PERFORMING ARTS.
Janika Hawthorne
Performing Arts Director
718.792.1800 ext. 236
janika@bronxhouse.org
School for Performing Arts Hours
Tuesday-Friday: 10 am – 7 pm
Saturday: 9 am – 5 pm
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Latin Fusion Family Dance Pop-Up Class
Saturday, June 3, 1 – 2 pm
BH & Kaufman Music Center Concert Trip
Face the Music, with special guest appearance by Harlem Quartet
Thursday, June 8, 7:30 pm
Summer Registration Opens
Saturday, June 10
Better Together Private Music Student Spring Recital
Saturday, June 24
Better Together Spring Recital
Sunday, June 25
Tween & Teen Turn-Up
Featuring Journey Montana
Saturday, July 29
Heilbrunn Music School
Bronx House proudly offers high-quality music education for children and adults of all skill levels. Whether you are an avid music lover or astute music student, we provide a wide range of programs to foster your growth and development. Instruction is provided via private, semi-private, and group lessons to best meet your scheduling needs. Stimulating and innovative lessons, led by our faculty of accomplished performers and seasoned educators, are geared towards student interests.
Private & Semi-Private Instruction
7-Week Session Begins June 27 – August 15, 2023
Private lessons consist of one-on-one instruction to play an instrument or to sing, while developing technical skills and artistic abilities. Semi-private lessons are offered for two students with one instructor. Both students must play the same instrument at the same level. Instruction is available in the following instruments:
Voice – Bass – Cello – Clarinet – Drums – Flute – Guitar – Music Theory – Piano – Saxophone – Violin
Attendance Policy
Lessons missed by a teacher will be made up. Lessons missed by a student with 24 hours notice may be made up at the discretion of the teacher, for a maximum of one missed lesson.
Recitals
Private music students’ accomplishments are showcased in our winter and spring recitals. This offers all students the opportunity to perform for family and friends in a supportive and nurturing environment.
Private Lesson Fees
Private lessons are available for 30, 45, or 60 minutes and run for 7 weeks.
30-minute lesson
Members: $245/1 Week / $490/2 Weeks
Community: $266/1 Week / $532/2 Weeks
45-minute lesson
Members: $319/1 Week / $638/2 Weeks
Community: $354/1 Week / $708/2 Weeks
60-minute lesson
Members: $319/1 Week / $638/2 Weeks
Community: $354/1 Week / $708/2 Weeks
Semi-Private Lesson Fees
Semi-Private lessons are available for 30, 45, or 60 minutes and run for 10 weeks. The school does not provide a partner for semi-private lessons.
30-minute lesson
Members: $200/1 Week / $400/2 Weeks
Community: $228/1 Week / $456/2 Week
45-minute lesson
Members: $238/1 Week / $476/2 Weeks
Community: $273/1 Week / $546/2 Weeks
60-minute lesson
Members: $263/1 Week / $526/2 Weeks
Community: $308/1 Week / $616/2 Weeks
All music lessons require a $20 insurance fee for Community.
Group Music Instruction
7-Week Session Begins July 1 – August 12, 2023
Group lessons provide quality instruction in a communal setting of peers with 5-9 students under one instructor. Note, each class is not offered for every session.
Creative Violin
Ages 4 & 5
Sat, 10-10:4 5am
Register Online
Violin 1
A small-group class that teaches the basics of violin performance and music literacy. Students will learn the parts of the instrument, how to hold the instrument and bow, how to play various bowing patterns on open strings, and begin to play with fingers on the fingerboard. By the end of the semester, students will be comfortable playing simple scales and songs on the violin. Student violins are provided through the Tom Freston Instrument Library; students are expected to take their instruments home to practice between classes.
Ages 6-8 – Sat,11 am-12 pm
Register Online
Violin 2
Ages 12-18
Sat, 2-3 pm
Register Online
Creative Piano
A small-group class taught in our keyboard lab that teaches the basics of keyboard performance and music literacy. Students participate in age-appropriate games, activities, and simple songs that emphasize the fundamentals of playing piano. Students are encouraged to keep a piano or small keyboard at home for at home practice.
Ages 4 & 5
Sat 10-10:45 am
Register Online
Piano 1
A small-group class taught in our keyboard lab that teaches the basics of keyboard performance and music literacy including rhythm, pitch, tempo, and dynamics. By the end the semester, students will be comfortable playing simple songs on the piano. Many students take Beginning Piano for two or more semesters before enrolling in private lessons. Students are encouraged to keep a piano or small keyboard at home for at-home practice.
