Program Overview

Students take weekly one-on-one lessons with their primary teacher and, when helpful, may also receive guidance from other faculty members. This allows students to gain fresh perspectives on technique, tone, and musical interpretation — an approach that is especially beneficial for motivated and advancing students.

We believe students grow best when they are supported from multiple angles. Each teacher brings unique strengths, and hearing ideas explained in different ways often leads to clearer understanding and meaningful breakthroughs.

To ensure everything stays aligned, our faculty works closely as a team. Teachers meet regularly, share lesson notes, and communicate about each student’s goals and progress. This keeps guidance consistent, practice plans organized, and long-term goals clear — without overlooking important details.

Note: Alumni who study primarily with outside teachers are welcome to participate in group programs.

A supportive space to learn, share, and grow as performers.

What It Is

A weekly class where students receive guidance on the pieces or exercises they are working on, check in with teachers to make sure their practice is on the right track, and perform for peers in a calm, encouraging setting.

Why It Helps

Regular, low-pressure performance opportunities help students become more comfortable playing in front of others. Over time, auditions and recitals feel less overwhelming, and students learn to stay focused, make adjustments early, and recognize steady progress.

Who Can Join

• Open to all current Cremona students and alumni

• Especially helpful for students preparing for auditions or seeking more structure in their practice

Fee

$50 per class

Focused practice, shared energy, and guided growth.

What It Is

A guided, focused coaching session held at our Englewood studio. Students practice in individual rooms while hearing others work nearby, and teachers regularly check in with each student to help them stay focused and develop more effective practice habits. Each session concludes with a short performance where students share what they have worked on.

Why It Helps

Practicing alongside other motivated students helps many players stay focused and push themselves further. With guidance and clear goals, students learn how to concentrate, practice with purpose, and develop stronger habits — while also discovering greater enjoyment in the learning process.

Who Can Join

• Open to all current Cremona students and alumni

• Best suited for intermediate to advanced students with specific goals

Fee

$100 for a 2-hour session

Building strong foundations for long-term musical growth.

What It Is

A weekly class that strengthens ear training, music theory, music history, and sight-reading, while helping students build solid fundamentals that support all areas of playing.

Course Objectives

• Deepen understanding of harmony and musical structure

• Expand knowledge of music history and stylistic awareness

• Strengthen ear training and rhythm skills through singing and exercises

• Improve sight-reading and rhythmic fluency

• Gain the tools to grow into confident, well-rounded musicians

Why It Helps

Strong fundamentals make everything else easier. YMCG helps students understand music more deeply, learn repertoire more efficiently, and feel more confident as musicians as they move toward higher-level goals.

Who Can Join

• Open to all students, including non-Cremona families

• Strongly recommended for students who want a solid musicianship foundation

Fee

$360 per 12-week cycle