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Chanel Wang is a recent graduate of Special Music School High School. She has been studying piano since she was three and has practiced every day since! Chanel began to perform competitively at age four, giving her first solo recital when she was just six years old. She transferred to SMS in high school so she could have a quality music education that could take her…
Lucy Moses School’s Assistant Director and Adult Division Manager Alicia Andrews explains how adults of all ages can connect with music. “When we talk about getting started with private instrument lessons, a lot of adult musicians tell me, ‘I played an instrument as a kid and then I stopped. I wish I’d kept doing it.’ I’m here to help…
John Wallar is a rising 11th grader at Special Music School and a percussionist in the school's new music ensemble, Face the Music. When he was younger, he joined a rock band and soon discovered a passion for classical music. During his studies at SMS, John mastered complex mallet percussion pieces from the classical canon, while also playing alternative…
“Jazz is a lifelong learning experience because the more you learn, the more you can use, and the more creative you become.” When Paul Wolsk’s friend suggested that they get a jazz band together, he hadn’t played the sax for 35 years. He’d first taken up the instrument in elementary school and played through college, but gave it up as he…
“When I’m playing music I can’t think about politics and what’s going on in the world. It’s very calming. Playing and listening to music are very healing and beneficial.” Several years ago, Ellen Landsberger heard about Lucy Moses School from a friend and stopped by to check it out. A recently-retired obstetrician, Ellen wanted to return…
Oliver Ramsdell is a fourth year camper at Lucy Moses School’s Summer Musical Theater Workshop. He says: “I really like acting with Wendy Gross Baker, my director. That’s really fun! I also like singing with John O’Neill because we get to learn [songs like] Stick It to the Man, and we also get to compose our own songs.” Oliver is…
Elliott Bluestein's life is strongly influenced by music. He started piano lessons when he was three, but knew he wanted to take music seriously when he began to compose at age seven. Elliott's favorite part of Special Music School is its community of supportive students and teachers, who surround him with rigor, positivity, and "inside jokes." The recent…
Carol Sifuentes is a recent graduate of Special Music School, where she majored in composition. She says: “SMS offers a one-of-a-kind education that creates a unique teen. We are performers, listeners, and open-minded community members. I’m glad I got to spend my youth in this environment." Carol began music lessons in the 3rd grade and started to compose soon…
The 2019 Kaufman Music Center International Youth Piano Competition will be held from June 18-23, 2019 in New York City. The Winners Showcase Concert Concert takes place in Merkin Hall on June 25, 2019. Application info will be posted in fall 2018. The deadline to apply is March 1, 2019. Open to young pianists up to age 18, the Kaufman Music Center International Youth…
Jay-Len McLean is a 10th grade saxophonist from Bedford-Stuyvesant. Music became a special part of his life when he began lessons at 11 years old. When he entered Special Music School in 9th grade, he made a serious commitment to his musical studies. Jay-Len is greatly influenced by the community at Special Music School, where his peers and teachers give him the support…
