Labor Day
2024-09-02
Labor Day – The School is closed for regularly scheduled lessons and classes.

First Instruments and Private Lessons Open House
2024-09-07 13:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York)
RSVP here (RSVP required.)
Space is limited- early registration is encouraged!
Discover the world of music with us! Families and students of all ages are welcome to attend our Open House event.
From 1:00 to 2:15 pm, students in grades PreK-5 can explore our First Instruments program. These classes are designed to prepare children for private lessons in piano, strings, guitar, winds, brass, and percussion. Meet our instructors, participate in sample activities, and get answers to your questions.
Following that, from 2:15 to 3:45 pm, students in grades PreK-12 and adults interested in private lessons can sign up for 15-minute mini-lessons. This is a great opportunity to meet our Hoff-Barthelson faculty members and experience firsthand what private instruction is all about.
Don’t miss out on this exciting chance to begin or enhance your musical journey with us!

Early Childhood Program Open House
2024-09-17 10:15 - 11:15
RSVP here.
Families with children aged 9 months to 5 years are invited to discover our exceptional program for young children. Join us to learn about our engaging music and movement curriculum and participate in sample activities you and your child can enjoy together.
10:15-10:45 am: Q & A session with HBMS Dean Christopher Kenniff and Associate Dean April Johnson
10:45-11:15 am: Experience a sample class led by Dalcroze Eurhythmics Certified Instructor, Laura Barnet
Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the joy of music with your little ones!

Viola Ensemble Program Drop-in Day
2024-09-21 15:00 - 16:00
RSVP here.
Bring your viola and play along with our enrolled students or attend as an auditor to learn more about the ensembles. The days and times correspond to the weekly meeting schedule for the ensemble.
Viola Club Level 2 (grades 8-12)
Intermediate and Advance
Saturday, September 21, 2024, 3:00 – 4:00 pm

Volunteer Kick-Off-Meeting
2024-09-26 19:00 - 20:00
We’re excited to invite you to our Volunteer Kick-Off Meeting — It’s time to prepare for another great year of events!
Here’s what to expect:

Event Schedule Review: Get the scoop on upcoming events and volunteer opportunities.
Volunteer Roles: Discover how you can contribute.
Networking: Enjoy coffee and treats while catching up with fellow volunteers.

Your involvement plays a crucial role in the success of our programs and events, and we look forward to another fantastic year with your support.
Please RSVP here.
We look forward to seeing you and kicking off an amazing year together!
View the flyer here.

Honors Program Reception
2024-09-27 18:15 - 19:15
Students who have been accepted into the 2024-25 Honors Program, along with their families, are invited to come together for a social gathering.
Join us to meet the Honors Program leadership and enjoy light refreshments. We will also dedicate a portion of the event to orienting families about the plans for the upcoming year.
Please click here to RSVP.

School Spirit Day!
2024-09-28 09:00 - 14:00
It’s School Spirit Day at Hoff-Barthelson Music School! HB-themed merchandise will be available for purchase in the lobby. Show your school pride!
View the flyer here.

Vocal Performance Workshop Drop-in Day
2024-09-28 16:00 - 17:00
RSVP here.
Sing along with our enrolled students or attend as an auditor to learn more about the Workshop. The day and time correspond to the weekly meeting schedules for the workshop. For grades 6-12.

Scarsdale Halloween Parade
2024-10-31 15:15 - 15:45
Members of the School’s Young People’s Symphonette, under the direction of Robert Schwartz, will perform spooky musical selections in Chase Park before the start of the Scarsdale Recreation Department’s Halloween Costume Parade (weather permitting). Join us for some spirited fun and cheer on our young musicians!

Election Day
2024-11-05
Election Day – The School is closed for regularly scheduled lessons and classes.

