The music program is rooted in the history of the facility, which formerly housed GRAMMY-winning Bennett Studios. Students are encouraged to take private music lessons while also taking group classes and jam sessions to create a music community. All students have the opportunity to record their pieces. The curriculum is tailored to the individual instrument and educational needs of the student, and focuses on building technical skills as a foundation for performance.

 

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Early Childhood Music

SCHEDULE

  • Friday: 10:45-11:30am

ABOUT EARLY CHILDHOOD MUSIC
The classes are designed to introduce musically driven activities such as chants, fingerplays, and small and large movements using a variety of age-appropriate musical instruments. Our classes allow children and their parents/caregivers to explore, learn and discover the wonders and benefits of music.

Young Voices (Ages 6–12)

SCHEDULE

  • Saturday (Ages 6–12): 11:00am–12:00pm

ABOUT YOUNG VOICES
Students in the Young Voices will build confidence through performing in an ensemble. The singers will learn the basics of proper posture, breathing and vocal techniques. These young singers will engage in their experience through vocal imitation and basic musicianship. Their repertoire will include songs in unison and 2-part harmony.

Young Professionals Vocal Academy at bergenPAC

SCHEDULE

  • Tuesdays & Sundays: By Appointment Only

LESSON LENGTH

SINGLE

5 LESSONS

10 LESSONS

30 minutes

$65

 

 

45 minutes

$95

 

 

60 minutes

$125

$550

$1,050

75 minutes

$135

 

 

90 minutes

$160

 

 

1 hour & 45 minutes

$190

 

 

2 hours

$210

 

 

$40 ANNUAL REGISTRATION FEE

ABOUT YOUNG PROFESSIONALS VOCAL ACADEMY

For over two decades, Amelia DeMayo has been operating a vocal technique program for professional youth; specifically, those wishing to pursue a career in musical theatre or classical performance, as well as TV and film. 

Together with her skilled co-teachers Liliana Sotirova, Gulnara Mitzanova, and Glenn Gordon, the program prepares singers from ages 5 to adult with a holistic approach. The focus is on vocal technique, body alignment, breathing, intonation, diction, expression, and building repertoire. Both the recreational singer and those on a professional track are mentored and given career guidance to reach their full potential as a vocal performer.

Instruction is not limited to young children; her musical theatre and classical students have been accepted into the most prestigious pre-college, college and conservatory programs, including NYU's Tisch School of Performing Arts, The Manhattan School of Music, The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Northwestern University, The University of Michigan and Pennsylvania State University's B.F.A. program at State College, PA. They have also won innumerable international competitions and perform locally in community theatres and at sports venues in the tri-state area.

Amelia’s students (current and graduates) have appeared on Broadway, regional theatre and national tours, including Broadway productions of Dear Evan HansenSchool of RockKinky BootsOnce On This Island, and A Bronx Tale, and the international tours of Les Misérables and Anastasia. Past Broadway productions include AnnieMatildaOn Your FeetFiddler on the Roof, Newsies, and Billy Elliot. Her students are also actively engaged in voice-over work for children's animated features, appear on national commercials and television series, and have been featured on CD recordings of The Polar Express and Gertrude McFuzz, featuring opera stars Nathan Gunn and Isabel Leonard.

Private Lessons (Ages 5+)

SCHEDULE

  • Private Lessons: Mondays, Tuesdays, 4:00–7:00pm; Sundays 10:00-4:00
  • By Appointment Only

ABOUT PRIVATE LESSONS
Private lessons are offered ages 5 and up for voice, violin, drums, guitar, bass, DJing, recording and production, dance and more! Lessons can be 30, 45 or 60 minutes. Curriculum will be customized to the needs of the student. The teachers will ensure that content for Group Jam Sessions are learned as well.

bergenPAC Broadway Youth Ensemble (Ages 7–18)

SCHEDULE

  • Rehearsals and performances as scheduled.

Tuition: $400
To register please email education@bergenpac.org.

ABOUT THE PERFORMING ARTS SCHOOL SHOW CHOIR
This audition-based program helps students build confidence as they learn proper posture, breathing, and proper diction. They will perfect their rhythm, sight-singing, and ear training skills. The ensemble will learn a large repertoire to prepare for major performance opportunities on the Taub Stage at bergenPAC. High school juniors and seniors can receive college credits!

Jazz & Rock Program

Led by Kathy Sheppard, the rock and jazz school at bergenPAC is based on the belief that the best way to learn is by doing, with students playing music from the moment they join. The goal is to foster a new generation of musicians by introducing them to the classics and essentials in the genre, while challenging them at their individual skill levels. We will teach the fundamentals of music, such as sight-reading, theory, and technique, in a rock music format.

Students enroll for weekly 30, 45 or 60 minute private lessons and are cast in a two-hour show rehearsal and jam session that takes place on Saturdays. Shows are rehearsed over a roughly 36-week season, culminating in a performance at a local venue. Some sample show themes are Beatles, Frank Zappa, progressive rock, jam bands, funk and soul, and tributes to the 70's, 80's, or 90's.  This group will have ample opportunities to perform on the mainstage of bergenPAC with rock and jazz greats!  

Program Faculty:  Kathy Sheppard (piano/vocals), Ashley Tobias (vocals), Mario Giordano (guitar), Carlos Mena (bass), Kyle Crouchelli (saxophone)

Jazz Ensemble

Join our Jazz Ensemble class, designed for kids 11 and up!

In this dynamic group, students will learn the fundamentals of jazz, including improvisation, rhythm, and ensemble playing. They’ll explore different instruments and work together to create a cohesive sound, gaining confidence in both solo and group performance. This class not only strengthens musical skills but also teaches teamwork, listening, and creative expression.

Jazz is a foundational style that enriches musical understanding, making it an essential experience for any young musician!

Lesson Cancellations

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.

Withdrawal Policy

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.

 

Extreme Weather Conditions

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.