Music

Download our Music schedule: HERE

(Subject to Change)

THE EARLY CHILDHOOD MUSIC DEPARTMENT

The Early Childhood Music Department gives young children the opportunity to explore music through group learning and individualized instruction. Through singing, movement, rhythm, instruments, and creative play, students begin building the musical foundations, confidence, and curiosity that can grow with them throughout their arts education.

Music & Me.                     

Instructor: Samantha Colon
Ages: 3–8
Fridays: 10:45–11:30 AM

Music & Me introduces children to the joy of music through singing, movement, rhythm games, creative play, and age-appropriate instrument exploration.

Through engaging musical activities including songs, chants, movement, rhythm exercises, and hands-on instrument play, children are encouraged to listen, explore, create, and express themselves through music.

Students develop:

• Listening skills

• Rhythm and basic musicianship

• Coordination and movement

• Creativity and imagination

• Musical exploration

• Confidence and self-expression

• Social interaction and collaboration

Music & Me provides an inclusive and supportive learning environment for all students, allowing every child to experience music in a way that celebrates their individual strengths, learning styles, and creativity.

A joyful first step into a lifelong love of music.

PRIVATE & SPECIALTY COACHING

For students ready to continue their musical journey through more individualized instruction, the Early Childhood Music Department also offers Private Piano Lessons, Private Voice Lessons, and Specialty Coaching tailored to each student’s age, experience, interests, and goals.

One-on-one instruction allows young musicians to progress at their own pace while developing strong musical foundations in a supportive and encouraging environment. Depending on their area of study, students may explore:

• Piano fundamentals

• Healthy, age-appropriate vocal technique

• Music reading

• Rhythm and ear training

• Performance skills

• Creative expression

• Confidence through music

Whether a child is discovering an instrument, beginning private voice study, or simply ready for more personalized musical exploration, our coaches meet each student where they are and help nurture the skills and confidence to continue growing.

YOUNG VOICES DEPARTMENT

The Young Voices Department introduces young singers to healthy vocal technique, musicianship, confidence, and performance through both ensemble training and individualized coaching. Whether a student is discovering their voice for the first time or looking for more focused instruction, Young Voices provides a supportive foundation for continued vocal and artistic growth.

Young Voices Ensemble

Instructor: Katherine 
Ages: 6–10
Saturdays: 11:00 AM–12:00 PM

Young Voices Ensemble is the perfect introduction to vocal training for beginning singers who love music and want to grow their skills in a fun, supportive group environment.

Through engaging vocal exercises, musicianship activities, and age-appropriate repertoire, students learn the foundations of healthy singing while developing confidence, creativity, and performance skills. Singers explore proper posture and breathing, breath support, pitch matching, rhythm, vocal expression, ensemble singing, and beginning stage technique.

Students also learn to sing together in unison and two-part harmony, developing the listening, collaboration, and musicianship skills that help create confident, well-rounded young vocalists.

A wonderful first step into formal vocal training and ensemble performance.

PRIVATE & SPECIALTY COACHING

For students looking for more individualized training, the Young Voices Department also offers Private Voice Lessons, Solo Coaching, and Specialty Vocal Programs tailored to each singer’s voice, experience, and goals.

Private coaching allows students to strengthen healthy vocal technique, expand their repertoire, prepare for auditions and performances, develop confidence as soloists, and receive personalized guidance in a one-on-one setting.

Specialty offerings may also include bilingual vocal instruction in Spanish and Korean, as well as K-Pop classes and coaching for students interested in contemporary vocal styles, performance, and artist development.

Whether singing as part of an ensemble or working one-on-one with a coach, students are encouraged to build strong vocal foundations while discovering the confidence and individuality behind their own unique voice.

POP STAR ACADEMY

Because Pop Stars Aren't Born. They're Created.

Welcome to Pop Star Academy, bergenPAC's Performing Arts School's contemporary artist development program and private coaching, designed for aspiring singers and performers who dream of taking center stage.