Ages 6-8 – Sat, 11 am – 12-pm
Ages 8-12 – Sat, 12-1 pm
Register Online
Piano 2
Ages 8-12
Prerequisite: Piano 1 or permission of instructor
Sat, 1-2 pm
Register Online
Adult Piano 1
Taught in our intimate keyboard lab, this group class teaches keyboard performance and music literacy including rhythm, pitch, tempo, and dynamics. Students will learn to read music and play simple songs with one or two hands on the keyboard. Students are encouraged to keep a piano or small keyboard at home for at-home practice. A loaner keyboard is available to students for free through our Tom Freston Instrument Library.
Ages 18 and up
Sat, 2-3 pm
Register Online
Guitar 1
A small-group class that teaches the basics of guitar performance. Topics include tuning, chords, strumming patterns, and guitar care. By the end of the semester, students will be comfortable playing songs with simple chord changes on the guitar. Student guitars are provided through the Tom Freston Instrument Library; students are expected to take their instruments home to practice between classes.
Ages 7 and up
Sat, 11 am-12 pm
Register Online
Adult Guitar 1
Group class instruction teaching the basics of guitar performance. Topics include tuning, chords, strumming patterns, and guitar care. By the end of the semester, students will be comfortable playing songs with simple chord changes on the guitar. Student guitars are provided through the Tom Freston Instrument Library, based on inventory. Students can take their instruments home to practice between classes.
Ages 18 and up
Sat, 3-4 pm
Register Online
Voice & Songwriting 1
Students will learn to develop their voices and create original songs based on an understanding of traditional song structure. Students will strengthen their vocal chords, pitch recognition, and creativity, using vocal exercises, call and response, and creative writing assignments. The group will perform in the Spring Recital.
Ages 8-17
Sat, 12-1 pm
Register Online
Group Class Policies
There are no refunds or make-ups for student absences. In the event that an instructor is unable to teach a class, when possible, a substitute instructor will be supplied and the class will be held. If a substitute cannot be secured, the class will be made up on the earliest date possible.
Scholarships
The Harriet and Robert Heilbrunn and Music for Youth Scholarship Funds provide a limited amount of partial and full scholarships for music lessons for students who qualify for financial assistance. To apply for a scholarship, please call (718) 792-1800, ext. 236.
Free Instrument Loans
The Tom Freston Instrument Lending Library
We are delighted to offer instruments available for loan, free of charge, for use during lessons at Bronx House and practice at home.
Group Instruction Fees
Members: $265
Community: $290, plus $20 insurance fee
Register Online
The Dance Studio at Bronx House
7-Week Session Begins June 27 – August 15, 2023
The Dance Studio at Bronx House offers classes to children and adults in a variety of styles. Our dance classes foster technical development, creative discovery, self-expression, and discipline for students of different ages and abilities, under the guidance of professional faculty who provide individual attention in small class settings. Whether you are a first-time student interested in a recreational activity or one who is considering dance as a profession, we have a class for you!
Classes for Children, Youth, and Adults
Our school-year schedule consists of three 10-week semesters. Check the office or website for our current schedule. Not all classes are offered every semester.
Our studio offers classes for youth in the following styles: Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, as well as a comprehensive
Pre-School Dance program for ages 1.5-5. All students must be the minimum age by the first lesson of the session.
Recitals
Dance students’ accomplishments are showcased in our end-of-semester showcases. These offer all students the opportunity to perform for friends and family in a supportive and nurturing environment.
Dress Code
The Dance Studio at Bronx House has a required uniform to help students learn discipline, structure, and respect for themselves and their art form, and to help keep the attention on the instruction. All classes have their own designated color to highlight students’ accomplishments as they progress from one level to another.
Centre Stage Boutique, located at 504 Fifth Avenue in Pelham (914) 738-9600 is a designated clothing and shoe provider for The Dance Studio at Bronx House, offering high quality at affordable prices. Learn more about proper attire for each class.
Intro Tricks & Acrobatics
In this class students will receive close guidance and instruction on artistic tricks and acrobatic skills commonly used within dance movement. Focus is placed on balance, flexibility, and body awareness while safely learning how to do forward-rolls, bridges, cartwheels, splits, hand-stands, heel stretches, and more!
