure, analysis and counterpoint will be taught. Completion of both levels of this class is a requirement for curriculum program students.
Class meets on Saturday.
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Instrumental Ensemble
Year-long (32 weeks)
This class is an introduction to the art of ensemble playing and is open to all levels. Students interact musically with the instructor and partner(s). This class is not mandatory but is beneficial to all intermediate and advanced students.
Class meets on Saturday.
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Performance Class
Year-long (32 weeks)
This open class serves as a "lab" where students hone their performance skills. Instructors and students share feedback to improve musicianship as well as presentation. Parents and friends are welcomed as listeners.
Class meets on Saturday.
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Vocal Program for Children and Teens
Children and teens ages 6 to 20 wishing to join the Vocal Program must schedule an audition with an instructor to determine the readiness of a student's voice. Once assessed, students will be scheduled for private lessons and/or chorus.
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Chorus
Year-long (32 weeks)
Chorus practice is from 12:00-2:00 every Saturday.
Children and teens can join throughout the year.
Auditions are held every Saturday from 12:00-12:30 pm.
Concerts are held periodically to give students an opportunity to perform on stage.
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NOTE: Private voice students may be asked to join the Chorus for one or two semesters, depending on vocal readiness.
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Student Performances
Students enjoy a variety of performance opportunities throughout the year. Major recitals take place at the Museum of the City of New York, Columbia University's Presbyterian Hospital, Cami Hall and our own Little Theater. In addition, we assist students in the preparation of high school and college auditions.
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Guest Artist Recital Series
Our guest artist recital series features monthly events with a variety of artists / teachers. From master classes to lecture recitals, instrument presentations to formal concerts, our students are being exposed regularly to the mastery and artistry of prestigious guests. Some of these artists include Tania Leon, Rafael Landestoy, Byron Janis, and Harold Gramatges, to name only a few.
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Summer Music Camp
Two-week Intensive Program (TBA)
Young musicians, ages 7 to 16, further develop their skills when they participate in this intensive and fun music camp. For two weeks we meet Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. The exciting curriculum offers classes in four-hand piano, performance skills, solfege, theory, and music appreciation, as well as musical games. At the end of the two weeks, students perform in a recital. Early registration is strongly suggested due to limited space. Tuition: $350 per child.
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Pre-professional Program
A career in music takes talent, but it also requires a high level of interest and commitment. In an effort to mentor students towards a successful career in the field, Harbor Conservatory offers a Pre-professional Program, where students are guided as they explore career options and prepare for college entrance auditions and competition. With a focus on skill acquisition, this intense program also provides teacher training, professional coaching and assistance along with resume preparation. Enrollment is by audition and interview to determine a student's suitability.
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LATIN MUSIC PROGRAM
Latin music lives at Harbor Conservatory!
For over 35 years the Conservatory has been dedicated to preserving and nurturing the commercial and folkloric characteristics of this African-rooted musical form.
The faculty comprises exceptionally talented artists and educators who bring a blend of musical skill and performance experience to the classroom.
Our master-musicians have performed with world-famous bandleaders Tito Puente, Machito,Tito Rodriguez, Mongo Santamaria, Ray Barretto, and more.
We offer:
Private Instruction (45 minutes)
Group Classes (1 to 1 1/2 hours)
Workshops/Ensembles (1 hour or 2 hours)
Students can study almost any instrument in the Latin style (see instructor for permission)
Drummers may choose to specialize in conga, timbales, or bongo.
LATIN MUSIC GROUP CLASSES
Latin Vocal Training Workshop Level I, ll
Chart Reading
Basic Musicianship
Harmony
Arranging
Improvisation
Scholarships
Workshops/Ensembles
Latin Rhythm Section Workshop
Standards Workshop
Rock Latin Workshop
Salsa Workshops
Salsa Performance Ensembles
Big Band
Latin Vocal Training Workshop Level I, ll. (With David Oquendo).
Vocalists work on basic technique, ear training, applied theory with melody and harmony relationships, the art of "soneo" and performance etiquette.
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Chart Reading
1 hour per week for 16 weeks
Learn the mechanics of reading a percussion chart for performing with a band or a participating in a recording situation. Students will become familiar with commonly used musical notations and what they mean.
Pre-requisite: 1 year of rhythmic reading or equivalent assessment
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Basic Musicianship
1 hour per week for 16 weeks
This class offers the rudiments of music-rhythm, melody, and dynamics, how they are notated and what they mean. Basic elements of music will be covered: intervals, keys, meter, and various music symbols will also be discussed.
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Harmony
1 hour per week for 16 weeks
Discover how music is created through the development of melodic motifs and the application of chords to a melody. Exploration will include the development of chord productions found in popular, classical, and jazz styles. Students create short pieces using different musical concepts including melody and counterpoint.
Pre-requisite: Basic Musicianship or equivalent assessment
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Arranging
1 hour per week for 16 weeks
This class is available to students with an intermediate knowledge of harmonic theory. Students learn arrangement skills for small group or big band formats.