HB Artist Series
2024-11-08 19:30 - 21:00
The HB Artist Series features the exceptional talents of Hoff-Barthelson’s distinguished faculty. Held in Scarsdale, these concerts offer riveting music-making in an intimate setting at affordable prices, showcasing Hoff-Barthelson’s commitment to excellence in music education and performance in Westchester County.
Purchase tickets here.
General admission is $20; HBMS Students are admitted free of charge.
View flyer here.
Program and performers are subject to change without notice.
Program:
Kill James – Derek Cooper
Peter Seidenberg – cello
Mike Nelson – bassoon *
Derek Cooper – prepared piano
Lauren Ninoshvili – piano *
Siete canciones populares españolas – Manuel de Falla
Andrea Saposnik, mezzo-soprano
Andrew Marino, guitar
Rachmaninoff – Vocalise, Op. 34, No. 14
Waltz from “Masquerade” – Aram Khachaturian
Sabre Dance from Gayane – Aram Khachaturian
Vered Reznik, piano
Eleonora Rotshteyn, piano *
Il Tramonto – Ottorino Respighi
Andrea Saposnik, mezzo-soprano
Laura Giannini, violin
April Johnson, violin
Mark Kushnir, viola
Peter Seidenberg, cello
Piano Trio in D minor, Op. 120 – Gabriel Fauré
Eriko Sato, violin
Michael Finckel, cello
Katsura Tanikawa, piano
* guest artist

Veterans Day
2024-11-11
Veterans Day – The School is closed for regularly scheduled lessons and classes.

Suzuki Guitar Workshop
2024-11-16 15:00 - 17:00
Students and their families are invited to a special, workshop with renowned Suzuki guitar instructor David Madsen. Mr. Madsen will work with selected students and ensembles, sharing his expertise and insights on learning and growing with the guitar. With years of experience at the Hartt School of Music Community Division in Hartford, Connecticut, he brings a wealth of knowledge to the session.
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn and be inspired—it’s a valuable experience for students, families, and performers alike.
RSVP here.
David Madsen founded what is now The Hartt School Community Division (HCD) Suzuki Guitar Program in 1991 and is now the Suzuki Guitar Coordinator. Madsen graduated with a Bachelor of Music in performance from the University of Connecticut, studying with David McLellan and Ed Flower. He has since studied with David Leisner and Pepe Romero. His Suzuki studies have been with Bill Kossler and Frank Longay. In 2000 David became the third registered Teacher Trainer in guitar with the Suzuki Association of the Americas and has conducted training courses throughout North America and in Peru, Puerto Rico, and Argentina. In January 2016, David began training in Suzuki Early Childhood Education (birth to three) with Lynn McCall. Madsen currently serves on the Teacher Development Advisory Committee for the Suzuki Association of the Americas (SAA), and is also a member of the SAA Guitar Committee.
View flyer here.

The Music of Poetry: Riffs and Celebrations
2024-11-17 14:30 - 16:30
The relationship between poetry and music is as old as time itself–from the earliest poems accompanied by music on the lyre to contemporary spoken-word poetry. The Scarsdale Library, Hoff-Barthelson Music School, and the Scarsdale Library’s poetry community invite you to enjoy an afternoon of poetry and jazz! Join us for a captivating exploration of the timeless bond between these two ancient art forms. This one-of-a-kind event will showcase the Hoff-Barthelson Music School Adult Jazz Ensemble, under the direction of Ed Palermo, alongside members of the Scarsdale Public Library’s poetry community. Whether you are a music enthusiast, a poetry lover, or simply curious about the magic that happens when these two art forms combine, this festival promises to be a unique and unforgettable experience.
As part of the celebration, there will be a brief open mic; local poets are invited to participate. Refreshments will be served.
View flyer here.

Junior Flute Club Open House
2024-11-19 16:00 - 16:45
RSVP here.
Are you a young flutist looking for an exciting musical opportunity? Don’t miss the Junior Flute Club Open House at Hoff-Barthelson! This is a fantastic opportunity for flutists in grades 1-7, performing at NYSSMA Levels 1-4, to explore a vibrant community where young musicians can thrive.
The Junior Flutes perform under the direction of longtime HBMS faculty member Joseph Piscitelli at the School’s major festivals and combine with other flute groups for the annual Flute Plus! event —a celebration of all things flute featuring performances, premieres, clinics, and seminars with renowned flute experts.
View flyer here.

Youth Orchestras Winter Concert
2024-12-15 15:00 - 16:30
UNITED IN PURPOSE
Hoff-Barthelson’s Orchestra Program Winter Concert
Dr. Leandro Gazineo Director of Orchestral Programs
Featuring the Young People’s Symphonette and Chamber Orchestra under the direction of Robert Schwartz and the Festival Orchestra under the direction of Leandro Gazineo.
Performing works by George Frideric Handel, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Joseph Haydn, Edvard Grieg, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Giacomo Puccini, Johann Strauss, Jean Sibelius, Leroy Anderson, and Camargo Guarnieri.
SPECIAL PERFORMANCE
For the first time in HBMS history, all three orchestras will unite to perform Sibelius’ Andante Festivo in a spectacular collaborative performance!
Suggested Donation $20; HBMS Students Free of Charge
View flyer.

