Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Arts Education Partner in Philadelphia
Founded in 1908, Settlement Music School has established itself as a premier institution for arts education in the Greater Philadelphia region. Our mission centers on providing accessible, high-quality instruction in music, dance, and creative arts therapy to students of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels. With six branches and over 200 credentialed faculty members, we offer tailored programs including early childhood music classes, individual instrument instruction, ensemble performance opportunities, and specialized arts therapy services. Our faculty combines professional expertise with a commitment to personalized learning, ensuring students develop technical proficiency alongside confidence and creativity.Accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Precollegiate Arts Schools (ACCPAS), we maintain rigorous educational standards while prioritizing inclusivity through financial aid and community partnerships. The schools legacy of excellence is reflected in its recognition by the Philadelphia Music Alliance Walk of Fame and its role as a National Guild for Community Arts Education member with the highest accreditation level. Through innovative programs like the Kardon-Northeast Center for Arts Therapy and Music Education Pathways, we continue to expand access to transformative arts experiences that empower individuals and strengthen communities.
Services
Music Lessons
Dance Classes
Arts Therapy
Summer Camps
Early Childhood Programs
Ensemble Performance
Adult Education
Suzuki Method
Creative Arts Therapy
Instrument Instruction
Details
- Year established: 1908
Highlights and features
- We offer 115+ years of proven excellence in arts education.
- Our 200+ credentialed faculty provide personalized instruction across 25+ instruments.
- We serve all ages with programs from infant music playshops to adult chamber ensembles.
- Our Kardon Center for Arts Therapy provides accredited music, dance, and art therapy services.
- We maintain six accessible branches across the Greater Philadelphia region.
Associations and certifications
- ACCPAS
What people say
Second home for music education
Compassionate expert teachers
Creative community support
Transformative confidence building
Excellent early childhood programs
Services
Music Lessons
Private and group music lessons for 25+ instruments cater to all skill levels from beginners to advanced students. Our experienced faculty customizes instruction to develop technical proficiency while fostering creativity and musical understanding. Lessons incorporate performance opportunities and ensemble participation to build practical skills and confidence.
Creative Arts Therapy
Board-certified therapists use music, dance, and art interventions to address mental health, developmental, and emotional needs across all age groups. Sessions focus on personalized goal achievement through creative expression without requiring prior artistic experience. Services include individual and group therapy options at all six branch locations.
Early Childhood Programs
Age-appropriate music and movement classes for infants through preschoolers develop foundational musical skills and cognitive development. Structured play activities enhance socialization and learning readiness through rhythmic exercises, folk dances, and interactive sound exploration. Parent participation fosters bonding and early creative engagement.
Dance Education
Comprehensive dance curriculum includes ballet, modern, jazz, and creative movement for ages 3-18. Classes emphasize proper technique, physical development, and artistic expression through sequential skill-building programs. Performance opportunities and specialized workshops support both recreational and pre-professional dance aspirations.
Summer Camps
Immersive summer programs combine music, dance, and creative arts in collaborative learning environments. Campers participate in ensemble rehearsals, instrument exploration, and interdisciplinary projects culminating in final performances. Specialized tracks include jazz band, rock ensemble, and arts-integrated preschool programs.
People
Quiara Alegra Hudes
Alumna and Pulitzer Prize-winning Playwright
Studied piano at Settlement, gaining foundational skills that shaped her artistic development. Credits include the Pulitzer Prize-winning play 'Water by the Spoonful' and the memoir 'My Broken Language.' Continues to support Settlement's community impact.
Ellie Taylor
Faculty and Former Student
Piano instructor and alumna who progressed from student to conservatory-bound educator. Mentors students through personalized instruction while maintaining an active performance schedule. Represents Settlement's legacy of nurturing talent through all educational stages.
Laura Cerulli
Program Director, Kardon Center for Arts Therapy
Licensed music therapist with over 15 years of experience directing creative arts therapy programs. Specializes in adapting therapeutic interventions for neurodiverse populations and developmental needs. Oversees all six branch locations' arts therapy services.
Ilya Ovrutsky
Faculty Flute Instructor
Professional flutist and educator with international performance experience. Teaches masterclasses and private lessons focusing on classical technique and contemporary interpretations. Active performer with the Philadelphia Orchestra's affiliate ensembles.
Kaye N. Fernandez
Dance Faculty
Early childhood dance specialist with 20+ years of experience developing Settlement's Kaleidoscope Preschool program. Combines dance education with developmental psychology to create engaging movement curricula for young learners.
Questions
What age groups do you serve?
We offer programs for infants as young as 6 months through adult education, with specialized curricula for every developmental stage.
Do you offer financial aid?
Yes, we provide need-based scholarships and financial aid packages to ensure accessibility for all students regardless of economic circumstances.
Are there performance opportunities?
All students receive multiple performance opportunities annually through recitals, ensemble concerts, and community outreach events.
What instruments can I study?
We offer instruction in 25+ instruments including piano, strings, woodwinds, brass, percussion, and voice with specialized faculty for each.
Do you have arts therapy services?
Our Kardon Center provides accredited music, dance, and art therapy services for clients of all ages with mental health, developmental, and emotional needs.
How do I choose a teacher?
Our staff matches students with faculty based on learning style, instrument focus, and scheduling needs during the enrollment consultation process.
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