Settlement Music School

★★★★David Alpern

Settlement music school was founded in the early 1900s and The Mary Louise Curtis branch (named for the benefactor who funded the construction) was built in 1917. (When the school conservatory program became highly successful Mary Louise Curtis was a major benefactor for what is now the storied Curtis School of Music). There have been some additions to the original structure, but much of it is unchanged. This is one of six Settlement Schools branches throughout the city. The school primarily teaches instrumental music - classical and jazz - to primary and secondary school students (and adults). There are also dance, arts and preschool programs. The experience of the teachers ranges from recent graduates to professional performing musicians. Many arts institutions are not well funded and Settlement is no exception, although there are a variety of scholarships available for students who have difficulty affording the tuition. Finding a good fit with a teacher can be challenging so you (or your child) may end up having to study with several over time until you find one that works best. Fortunately there are a large number of teachers (especially piano and violin) so, the bureaucratic challenges of switching teachers aside, chances are good that you will compatible instructor. There are a very frequent performance opportunities for students held in the recital hall.

★★Helen Lam

Two of my children take lessons here. The early interaction with Jessica was friendly and helpful in deciding which instructors are best for my kids based on their personality and schedule. Unfortunately, once the classes start, both my kids did not like the instructors. In fact, they both cry after the class and I see that they both trying so hard to hold back their tears. It broke my heart to see how much they dislike it, especially my daughter who love piano and was so excited for the class. Because the classes are 6 month long, I decided so switch instructors right away. When we switched, we're basically starting over which wasted time and money for them to get to get to know each other again. For $$$ we spent on the classes, you would think they could do a trial to see if the kids get along with their instructor first before committing. Thankfully, my daughter love her 2nd instructor and my son is okay with his. I know some places offer trial but I could understand why Settlement don't. However, what bother me the most was their strict absent policy. When we officially enrolled for the lesson, I was given the contracts and many pages of school rules and contract terms. There were no important bullet points or calendar of when the school will be closed. During the president day holiday, there was a miscommunication between the instructor and us. I was told by one of the instructor that there are no classes on president day but then found out that there is and have to pay for the missed class with no make up opportunities. The instructor was happy to provide make up lesson but the director denied it because he said that it is clear in the school policy that settlement is open. I explain that I am new to the school and had made effort to ask the instructor in person and apparently there was a miscommunication but he firm on his decision. At the end of the conversation, the director gave me school calendar for the year because I said I saw it was taped in one of the classroom wall. If i was provided a calendar in the beginning, it would have save us all the miscommunication and stress. This experience really set the tone of the relationship that I have with the school. It feels like that we are just part of a transaction fulfilling your part of a financial obligation. I hate to have to discontinue my daughter lesson here but when the contract end, I will not be coming back. I'm looking for an environment that are more supportive and empathetic and doesn't leave me feeling stress and alone.

★★★★★Sunset Tina

this place has a great dance education. Ms. Kaye is the best teacher my daughter had for dance! I believe that there should be even more dance opportunities in the summer. For example I believe that you guys should hold tap classes! tap and ballet is my kids favourite forms of dance as of right now.

★★★C K

I waffled between two or three stars. None of my friends or acquaintances had any experience with Settlement, so I hope this review is helpful to some parents. I was looking at Temple and Settlement at the same time, and happened to speak to Settlement first. Two of my kids take lessons there. The administrator makes it VERY CLEAR you have to follow strict rules in the event of absences, and if, for whatever reason, you have to leave the school, you forfeit your registration fee. You sign a contract (which is typical with most music programs) in front of her demonstrating your understanding this. So the financial burden/obligation sets the tone of the relationship you have with the school. But every parent knows that the teacher-student relationship can be a gamble. If it doesn't work out at Settlement, you are pretty much STUCK for the contracted year (their locations are not close to one another so moving to another teacher at another school is not a realistic option for city families). I hoped for the best, but that wasn't a good strategy. The school is, for the most part, dark and dated. Think reform school with instruments. But, more importantly, there's no esprit de corp. You feel you are just part of a transaction fulfilling your part of a financial obligation. But it has parking, which fills up quickly during the weekday. One child enjoys the instruction, the other doesn't. So, when the contract comes up, I'm looking for another program that is less dogmatic and more progressive in its approach to servicing families, and has an environment, at least in spirit, that we look forward to joining and doesn't leave me feeling sad.

★★★★★Sandra Redguard

Excellent school. I took both violin and piano lessons as a hold. Those wonderful memories of that beautiful building and the amazing music coming form each of those beautiful wood floor rooms.