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Why Music Lessons?
With so many activities to fit in, so many demands on childrens' time, this is a question asked by many parents.  What exactly is to be gained for the average child who is unlikely to become a professional musician or follow a career in music?  The answer is that music lessons can play a very important role in your child's general development.  Playing an instrument, right from the earliest stages, involves many skills - visual, auditory, tactile and kinesthetic.  Unlike many specialized activities, playing an instrument helps develop both sides of the brain at the same time, increasing both intellectual functions and physical coordination, patience and confidence.  They aid the child's emotional development by providing an outlet for self-expression.  So, music lessons are an enormously valuable educational influence as well as an introduction to the wonderful world of music, and Yes, they are fun!  At Music in Chappaqua, we believe the rewards are priceless - and they are for life.
Who We Are
Music in Chappaqua began in 1993, with students taking piano lessons in Janet Angier's basement apartment on King Street. With Janet's dedicated approach, patience and enthusiasm, the number of her students grew. She then found other talented, wonderful teachers, and by word of mouth, Music in Chappaqua grew even more. Today, the school boasts over 250 students and teaches a variety of different instruments to all age groups. In June 2002, Music in Chappaqua opened a beautiful new school in downtown Chappaqua. Each studio in the school is equipped with the best Steinway & Sons grand piano and the latest computer hardware and software, all designed to enhance the learning process. Music in Chappaqua designed a school where children will want to come, to work hard, to play and to surround themselves with other talented and hardworking students and teachers. The studios are cutting edge, exciting, a piece of modern culture, art, architecture and design. What better forum could there be for the development of a budding artist? Finally, music lessons have been brought into the new millennium.
What We Believe
A music education is an essential element in a child's development and not just the ability to play an instrument. While not many children are destined to become professional musicians, it is a great asset to be able to sit down with an instrument and amuse oneself, and maybe others - a pleasure that lasts a lifetime. Moreover, there is the cultural value and the civilizing influence of growing up with music - a return to social values, beauty, the good in life. This is what we teach at Music in Chappaqua, not simply the notes!

Janet Angier-Director Music in Chappaqua

Janet_Angier-largeBest known in Westchester as the founder and director of Music in Chappaqua, the very successful and multi-faceted school of music, Janet has an enterprising background beginning with her graduation in performance with honors from the New England Conservatory of Music, continuing with engagements with the Taiwan National Symphony and the Vienna Symphonietta, among others. But she has perhaps found her real niche as an organizer and inspirer of the many musical activities of young people, typified by her innovative and ambitious approach to programming.

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Drum Lessons
Danny Golub

Danny_GolubDanny began playing piano at a very young age. His ear enabled him to be able to play nearly any song he heard, without even reading music. After taking pianos lessons for twelve years Danny began to take interest in other instruments such as guitar, drums, and trumpet. All throughout middle school and high school Danny played in various rock bands, and the school jazz band. These experiences helped Danny learn how to play music along with other people. Danny attended Purchase College where he worked on his composition skills, and musicianship. He now works as a teacher at Purchase College, and Whitby Elementary School, as well as teaching private lessons. Danny has played in venues such as Irving Plaza, and the Gramercy Theater with his band Urban Fetch.
 
Dan Wintersteen

Dan_WintersteenDan Wintersteen, a sought-after performer, studio musician, recording artist and educator, has been studying drums and percussion for 20 years. In 1997, at the age of 16, Dan was already a recognized member of the American Federation of Musicians Local 97 Union, performing professionally throughout the Western New York region with various orchestral ensembles, musical theater companies, and jazz musicians. Before attending college, he participated in New York All-State Conferences and won the Louis Armstrong Jazz Award. Dan attended SUNY Fredonia and studied classical percussion under Dr. Kay Stonefelt (Baltimore Symphony, NYC free-lance artist). While at Fredonia, he also performed with the Western New York Chamber Players and toured with the Fredonia Jazz Ensemble. In 2002 Dan moved to the New York City to attend Purchase College where he earned his Bachelor of Music Degree in Jazz Studies. At Purchase, Dan studied jazz drumming with world-renowned teachers John Riley (Bob Mintzer, John Scofield, Vanguard Orchestra) and Richie Morales (Brecker Bros, Spyro Gyra, Mike Stern). Dan currently performs with many established pop, rock, and jazz artists. His drumming has recently been featured in commercial recordings, video games and on numerous artist recordings, Over the past decade Dan has maintained a busy gig schedule performing with artists at many famous NYC venues including The Bitter End, Mercury Lounge, Crash Mansion, CBGB’s, The Knitting Factory, Don Hill ’s, Sweet Rhythm, and many more. Dan has been a drum and percussion instructor in Westchester County since 2003. His students have been consistently chosen as All County and All State participants and have gone on to perform in New York City and attend major music conservatories. As an educator, Dan’s teaching method provides students a foundation in technique, rudiments, style studies, and sight-reading while leveraging individual talents and interests.