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Improvisation
1 hour per week for 16 weeks
If you have a good command of scales and chords and want an opportunity to learn the fundamental skills necessary to play then this is the class for you. Students will learn the player's tools, chords and scales along with principles of melodic playing.
Placement interview required
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Scholarships
- Tito Puente Scholarship Fund is awarded to young students studying Latin music.
- Charlie Palmieri Memorial Piano Scholarship is given via competition for students
studying classical and Latin styles.
- Partial scholarships are awarded to Latin percussion students under the age of 18.
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Workshops/Ensembles
Harbor Conservatory conducts an array of Latin music workshops and ensembles preparing students with professional level challenges. Latin rhythm sectionals, Salsa workshops and a 21-piece Latin Big Band offer students the opportunity to advance as quickly as their talent, skill and commitment will allow.
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Latin Rhythm Section Workshop
Beginner and intermediate students learn the function of the congas, timbales and bongos in the rhythm section. This class is used to prepare students for participation in the more advanced ensembles.
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Standards Workshop. (Taught by Gustavo Schartz.)
This workshop is dedicated to learning the compositions that have become "classics" in the Latin repertoire. What is known as "salsa" has its origins in Cuba, Puerto Rico, and Dominican Republic. We will cover the material that any aspiring and professional musician should know if he / she wants to understand the foundations of this music. If you want to know "where this music comes from", this is the place to learn it.
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Rock Latin Workshop
Course description coming soon.
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Salsa Workshops
Full band sessions playing classic Latin arrangements from Puente, Barretto, Willie Rosario, El Gran Combo, etc. Workshops are beginning and intermediate levels, ensembles are advanced levels. Learn what it takes to play in a band. For all instruments and vocalists there are three levels of skill requirements meeting each week.
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Salsa Performance Ensembles
This group requires two trombones, two trumpets, tenor and baritone saxophones, a Latin rhythm section and vocalists. Intense weekly rehearsals result in a strong ensemble that has been recognized for its excellence in the past. Students gain performance experience through annual public appearances. This is a serious commitment for those seeking a professional career in music.
Entrance by audition and interview.
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Big Band
A 21-piece Latin Big Band featuring top Conservatory students and several faculty members. The group rehearses a wide range of music. This is also a lab for many young composers and arrangers to have their charts performed by the band.
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THE JAZZ SCHOOL
Personal expression through the creative process of improvisation is one of the great elements of music mastery. Add the syncopated pulse of poly-rhythmic "swing" or contemporary rock, rhythm and blues, Latin or Brazilian energy, and you create music's most vital and wonderful form... JAZZ!
As a beginner student discovering this form or as an advanced performer, the Conservatory offers a full range of classes.
A combination of private instruction along with various workshops, the faculty is here to assist you in developing your jazz style and improvisational skills.
We offer:
Private Instruction (45 minutes)
Group Classes (1 to 1 1/2 hours)
Workshops/Ensembles (1 hour or 2 hours): By recommendation or audition only.
Students can study almost any instrument in the jazz style (see instructor for permission)
THE JAZZ SCHOOLGROUP CLASSES
Guitar Ensemble, Electric Guitar Ensemble and all levels of theory, including jazz improvisation, arranging and composition in the jazz idiom are available privately or in a group format.
WORKSHOPS
Jazz Workshop
An entry level workshop for beginner and intermediate students, designed to coordinate with Jazz Improvisation theory classes, allowing students to put their theoretical knowledge to practice. 90% of the time is real playing while the remaining time is used for theoretical discussion about concepts. Student's ability determines the degree of difficulty in material studied throughout the semester.
Electric Guitar Ensemble
The E.G.E. is for the intermediate / advanced student with a desire to challenge him /herself with an eclectic repertoire of music from Bach to Jimi Hendrix and from Jazz to Latin. The material will be supplied by the teacher and also by the students to satisfy everyones musical taste. Reading and technique will be an important part of this workshop. Areas that will be cowered include: musical group experience, improvisation, scales, chords transcription of works by electric guitar masters like Eric Clapton, Santana , B. B. King, Steve Ray Vaughn, Jimmy Page, Hendrix, Wes Montgomery and more. The school will supply amplifiers for the classes. If you dream of playing rock, jazz, blues or any other style involving electric guitar this is the place for you. Additional musicians and (drums, bass) will be occasionally added.
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Advanced Guitar Ensemble
This workshop is for the intermediate and advanced guitar student ready to take it to the next level. Reading music is required. The goal is to form an ensemble that will enrich the individual in areas such as : chords, scales harmony, improvisation, playing in a group. Repertoire includes Latin, Jazz, Brazilian, Blues, Rock, Classical music and more. The Conservatory will also provide the opportunity to perform several times during the year. If you feel you want to be part of a musial group experience with advanced students please join us.
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Harbor Conservatory for the Performing Arts
1 East 104th Street
New York, NY 10029
(212) 427-2244 ext . 570
rrodriguez@theharbor.org |
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