Arts
Programs / Arts / Music
Music at Grace develops students as musicians, collaborators, and performers, from their earliest years through the High School.
Grounded in a sequential curriculum that builds musical literacy, technical skill, and a genuine love of making music together, the program meets students where they are and challenges them to grow—whether they are singing their first songs in junior kindergarten or performing at The Cutting Room in middle or high school.
Music in the Early Childhood and Lower School is grounded in the First Steps in Music, Orff, and Kodály frameworks. The curriculum guides students to become:
This sequential approach sparks imagination, fosters musical literacy, and prepares students to be lifelong contributors to the arts.
In the Middle School, every student joins a performing arts ensemble, developing vocal or instrumental technique, musical literacy, and the collaborative skills needed to perform with confidence.
Instruments and ensembles offered include:
Beyond the large ensembles, students may audition for Jazz Band and Pop Band, groups that perform a range of music at school-wide events throughout the year.
Students seeking more individualized instruction may enroll in after-school private lessons with experienced professional instructors. Lessons are available in cello, clarinet, drumset, flute, guitar, piano, saxophone, trombone, trumpet, viola, violin, and voice.
Instrumental and vocal students in the High School perform throughout the year and in a wide variety of styles at chapels, community meetings, school-wide concerts, and special events. The most advanced ensembles perform each spring at The Cutting Room, one of New York City’s premier live music venues.
Jazz ensembles are audition-based and organized by skill level:
Instruments available for jazz ensembles include saxophone, trumpet, trombone, drums/vibes, electric bass, guitar, and piano. Flute and clarinet players are welcome to audition as well.
HS string ensembles:
Instruments available are violin, viola, cello, and bass.
Theory courses:
Juniors and seniors may apply to the Jazz Major, a yearlong course combining jazz history, advanced theory, and a semester of improvisational study. The course culminates in a recorded portfolio suited for summer program and college applications.
The vocal music program invites students to discover their own voice while exploring the power of performing together. Course offerings include:
Eleventh and twelfth graders may apply to the Vocal Major, a yearlong course that combines rigorous vocal training with advanced music theory and independent projects.
Beyond the formal curriculum, students may join Rock Band Club and Glee Club—student-led ensembles that meet throughout the year and are open to all.