Placement Auditions: HBMS Orchestra Program
2024-12-17 19:15 - 22:00
Hoff-Barthelson Music School invites you to audition for our prestigious Youth Orchestra Program! Auditions for the Chamber Orchestra and Festival Orchestra will be held from 7:15 – 10:00 pm.
Reserve an audition time here.

Audition requirements:

Two pieces of your choice that showcase your technical and musical abilities
Scales and Rolls

Violin and Cello: One 3-octave scale of your choosing
Viola, Bass, and Harp: One 2-octave scale of your choosing
Winds and Brass: One 1-octave scale of your choosing
Timpani: Rolls in crescendo and diminuendo

Short sight reading exercise

View flyer here.

Alumni Recital and Reunion
2025-01-11 15:00 - 17:00
This special event provides a chance for alumni to reconnect, make music, and reflect on the shared experiences that were a part of their time at HBMS. It is sure to be an afternoon full of joy and nostalgia!
We welcome you to showcase pieces up to 8 minutes long. Whether you’re stepping back into the spotlight or simply savoring the experience, let’s celebrate our shared musical journey and create new memories together!
Let us know by Wednesday, December 18, 2024, if you are performing or attending by clicking here.

Open House
2025-01-12 13:00 - 15:45
We warmly invite you to join us for an exciting and interactive Open House! This is a fantastic opportunity for prospective students to explore our vibrant musical community and discover all we have to offer.
Space is limited- early registration is encouraged!
RSVP here (RSVP required.)
Join us at our Mini-Lessons Open House! Students of all ages — PreK through 12th grade, as well as adults — are invited to sign up for a 15-minute mini-lesson with one of our expert HBMS teachers. Experience the joy of private lessons on piano, violin, cello, or guitar, and discover the perfect instrument for you.
Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to begin or enhance your musical journey with us in a fun, relaxed, and welcoming setting!
Tuition is prorated from the time of enrollment.
Snow Date: Sunday, January 26, 2025, 1:00-3:45 pm

Honors Program Student Recital
2025-01-17 20:00 - 21:00
Student recital featuring students enrolled in the Honors Program.
Scheduled to perform:

Meera Chari, cello
Elliott Levine, violin
Audrey Li, viola

The Honors Program for gifted and committed students, selected through auditions, has produced prize-winning performers in national and international competitions. The program is designed for students 12 years or older who have been recommended by their teacher and are motivated, dedicated, and working up to their potential. Honors students perform stylistically diverse programs for a faculty jury in special recitals at the end of each semester, take musicianship classes, attend professional performances, and participate in HBMS ensembles.
Honors recitals are open to all HBMS students and families as well as members of the general public.
Performers are subject to change.

Honors Program Student Recital
2025-01-18 14:30 - 15:30
Student recital featuring students enrolled in the Honors Program.
Scheduled to perform:

Felix Fidock, violin
Rachel Horn, flute
Phoebe Lai, voice
Lucius Liu, piano

The Honors Program for gifted and committed students, selected through auditions, has produced prize-winning performers in national and international competitions. The program is designed for students 12 years or older who have been recommended by their teacher and are motivated, dedicated, and working up to their potential. Honors students perform stylistically diverse programs for a faculty jury in special recitals at the end of each semester, take musicianship classes, attend professional performances, and participate in HBMS ensembles.
Honors recitals are open to all HBMS students and families as well as members of the general public.
Performers are subject to change.

Honors Program Student Recital
2025-01-24 18:30 - 19:30
Student recital featuring students enrolled in the Honors Program.
Scheduled to perform:

Melody Dong, violin
Ciara Walker, voice
Adele Xie, piano

The Honors Program for gifted and committed students, selected through auditions, has produced prize-winning performers in national and international competitions. The program is designed for students 12 years or older who have been recommended by their teacher and are motivated, dedicated, and working up to their potential. Honors students perform stylistically diverse programs for a faculty jury in special recitals at the end of each semester, take musicianship classes, attend professional performances, and participate in HBMS ensembles.
Honors recitals are open to all HBMS students and families as well as members of the general public.
Performers are subject to change.

