From the Music Director

The Special Music School is a dynamic, nurturing environment for children with musical talent. At the SMS, children have the opportunity to work one-on-one with some of the world's most esteemed instrumental teachers. What they learn in their lessons is enhanced by their experiences in classes like music theory, history, and sight singing. Students are given regular opportunities to share what they are learning in performances both inside and outside of the School. Most importantly, the students at the SMS benefit from an environment in which rigorous music training is regarded as an integral component of a complete education.

Since the SMS opened in 1996, a close-knit community has evolved. Special Music School students are incredibly supportive of each other, partly as a result of the small class size. Music and academic teachers carefully monitor the progress of students from year to year. Parents are deeply involved in the School, both in terms of long-term planning and day-to-day operations. The Special Music School also participates in the larger community of the Kaufman Center, which includes the Lucy Moses School and Merkin Hall.

Opportunities are rare for American children to combine rigorous music and academic studies, especially from such an early age, so in this regard the Special Music School is unique. In addition, the public-private partnership that makes the SMS possible is one-of-a-kind. I invite you to participate in the special musical community.

Jenny Undercofler

Music Director