Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Award-Winning Music Education & Therapy in Cleveland
The Music Settlement is a century-old community music school rooted in the Settlement Movement, dedicated to uniting people through music and arts. Founded in 1912, we offer award-winning music instruction, early childhood education, and pioneering music therapy programs. Our three centersthe Center for Music, Center for Early Childhood, and Center for Music Therapyprovide accessible, life-enhancing experiences for all ages and abilities.We operate two campuses in Cleveland, Ohio, and manage BOP STOP, a premier listening room venue. Our commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility (IDEA) ensures that financial circumstances or background never hinder participation. With a faculty of exceptional artists and educators, we foster individual growth and creativity while building thriving communities through music and the arts.
Services
Music Lessons
Early Childhood Education
Music Therapy
BOP STOP Concerts
Summer Camps
Suzuki Program
Jazz Education
Creative Aging Classes
Event Rentals
Outreach Programs
Details
- Year established: 1912
Highlights and features
- We offer music instruction since 1912 with faculty trained at top conservatories.
- Our early childhood program holds Ohio's highest Step Up to Quality rating.
- We pioneered the first large-scale community music therapy program in the U.S.
- BOP STOP, our venue, ranks among Downbeat Magazine's top international jazz clubs.
- We provide financial assistance to ensure accessibility for all families.
What people say
Award-winning music programs
Top-rated preschool
Lifelong musicianship focus
Inclusive community
Premier jazz venue
Services
Music Lessons
The Music Settlement offers personalized music lessons for all skill levels, from beginners to advanced students. Our faculty includes graduates of top conservatories and professional musicians. Lessons cover diverse genres, including classical, jazz, and contemporary styles. Students gain technical proficiency, performance confidence, and a lifelong appreciation for music through tailored curricula.
Early Childhood Education
Our Gold Award-winning early childhood programs blend music, science, drama, and art in a child-centered curriculum. Designed for ages 3-6, classes foster social, emotional, and cognitive development through creative play. The Ohio-certified program includes half-day preschool, full-day kindergarten, and summer camps with a focus on holistic growth and early literacy.
Music Therapy
Established in 1966, our Center for Music Therapy uses evidence-based interventions to address cognitive, emotional, and behavioral challenges. Board-certified therapists work with clients from infants to seniors, offering individual and group sessions. Services include clinical support for developmental disabilities, mental health, and rehabilitation through customized music experiences.
BOP STOP Concerts
BOP STOP at The Music Settlement hosts over 300 annual concerts featuring local and international artists. This acoustically pristine venue offers intimate jazz, blues, and contemporary music performances with Lake Erie views. Proceeds support the organizations educational programs, creating a cultural hub for Clevelands music community.
Summer Camps
Our summer camps provide immersive music and arts experiences for children and teens. Activities include ensemble playing, creative workshops, and performance opportunities. Camps cater to varying skill levels, combining structured learning with playful exploration to develop artistic confidence and social connections.
People
Jeff Brown
Chair, Center for Music
A graduate of the Eastman School of Music, Jeff Brown brings extensive performance and educational leadership experience. He has performed globally as a soloist and chamber musician, winning accolades in international competitions. His administrative roles include directing music programs at Western Illinois University before joining The Music Settlement.
Rachel Bernstein
Suzuki Cello Instructor
Rachel Bernstein has over 25 years of Suzuki cello teaching experience and holds certifications in Orff Schulwerk and Music Together methods. A former member of The Strings chamber group with Cleveland Orchestra members, she trains students in traditional and Suzuki techniques while emphasizing creative expression.
Hannah Bohn
Clinical Music Therapist
Board-certified music therapist Hannah Bohn specializes in hospice care and mental health. She graduated from the University of Dayton with a degree in Music Therapy and completed internships in Minneapolis. Her work spans hospitals, schools, and residential facilities, focusing on holistic patient well-being.
Dave Borocz-Johnson
Chief of Staff
Dave Borocz-Johnson holds a Masters in Social Administration from Case Western Reserve University. Prior to joining The Music Settlement, he worked in grants management and nonprofit administration. He aligns his passion for music with organizational leadership to support community engagement initiatives.
Emily Cole
Vice President, Advancement
Emily Cole brings 20+ years of nonprofit fundraising experience, including roles at Cleveland Play House and Oberlin College. She leads advancement strategies to sustain The Music Settlements programs, leveraging her expertise in donor relations and institutional growth.
Questions
What music programs does The Music Settlement offer?
We provide private lessons, ensembles, and group classes for all ages in classical, jazz, and contemporary styles. Specialized programs include Suzuki instruction, jazz education, and creative aging classes.
Is financial assistance available for lessons or preschool?
Yes, we offer a generous financial assistance program to ensure accessibility regardless of economic circumstances. Applications are reviewed based on need.
What makes your early childhood program unique?
Our Ohio-rated Gold Award preschool integrates music and arts into a holistic curriculum, focusing on social-emotional development, early literacy, and creative play for children aged 3-6.
Can I rent BOP STOP for private events?
Yes, BOP STOP hosts private events with tailored support for weddings, corporate functions, and community gatherings in its acoustically superior venue.
Are music therapy services covered by insurance?
Coverage varies by provider; we recommend checking with your insurer. Our board-certified therapists work with families to maximize accessibility through flexible payment options.
How do I apply for preschool or music programs?
Applications for preschool and music programs are available online. Contact our admissions team for personalized guidance through the enrollment process.
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