Ages 4-6
Sat, 9-9:45 am
Register Online
Creative Ballet
An exciting introduction to the world of ballet designed especially for the preschool child, this class helps the young student increase their body awareness, heighten their coordination, and begin to learn basic ballet steps and French terminology all while having fun. Emphasis is placed on developing a good foundation, increasing attention span, listening skills, and instilling a love for dance.
Ages 3 & 4
Sat, 9-9:45 am
Must be 3 years old by first lesson of session
Register Online
Pre Ballet w/ Tap
Students in this combination class will develop coordination, flexibility, rhythm, and body awareness through an introduction to two different sets of dance skills – beginner ballet and basic tap technique allowing children to experience both styles. The structure of a dance class will be introduced, and emphasis is placed on increasing attention span, adopting class courtesies such as taking turns, raising hands, respecting personal space, listening and instilling a love for dance.
Ages 4 & 5
Sat, 10-11 am
Must be 4 years old by first lesson of session
Register Online
Intro to Ballet
This class follows the format of a typical ballet class and includes basic barre exercises, center practice, and learning combinations while building strength, proper alignment, and agility. Students begin learning basic French terms and proper technique. Emphasis is placed on developing a good foundation, increasing attention span, and instilling a love for dance. Students begin to learn personal responsibility for their own supplies (i.e. shoes, tights, hair supplies etc.) Increases the number of steps, terms, strength, and flexibility as compared to Pre-Ballet.
Ages 5 & 6
Sat, 10-11 am
Register Online
Ballet 1
Learn the basics of classical ballet in a welcoming, encouraging environment. Students will develop technique, musicality and grace while progressing at a steady pace over the session. This class follows the format of a typical ballet class and includes basic barre exercises, center practice, and learning combinations while building strength, proper alignment, and agility. Students learn basic French terms and proper stretching technique. Emphasis is placed on developing a good foundation, increasing attention span, and instilling a love for dance. Students begin to learn personal responsibility for their own supplies (i.e. shoes, tights, hair supplies etc.) Increases the number of steps, terms, strength, and flexibility as compared to Ballet Beginnings. It is common to spend 2 years at this level, as more advanced technique and individualized corrections will be standard in the class, as well as a continuance of perfecting steps and technique.
Ages 7-11
Sat, 11 am-12 pm
Register Online
Hip Hop 1
This upbeat and energetic class explores basic techniques of street style dance and develops rhythm, coordination and self-expression in students as they perform to today’s popular music. As Hip Hop dance requires students to have the strength and stamina to successfully perform moves, classes include upper and lower body conditioning as well as a rigorous warm-up to help prepare students for more intense movements.
Ages 6-11
Sat, 11 am-12 pm
Register Online
Latin Fusion 1
Multi-style dances made popular in Latin America and the Caribbean are taught to the sounds of salsa, merengue, reggaeton music, and more. This vibrant class focuses on rhythmic footwork and coordinated upper and lower body movement through a mix of folkloric and social dances that celebrate multifaceted cultures.
Ages 6-11
Sat, 10-11 am
Register Online
Adult Latin Fusion 1
Multi-style dances made popular in Latin America and the Caribbean are taught to the sounds of salsa, merengue, reggaeton, and more. This vibrant class focuses on rhythmic footwork and coordinated upper and lower body movement through a mix of folkloric and social dances that celebrate multifaceted cultures. Students will learn to partner and perform various social dances with intricate footwork and stylized movement technique.
Ages 18 and up
Tues, 6-7 pm
Register Online
Adult Belly Dancing 1
Ages 18 and up
Thurs, 6-7 pm
Register Online
The Dance Studio Fees
Preschool thru age 17
Per Semester
Members: $123
Community: $158, plus $20 insurance fee for community
Register Online
- Partial scholarships are available for those who qualify
- 10% Multi-Class or Sibling/Parent Discounts available
- Costume fees may apply for Spring Semester Recital
- 10% Discount available on dance apparel at Centre Stage 504 Fifth Avenue Pelham, NY
Drama
Bronx House offers acting classes to introduce students to drama and theater productions. Students have the opportunity to explore complex real and imaginary worlds by creating and navigating scripts, storylines, and playwrights with an instructor.
7 Week Session Begins July 1 – August 12, 2023
Acting I
As an introduction to acting, students will learn the terminology and basic principles of acting. Through a sense of fun and exploration, students are encouraged to refine their listening skills and collaborate with one another on scenes requiring concentration, imagination and spontaneous expression. Students will perform as an ensemble.