Honors Program Student Recital
2025-01-24 20:00 - 21:00
Student recital featuring students enrolled in the Honors Program.
Scheduled to perform:

Roland Sadre, piano
Chihoko Saito, piano
Ariana Thomas, piano

The Honors Program for gifted and committed students, selected through auditions, has produced prize-winning performers in national and international competitions. The program is designed for students 12 years or older who have been recommended by their teacher and are motivated, dedicated, and working up to their potential. Honors students perform stylistically diverse programs for a faculty jury in special recitals at the end of each semester, take musicianship classes, attend professional performances, and participate in HBMS ensembles.
Honors recitals are open to all HBMS students and families as well as members of the general public.
Performers are subject to change.

Honors Program Student Recital
2025-01-25 14:30 - 15:30
Student recital featuring students enrolled in the Honors Program.
Scheduled to perform:

Natalie Jong, violin
Luke Padovano, cello
Nikhil Saxena, cello

The Honors Program for gifted and committed students, selected through auditions, has produced prize-winning performers in national and international competitions. The program is designed for students 12 years or older who have been recommended by their teacher and are motivated, dedicated, and working up to their potential. Honors students perform stylistically diverse programs for a faculty jury in special recitals at the end of each semester, take musicianship classes, attend professional performances, and participate in HBMS ensembles.
Honors recitals are open to all HBMS students and families as well as members of the general public.
Performers are subject to change.

Honors Program Student Recital
2025-01-25 16:00 - 17:00
Student recital featuring students enrolled in the Honors Program.
Scheduled to perform:

Adhijay Arvind, cello
Madeline Margulis-Ohnuma, cello
Zoe Verduin, violin
Annika Yogaratnam, cello

The Honors Program for gifted and committed students, selected through auditions, has produced prize-winning performers in national and international competitions. The program is designed for students 12 years or older who have been recommended by their teacher and are motivated, dedicated, and working up to their potential. Honors students perform stylistically diverse programs for a faculty jury in special recitals at the end of each semester, take musicianship classes, attend professional performances, and participate in HBMS ensembles.
Honors recitals are open to all HBMS students and families as well as members of the general public.
Performers are subject to change.

Lunar New Year
2025-01-29
Lunar New Year – The School is closed for regularly scheduled lessons and classes.

HB Artist Series
2025-02-07 19:30 - 21:00
The HB Artist Series features the exceptional talents of Hoff-Barthelson’s distinguished faculty. Held in Scarsdale, these concerts offer riveting music-making in an intimate setting at affordable prices, showcasing Hoff-Barthelson’s commitment to excellence in music education and performance in Westchester County.
Purchase tickets here.
General admission is $20; HBMS Students are admitted free of charge.
Program and performers are subject to change without notice.
Snow date: Thursday, February 13, 2025.
View flyer here.
PROGRAM
Sonata – Bohuslav Martinů
Allegro poco moderato
Le Merle Noir – Olivier Messiaen
Nightingale Polka – Ernesto Koehler
Donna Elaine, flute
Emily White, piano

Piano Trio (2003) – Jennifer Higdon
I. Pale Yellow
II. Fiery Red
Sunhwa Kim, piano
Eric Tsai, violin *
Connor Kim, cello *

String Quintet, Op. 39 – Alexander Glazunov
Allegro – Poco più tranquillo – Animato
Allegro moderato
Eriko Sato, violin
Lani King Chang, violin
Leslie Tomkins, viola
Mike Finckel, cello
Mark Humburg, cello *

Piano Trio – Rebecca Clarke
Laura Giannini, violin
Lila Ainsworth, cello
Vered Reznik, piano
* Guest artist

Flute Master Class with Chelsea Knox
2025-02-09 14:30 - 16:45
Master Classes are open to the public to observe free of charge.
View flyer here.
Master class coaching by guest artists has been part of Hoff-Barthelson’s curriculum since the School’s founding in 1944. This distinguished tradition continues this season with a roster of world-class musicians and educators including David Madsen, guitar; composers Nils Vigeland and Matt Browne; Almita Vamos, violin; Paul Watkins cello; Chelsea Knox, flute; Victor Rosenbaum, piano; and members of the New York Philharmonic.
Master classes provide a transformative experience for both students and audiences. Following meticulous preparation, students showcase their talents, receiving invaluable feedback and guidance from master teachers. This interaction challenges students to approach their pieces in new and critical ways, resulting in inspiring and enlightening performances. Yet the impact extends beyond those on stage—all attendees can learn by observing the creative process firsthand. As iconic performers coach the next generation, the audience gains insight into musical artistry and interpretation. Even developing musicians are granted a rare glimpse into the mastery of world-class artists.