More than just a singing class, students build confidence, strengthen vocal technique, develop stage presence, explore microphone skills, and discover their own unique artistic identity in a fun, supportive, and creative environment.

Led by Ashley Tobias, a professional performer, recording artist, educator, and working musician who continues to perform in the music industry today, students receive real-world training from an artist with firsthand experience on stage, in the studio, and throughout the entertainment industry.

Pop Star Academy Kids

Ages: 6–9
Wednesdays: 5:00–6:00 PM

Our youngest pop stars build a strong musical foundation through engaging vocal exercises, movement, performance games, and age-appropriate contemporary songs. Students develop confidence, creativity, teamwork, and stage presence while discovering the joy of performing in a positive and encouraging environment.

Pop Star Academy: Artist Development

Ages: 10–16
Wednesdays: 6:00–7:00 PM

Designed for students ready to take their performance skills to the next level, Artist Development combines contemporary vocal training with real-world performance techniques. Students strengthen their vocal abilities, perform both lead and harmony parts, develop microphone technique, explore artist branding and stage presence, collaborate with fellow performers, and gain valuable experience through recording opportunities and live performances.

This program helps young artists discover not only how to sing, but how to connect with an audience and perform with confidence.

Whether their goal is to perform on stage, record original music, audition for television competitions, or simply grow as an artist, Pop Star Academy provides the tools, mentorship, and experience to help every student find their voice and shine.

PRIVATE VOCAL COACHING

Perfect for aspiring pop and rock artists, Pop Star Academy Private Vocal Coaching offers one-on-one sessions tailored to each singer’s voice, goals, and stage of development.

Coaching may include contemporary vocal technique, song selection and interpretation, audition preparation, microphone technique, stage presence, artist identity, songwriting, recording preparation, and performance coaching.

Whether a student is preparing for an audition, recording a song, developing original material, building a performance set, or simply looking to strengthen their voice and confidence, private vocal coaching provides individualized training designed to help each student discover their unique sound and grow into a confident, well-rounded performer.

VOCAL ACADEMY: Musical Theatre & Classical Voice - Pre Professional Private Vocal Instruction

Technique-Based Training | Ages 5–Adult 
Mondays, Tuesdays & Sundays: By Appointment Only

For more than two decades, Amelia DeMayo's Vocal Academy has provided technique-driven vocal training for singers interested in musical theatre, classical voice, and pre-professional performance. Designed for students ranging from young beginners and recreational singers to advanced and professional performers, Vocal Academy provides personalized instruction centered around developing a healthy, technically secure, and expressive voice.

Together with co-teachers Liliana Sotirova, Gulnara Mitzanova, and Glenn Gordon, Vocal Academy takes a holistic approach to developing each singer's individual instrument. Because instruction is personalized, training is shaped around each student's voice, experience, repertoire, and artistic goals.

Training May Include:

• Healthy vocal technique
• Body alignment and breath support
• Intonation and ear training
• Diction and vocal clarity
• Musical interpretation and expression
• Musical theatre and classical repertoire
• Audition preparation
• Performance coaching
• College and conservatory preparation
• Career and professional guidance

For students pursuing advanced training, Vocal Academy provides mentorship and preparation for college and conservatory auditions, professional auditions, competitions, and performance opportunities.

Vocal Academy students have been accepted into prestigious college, pre-college, and conservatory programs including NYU Tisch School of the Arts, Manhattan School of Music, the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Northwestern University, the University of Michigan, and Penn State's B.F.A. program.

Current and former students have also appeared on Broadway, national and international tours, regional stages, television, commercials, voice-over projects, and professional recordings, with credits including Dear Evan Hansen, School of Rock, Kinky Boots, Once on This Island, A Bronx Tale, Les Misérables, Anastasia, Annie, Matilda, On Your Feet!, Fiddler on the Roof, Newsies, and Billy Elliot.

Whether a student is discovering their voice, preparing for an audition, pursuing college or conservatory training, or working professionally, Vocal Academy provides the technique, mentorship, and guidance needed to develop a strong and versatile vocal performer.