Ages 8-12
Saturday, 12-1 pm
Register Online
Private Instruction is available for Ages 18+
Drama Fees
Members: $123
Community: $158, plus $20 insurance fee
Faculty
Janika Hawthorne
Director of Performing Arts
Janika Hawthorne is an experienced dance artist, educator, and arts advocate. Driven by a commitment to the arts as a practice of liberation and tool for social justice, she takes pride in student-centered/community based praxis. As Director of the School of Performing Arts, her goals are to encourage a collective sense of belonging for all and to support quality arts education at Bronx House. Janika received a Masters in Art, Education, & Community Practice from New York University and currently serves on the Committee for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion with the New York State Art Teachers Association. It has been characteristic of Janika’s career thus far to serve in traditional and non-traditional education spaces, similar to Bronx House, that have shaped her journey as an artist and professional. Born and raised in the Bronx, she feels right at home with Bronx House.
Florencia Amaya
Dance
Florencia Amaya is a dancer, choreographer, and model, born and raised in Mexico City. Better known within Bronx House as Miss Flo, she is passionate about arts education and enjoys witnessing the learning processes of her adult and youth aged students. Ms. Flo teaches Hip-Hop and Latin Fusion dance and brings her commercial dance experience with brands like Nike to the studio. Excited to be part of the teaching staff at Bronx House, Ms. Flo can’t wait for you to sign up so she can meet you!
Phoebe Balazon
Piano, Guitar
Phoebe Balazon is a classically trained musician with specialization in piano and guitar. She began her piano training at Forest Hills High School and later earned a Bachelors in Music Performance, after a newfound interest and passion for classical guitar. Phoebe is currently attending Hunter College where she is studying to receive a Masters Degree in Music Education and Classical Guitar. Phoebe teaches private and group music lessons at Bronx House and enjoys teaching students of all ages and ability.
Marcello Cardillo
Drums
Marcello Cardillo is a professional drummer, born and raised in Italy. He graduated from the Conservatory of Amsterdam (The Netherlands) and later received his Masters from the prestigious Manhattan School of Music in New York. After having toured and performed around the globe with some of the greatest artists in the world, Marcello is dedicated to pursuing his passion for teaching and sharing his knowledge with the next generation of musicians. Having taught for years in many different environments, his teaching is characterized by his patience, empathy, and clarity of instruction. Marcello designs tailored educational paths for students of all ages, ranging from beginner to advanced skill level, with an engaging and exciting attitude.
Karl Dib
Violin
Karl Dib is a classically trained violinist and concertmaster from Beirut, Lebanon. Karl has traveled around the world, performing in various European countries with the CNDJ orchestra and choir. Karl’s passion for teaching the violin began in 2021 while teaching the violin to high school students. Karl is now a Freshman at NYU, pursuing a music career as a techno DJ and producer, while teaching private and group violin lessons at Bronx House School for Performing Arts.
Daniel Fernandez
Saxophone, Clarinet, Flute
MM, Woodwind Performance, California State University at Fullerton; BM University of Texas at El Paso (Bachelor of Music). A seasoned performer and teacher, Danny regularly performs and teaches on saxophone, clarinet, and flute in classical, jazz, and Latin styles. Before moving to NYC, he was the founder and director of Fuego Latino, a Cuban Salsa band that performed with Son Como Son, Tito Puente Jr., and Ocho y Mas. As a classical player Danny has performed with the Orange County Wind Symphony, Claremont Winds, and more. He has served as a band director for several intermediate and high school programs; been an adjudicator for the Texas Music Educators Association and has taught students from beginner to university level.
Laurence Graber
Piano & Guitar
As a patient, supportive, and experienced music teacher, Laurence has taught in the NYC Public Schools as a Music Educator and Band Director for over 30 years, encouraging and inspiring his students to discover the joy in making music and the power in discovering their own extraordinary talents.
Samantha Harrison
Voice
Samantha Harrison is an accomplished singer, pianist, and songwriter with over 20 years of professional experience. With performances at prestigious venues like Madison Square Garden and SOBs, Samantha has established herself as a respected figure in the music industry. Her teaching style is equally impressive, as she utilizes a unique mind, body, and spirit method to help her students develop their skills and reach their full potential. Samantha’s passion for music and dedication to her craft make her an excellent choice for anyone looking to improve their musical abilities.
