Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Music School in New York Since 1920
Since 1920, Diller-Quaile has been a beacon of musical excellence, dedicated to nurturing the innate musical potential in individuals of all ages. Our philosophy centers on the belief that music is a fundamental part of human life, fostering creativity, artistic growth, and lifelong engagement. With a faculty of accomplished performers and educators, we offer tailored programs from early childhood to advanced studies, emphasizing personalized instruction and performance opportunities. Our curriculum integrates pedagogical traditions from renowned educators, ensuring a holistic approach to music education. Located in New York City, we extend our impact through community programs, scholarships, and partnerships, making music accessible to diverse populations.We prioritize collaboration between teachers, students, and families, creating a supportive environment for artistic development. Performance remains central to our mission, with ensembles and recitals at every skill level. Our commitment to innovation includes remote learning options and professional development for educators. As a non-profit institution, we rely on community support to sustain our programs. Join us in celebrating over a century of musical education, where every student discovers the joy of music.
Services
Early Childhood Programs
Instrumental Lessons
Vocal Training
Adult Ensembles
Community Outreach
Teacher Development
Details
- Year established: 1920
Highlights and features
- We offer over a century of expertise in music education.
- Our faculty includes distinguished performers and experienced educators.
- We provide personalized programs for all skill levels and ages.
- We maintain partnerships to expand music access across communities.
- Our curriculum integrates internationally recognized teaching methodologies.
Associations and certifications
- Accrediting Commission for Community and Precollegiate Arts Schools
- National Association of Schools of Music
Services
Early Childhood Programs
Our Early Childhood Programs introduce children aged 3 months to 5 years to music through interactive group experiences. Classes include singing, movement, and percussion activities designed to build foundational musical skills. The curriculum incorporates international folk songs and classical repertoire, taught by experienced educators with accompanists improvising in various styles.
Instrumental Lessons
We offer personalized instrumental lessons for students aged 4 and up, covering violin, piano, guitar, and more. Lessons include weekly sessions with professional musicians and access to musicianship classes focusing on theory and ear training. Our faculty tailors instruction to individual goals while following a comprehensive curriculum.
Adult Ensembles
Adult musicians can join ensembles like Camerata Chamber Orchestra or participate in Chamber Music Workshops. These programs cater to intermediate and advanced players, offering opportunities to expand repertoire and refine performance skills under professional guidance in a collaborative environment.
Community Programs
Our Community Programs bring music education to diverse populations through partnerships with schools, senior centers, and cultural organizations. Initiatives include the Summer Music Partnership and Classical Access, providing free or subsidized music instruction and performances across New York City neighborhoods.
Teacher Training Institute
The Diller-Quaile Institute offers professional development for music educators, including workshops, semester courses, and research opportunities. Programs focus on early childhood music methods, Dalcroze eurhythmics, and piano pedagogy, with state-approved continuing education credits available for teachers.
People
Jennifer Patten
Executive Director
Jennifer Patten leads Diller-Quaile's mission to make music education accessible to all ages. With decades of experience in arts administration, she oversees strategic initiatives while maintaining the school's century-old commitment to musical excellence and community engagement.
Marissa Curry
Director of Early Childhood Program
Marissa Curry directs the Early Childhood Program, combining Montessori principles with Dalcroze and Kodaly methods. She has trained numerous educators in child-centered music instruction and manages curriculum development for infants through preschool-age children.
Jaana Kantola
Instrumental and Vocal Department Coordinator
Jaana Kantola oversees admissions and program planning for instrumental and vocal studies. She coordinates faculty placements, placement interviews, and curriculum implementation for students from beginners to advanced levels across multiple instruments.
Questions
What age groups do your programs serve?
We offer programs for infants (3 months) through adults, including specialized classes for different developmental stages.
Are there performance opportunities for students?
Yes, we provide regular solo and ensemble performance opportunities at all skill levels throughout the academic year.
Do you offer remote learning options?
Yes, we provide live remote instruction for instrumental and vocal lessons alongside in-person classes.
How are faculty members selected?
Our educators are accomplished performers and experienced teachers with expertise in proven pedagogical methods.
Are scholarships available?
As a non-profit, we offer scholarship programs supported by annual fund contributions to ensure accessibility.
What community programs do you provide?
We run initiatives like Classical Access, Senior Center Partnerships, and Summer Music Partnerships across New York City.
