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- Why Music Lessons?
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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
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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
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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
Best 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.
Singer/Songwriter Beth Callen has been playing guitar, writing songs, and singing for over twelve years. With a background in piano and clarinet, and training in classical music theory, Beth brings a unique perspective to the guitar. She has been a private instructor for several years, teaching guitarists of all different ages and backgrounds. Beth received a bachelor's degree from SUNY Purchase Conservatory of Music in studio composition. She has performed with the Middlesex University Classical Guitar Ensemble in London, England and currently co-fronts a singer-songwriter duo, The Callen Sisters, based in NYC.
Justin Gild attended the Conservatory of Music at Purchase College and studied jazz guitar in addition to completing his degree in composition. Justin has studied under world-class guitar players including Gil Paris, Doug Munro, Randy Johnston, Peter Mazza and the Atlantic recording artist, Danny Wacker. He has also taken lessons with Allyson Bellink, Charlez Blenzig, Joel Thome and highly successful jingle writer, David Sherman. Justin is a member of various ensembles and at home in the genres of jazz combo, big band, hard rock/heavy metal, singer/songwriter, hip hop, reggaeton and experimental electronic music. Justin's extensive teaching experience has taken him to the National Guitar Workshop in New Milford, Connecticut and the American Institute of Guitar in New York. Currently, Justin is realizing his dream of starting his own music camp. Together with partner Janet Angier, Justin has created the Music in Chappaqua Rock Workshops, truly unique lessons that focus not only on instrumental instruction but ensemble performance and digital audio.
Danny 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.
Guitar and Bass Faculty Member, Conor Moran is a diverse musician in styles that range from rock and pop, to classical, blues and jazz. Conor's teaching style is just as versatile in all genres and through his warmth and attentive teaching he is able to create an atmosphere out of which arises a perfect balance of developing performance freedom through feel, instinct and ear, theoretical discipline and an everlasting knowledge and appreciation of music. Graduate of SUNY Purchase in jazz performance, he had the privelege of studying with such prestigious artists as Randy Johnston, Doug Munro and John Abercrombie, among others. In spite of Conor's busy teaching schedule, he remains an active musician as both a soloist and in various ensembles.
Since relocating to New York City in 2005, Rus Wimbish has quickly established himself as an in demand performer and educator. Not content to be just another hired professional, he currently colaborates with many of NYC's creative artists to promote, perform, and record new music. Current projects include jazz, Latin, rock, and experimental groups, plus solo classical performances. A partial list of NYC performance venues include The Knitting Factory, Rockwood Music Hall, CBGB's, Joe's Pub, and The Brooklyn Conservatory of Music.
Before moving to New York, Rus recieved a B.M. and M.M. in Jazz Studies from the prestigious University of North Texas College of Music. As an educator, Russell has taught privately for the past 11 years. His teaching experience also includes directing ensembles, teaching workshops across the country, and adjunct positions in the North Texas school system.