Kim Johnson
Dance, Acting
Kim Johnson has been teaching performing arts for over 30 years, and specifically at Bronx House since 2011, where she teaches ballet, acting, and musical theater. Kim has a BA from Northwestern University, and extensive dance training, particularly from the Ailey School. A triple threat, she works as an actor, dancer, and singer, as well as director, and choreographer in NYC, regional and stock theaters. For 9 years, she was Artistic Director of ARTISTS IN SEARCH OF …, a NYC performing arts company for emerging artists. She has taught for Brooklyn Academy of Music, Henry Street Settlement, and the Center for Arts Education. Currently, in addition to teaching at Bronx House, Kim is a member of LEAP Artist Live!, which is a theater troupe consisting of performing teaching artists creating new historical musical plays. She also teaches in the NYC public schools for Alvin Ailey American Dance teaching creative movement, and for LEAP NYC, teaching dance, improv, integrated theater/ history, musical theater, acting and storytelling. Kim loves teaching at Bronx House on Saturdays!
Kathryn Lam
Violin
Kathryn Lam is a violinist who received her Bachelor’s in Music Education at Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music. She has performed in the pit of numerous musicals, operas, and ballets during her musical career, and organized a solo recital while at Jacobs. Kathryn has taught students from ages K-12 and has led ensembles from beginner to advanced level. She has always been passionate about education in music, and strives to become the best teacher she possibly can be!
Bryan Le
Piano
Bryan received his Bachelor’s in Music at Stony Brook University. An aspiring ethnomusicologist, Bryan is committed to the decolonization of Western music – especially within the world of music education and pedagogy, and researches Vietnamese traditional and pop music in the context of social/cultural identity. Bryan is an active researcher, conference presenter, piano accompanist, and piano instructor. An established music collaborator, Bryan’s performance life is closely tied to the art of accompanying and collaborating with colleagues. As a teacher, Bryan supports his students’ goals and tastes by providing an education structured around individualism and unconventional pedagogical practice.
Joao Pedrosa
Piano, Guitar
Joao Paulo Pedrosa is a Guitarist and Music Teacher with over fifteen years of experience performing and teaching music. Joao likes to teach music engagingly, making sure that students feel excited about the content, and adapting his lessons accordingly to the needs, interests, and goals of each student. Joao graduated from Berklee College of Music with a Bachelor’s Degree in Performance.
Stephen Schwartz
Voice, Piano, Guitar
MM Voice, Manhattan School of Music; BA cum laude Music, Cortland State University; Opera Engagements: Koblenz Opernhaus (Germany), Lobero Theater (Santa Barbara), Nederlands Reisopera (Holland), Bachzaal (Amsterdam); music teacher, choir director, International School of Amsterdam, 1995-1999.
Mariya Spector
Piano
Studied in Moscow at the Stasov School of Music and Moscow Musical College, later earning her M.A. in Music Education at CUNY Lehman College. A creative and versatile music teacher, Mariya brings a special knowledge of Music History and Musical Genres. She is skilled in the Dalcroze and Kodaly methods of musical education.
Brian Walsh
Piano/Vocal Instructor
Brian is a piano/vocal instructor with over a decade of professional experience, most notably as a music director, conductor, live performer, and private instructor. His foundation begins with over 30 years of classically-trained piano since the age of four and more than 20 years of voice. Brian has taught students across a wide range of ages and levels, including the Princeton University Collegiate Summer Theater program and The Ritz Theatre Children’s Summer program. As a former Nashville-based national touring musician, Brian performed with major US award-winning artists across many genres and for notable events hosted by individuals throughout the sports and entertainment industries.
Brian is currently attending the Aaron Copland School of Music at Queens College pursuing a Bachelor’s of Music degree in Music Education. As a teacher, he brings his enthusiasm and passion for music in an effort to create a stimulating and individualized learning environment.
Alexandra Zallo
Dance
Alexandra Zallo is a dancer well versed in tap, ballet, contemporary, jazz, and hip-hop dance styles. Born and raised in The Bronx, she began training at age 3 and took part in the competitive dance world for 9 years. She is also currently a full-time student at St. John’s University. Alexandra teaches to share her passion for the art with the next generation, in hopes dance will have a positive impact on their lives the way it has on hers.
Performing Arts Inquiry Form
