Best school, Public, Private or Magnet, for a musically gifted child? Or did you home school?

[Anonymous]

We are looking for a school anywhere in the DC Metropolitan area that will focus on musical education and allow for in depth study of an instrument, i.e., hours of practice/day through either on site facilities or shortened instruction to allow at home practicing. DC's musical gift is not of the run-of-the-mill kind, some, though not us her parents, have called DC a prodigy. We only want to provide the opportunity to maintain this focus as long as DC wants and it doesn't interfere with other childhood pursuits (i.e., not so much practicing that there is not room for playdates, soccer, or pursuing another interest). Any thoughts or like experiences you can share?

[Anonymous]

You are right to look for a school that incorporates it during the day so that the child has time for other things.
That said, I have no ideas.

[Anonymous]

I don't have an answer but perhaps call the directors of large music programs for children - I'm sure the Kennedy Center has something, isn't their a children's choir somewhere out there, places that put together children's productions, call the music dept at a university? see what they would suggest or give you resources. Good luck and how wonderful that your child has this gift!

[Anonymous]

How old is your child? What instrument?

[Anonymous]

OP here. Kindergarten aged, primary instrument is piano though DC plays others as well. DC's focus and level of perfectionism is both scary and amazing. We are told by adult pianists that DC "has what it takes" but when asked about what to do to get from point A to B (if that is what DC ends up wanting) the experiences shared by those adult pianists are not what we can offer: invariably these adult professional pianists that we have spoken with have all come from families where one or both parents were already highly successful professional musicians and already had a path and resources for their children. DH and I are not musicians and are essentially starting from scratch.

[Anonymous]

It's in Baltimore but I think Peabody is the only conservatory near here. They have a "preparatory program" and parts of it look pretty serious. Maybe worth a call?

http://www.peabody.jhu.edu/320

[Anonymous]

I would also call the Levine School of Music, just to pick their brains (it's not actually a school).

[Anonymous]

Absolutely call Levine for instruction/advice. Their instructors are top notch and they do an excellent job placing kids with teachers that are a good fit - especially those that are quite talented. There are a lot of amazing young musicians at Levine and they get lots of attention from teachers and staff (after all, who would not want to nurture a young prodigy). We sent our kids to Levine and they didn't like it - too intense in some ways and they just were not interested in piano/music which was sad for both me and my husband (both musicians). We decided to give it a rest and try later. For a child like yours, however, it would be a great place to start.

[Anonymous]

If your child is interested in orchestral instruments, maybe try DCYOP. They have a great program for kids. If your child is gifted musically, she can progress at her own (faster) speed thru the different jury levels.

At DCYOP one takes group lessons once a week, and at C level (still pretty beginner), kids also have orchestra once a week. I know several young musically talented kids who have progressed quickly thru the different levels to play what are quite complex orchestra pieces.

www.dcyop.org

Also there is an excellent children's choir -- the children's chorus of washington -- that is audition only and managed by Joan Gregoryk. Terrific musical opportunity if your child is a singer (but don't know how old one must be).