BROADWAY YOUTH ENSEMBLE

Audition-Based Show Choir & Performance Ensemble

Rehearsals & Performances: As Scheduled
Tuition: $1,025* New students enrolling in B.Y.E only / $550 bergenPAC students enrolled in additional PAS classes
Registration: Audition required. Please contact education@bergenpac.org for additional information.

*$1,025 tuition applies to new students who are not enrolling in any other bergenPAC Performing Arts School classes.

What is Broadway Youth Ensemble?

Broadway Youth Ensemble (BYE) is bergenPAC’s performance-based vocal ensemble program for young singers ready to strengthen their musicianship, build confidence, and experience the excitement of performing as part of a company.

Unlike the individualized training offered through Vocal Academy, Broadway Youth Ensemble focuses on the experience of singing and performing together. Through age-appropriate ensemble training, students develop vocal technique, harmony, musical precision, movement, stage presence, and the collaborative skills required of a strong performing ensemble.

Students develop:

• Ensemble and choral singing
• Vocal blend and harmony
• Proper posture, breathing, and diction
• Rhythm and musicianship
• Sight-singing and ear training
• Musical interpretation
• Movement and choreography
• Stage presence and performance skills
• Collaboration and ensemble discipline

Throughout the year, BYE students build a diverse repertoire while preparing for live performance opportunities, including appearances on bergenPAC’s Taub Stage, community events, outreach performances, and seasonal engagements.

For advanced students considering continued arts education, eligible high school juniors and seniors may also have the opportunity to receive college credit through participation in the program.

Broadway Youth Ensemble offers multiple ensemble experiences based on age, experience, and level of training:

Munchkins

Ages 6–9 | Audition-Based

A fun and welcoming introduction to ensemble singing and performance. Young vocalists begin exploring harmony, learn show-style choreography, and develop confidence performing as a group. Students also have opportunities to participate in community and outreach performances throughout the year.

Broadway Youth Ensemble: All-School Show Choir

Ages 10+

An energetic show choir experience featuring exciting medleys across musical theater, pop, and a variety of musical genres. Students strengthen vocal blend, harmony, musicianship, movement, and stage presence while learning to perform as a polished ensemble.

The All-School Show Choir brings together students already enrolled across bergenPAC Performing Arts School programs, including Showtime, acting, dance, and other eligible classes, giving young performers the opportunity to expand their training through ensemble vocal performance.

Students take their work beyond the classroom through outreach performances and BYE On-Tour appearances throughout the year.

Select BYE Choir / Teen P’Opera

Ages 13–19 | Advanced / Audition-Based

An advanced, performance-driven ensemble for serious vocal students and emerging young professionals. Members explore opera scenes and duets alongside challenging musical theater repertoire, with training inspired by pre-college and collegiate conservatory programs.

Many ensemble members have professional Broadway, television, and film credits. Select BYE and Teen P’Opera performers have numerous opportunities to perform throughout the year, including a particularly active holiday performance season.

From a singer’s first experience with harmony to advanced conservatory-level repertoire, Broadway Youth Ensemble gives young performers a place to grow, collaborate, and take the stage.

Schedule

Mondays

• BYE All-School Show Choir: 7:00–9:00 PM, Front Studio
• BYE All-School Show Choir: 7:30–9:00 PM, Gray Studio
• Opera Workshop: TBD

Tuesdays

• BYE Select Choir / Teen P’Opera: 6:30–8:45 PM

Saturdays: 

• NYC at AMDA Studios: Select Choir/ Teen P’Opera  - 5:15 - 7:30 PM

Sundays

• Broadway Youth Ensemble: 4:30–7:00 PM
• Munchkins: 4:30–5:45 PM
• Select Choir / Teen P’Opera: 5:15–7:00 PM

JAZZ ENSEMBLE & ORCHESTRA

Ages: 11+
Schedule: TBD

Jazz Ensemble & Orchestra gives young instrumentalists the opportunity to develop the skills needed to perform as part of a live ensemble. Students explore a variety of musical styles while strengthening musicianship, technique, listening, collaboration, and performance skills.