Chelsea Knox is the principal flutist of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra. A sought-after performer, Ms. Knox has held positions as assistant principal flute of the Baltimore Symphony and principal Flute of the New Haven and Princeton Symphonies. She has been hailed by The New York Times for her warmth, precision, and clarity, as well as by the New York Classical Review for her “expressive life and full tone.”
An active orchestral and chamber musician, Ms. Knox has appeared with numerous orchestras including the Philadelphia Orchestra, All-Star Orchestra, Seattle Symphony, Vancouver Symphony, San Diego Symphony, and IRIS Orchestra. As a soloist, Ms. Knox has performed concertos with the Baltimore Symphony, Princeton Symphony, Hartford Symphony, Manchester Symphony, Juilliard Lab Orchestra, and Connecticut Youth Symphony. She has won competitions including the New York Flute Club Young Artists Competition and the Hartford Symphony Young Artists Competition.
Ms. Knox earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the Juilliard School in New York City as a student of Jeffrey Khaner. A native of Litchfield, CT, she received her early training at the Hartt School of Music, where she studied with Greig Shearer. In her spare time she is an active visual artist and her work has been displayed in galleries in New York and Connecticut.

HB Artist Series
2025-03-02 15:00 - 17:00
The HB Artist Series features the exceptional talents of Hoff-Barthelson’s distinguished faculty. Held in Scarsdale, these concerts offer riveting music-making in an intimate setting at affordable prices, showcasing Hoff-Barthelson’s commitment to excellence in music education and performance in Westchester County.
Purchase tickets here.
General admission is $20; HBMS Students are admitted free of charge.
Program and performers are subject to change without notice.
View flyer here.
PROGRAM
Romance for Violin and Piano, Op. 23 – Amy Beach
Violin Sonata, HC. 705 – Henry Cowell
Ballade
Jig
Joan Forsyth, piano
David Fulmer, violin *
Sonata for Violoncello and Piano, Op. 6 – Samuel Barber
Allegro ma non troppo
Adagio—scherzo
Allegro appassionato

Peter Seidenberg, cello
Hui-Mei Lin, piano *
1.X.1905 (Piano Sonata) – Leoš Janáček
Die Ahnung (The Presentiment)
Der Tod (The Death)
Maxim Pakhomov, piano
Trio for Violin, Cello, and Piano – Charles Ives
Moderato
TSIAJ
Moderato con moto

April Johnson, violin
Peter Seidenberg, cello
Tomoko Uchino, piano
* Guest Artist

Cello Master Class with Paul Watkins
2025-03-08 13:00 - 15:15
Master Classes are open to the public to observe free of charge.
Master class coaching by guest artists has been part of Hoff-Barthelson’s curriculum since the School’s founding in 1944. This distinguished tradition continues this season with a roster of world-class musicians and educators including David Madsen, guitar; composers Nils Vigeland and Matt Browne; Almita Vamos, violin; Paul Watkins cello; Chelsea Knox, flute; Victor Rosenbaum, piano; and members of the New York Philharmonic.
Master classes provide a transformative experience for both students and audiences. Following meticulous preparation, students showcase their talents, receiving invaluable feedback and guidance from master teachers. This interaction challenges students to approach their pieces in new and critical ways, resulting in inspiring and enlightening performances. Yet the impact extends beyond those on stage—all attendees can learn by observing the creative process firsthand. As iconic performers coach the next generation, the audience gains insight into musical artistry and interpretation. Even developing musicians are granted a rare glimpse into the mastery of world-class artists.

Acclaimed for his inspirational performances and eloquent musicianship, Paul Watkins enjoys a distinguished career as concerto soloist, chamber musician and conductor. He is the Artistic Director of the Great Lakes Chamber Music Festival in Detroit (since 2014), and Visiting Professor of Cello at Yale School of Music (since 2018). He took first prize in the 2002 Leeds Conducting Competition, and has held the positions of Music Director of the English Chamber Orchestra and Principal Guest Conductor of the Ulster Orchestra.
As a cellist, Watkins has given regular concerto performances with prestigious orchestras across the globe. Also, a dedicated chamber musician, Watkins was a member of the Nash Ensemble (1997-2013) and the Emerson String Quartet (2013-2023). As a conductor, Watkins has conducted all the major British orchestras, and a wide range of international orchestras. In 2006 he made his opera debut conducting a critically praised new production of Poulenc’s La Voix Humaine for Opera North.