Through jazz, students develop improvisation, rhythm, groove, and creative expression, while orchestral training introduces students to ensemble balance, reading parts, following a conductor, musical interpretation, and performing within a larger instrumental group.

Students may explore:

• Jazz and orchestral repertoire
• Ensemble playing
• Improvisation and soloing
• Rhythm and musicianship
• Sight-reading and ear training
• Following a conductor
• Musical communication and collaboration
• Performance preparation
• Solo and group performance

The program also creates a pathway for developing musicians to prepare for future performance opportunities throughout bergenPAC, including the possibility of participating in pit orchestras for the Summer Musical and other Performing Arts School productions as their skills progress.

Jazz Ensemble is also available through bergenPAC’s Outreach Programming and has proudly served students in the Paterson School District for the past two years.

Private Music Lessons

Voice, Piano, Guitar, Drums, Strings, DJing, Music Production & More
Ages: 5+
Schedule: By Appointment Only
Lesson Length: 30, 45, or 60 Minutes

Private Music Lessons offer students personalized, one-on-one instruction designed around their experience level, interests, learning style, and musical goals. Whether a student is picking up an instrument for the first time, strengthening existing skills, preparing for a performance or audition, or exploring new areas of music, our instructors create an individualized path for continued growth.

Lessons are available in a variety of areas, including:

• Voice
• Piano
• Guitar
• Bass
• Drums
• Violin & Strings
• Woodwinds
• Brass
• DJing
• Recording & Music Production
• And more

Students develop strong technique and musicianship while building creativity, confidence, and independence as artists. Curriculum is customized to each student and may include technique, music reading, ear training, repertoire development, improvisation, performance preparation, and creative exploration based on their area of study.

Students participating in bergenPAC ensembles or group programs may also use private lesson time to strengthen and prepare repertoire for upcoming rehearsals and performances.

From first notes to advanced training, private lessons give every student the individual attention and guidance to grow as a musician.

First Performance Experiences
Class sharings, studio performances, Music & Me and Young Voices opportunities.

Concerts & Showcases
Vocal Academy concerts, Pop Star Academy concerts, Broadway Youth Ensemble performances.

MainStage & Production Opportunities
bergenPAC MainStage performances, Summer Musical pit orchestra opportunities, and Performing Arts School productions.

Real-World Performance Experiences
Local music venues, soundchecks, supporting/headlining artist experiences through Pop Star Academy, community performances, and outreach events.

Recording Opportunities
Studio recording, original music, vocal recording, and music production experiences available through select programs.

Interested in Our Pre-Professional Track?

Students ready to take their training to the next level may apply for the bergenPAC Performing Arts School Pre-Professional Track, an interdisciplinary pathway designed for dedicated young artists preparing for performing arts high schools, college programs, conservatories, competitions, and professional opportunities.

Pre-Professional students are encouraged to train in three or more classes each week across multiple disciplines, participate in productions and performance opportunities, and receive individualized coaching and mentorship while developing the commitment, versatility, and professionalism expected of a working artist.

Make sure to chat with our Performing Arts School Operations Manager, Anthony Caiola to learn how you can sign up for your personalized track, today! ACaiola@bergenpac.org

If a student needs to cancel a lesson, 24-hour notice must be given. It is then the student/parents' responsibility to reschedule the lesson within 2 weeks. If 24-hour notice is not given, there will be no make-up lessons. Missed lessons are non-refundable and non-transferable between family members, spouses, students, etc.

If a student wishes to discontinue study, a 30-day written notice is required. To withdraw, please email Director of Education Becky Serico at bserico@bergenPAC.org. Informing your instructor does not constitute written notice. There are no refunds. The semester will be finished as scheduled.

In the event of inclemant weather, lessons may be cancelled. Students will be notified via telephone/email or by checking our website. Students will be invited for private or group make-up lessons at the earliest convenience.