Settlement Music School: A Community for the Arts in Philadelphia, PA

Settlement Music School Introduce

Settlement Music School is a Philadelphia institution with a rich history of providing high-quality arts education to the community. As one of the largest and oldest community schools for the arts in the United States, Settlement is dedicated to its mission of making music, dance, and related arts accessible to everyone, regardless of age, background, or financial circumstances. The school's philosophy is rooted in the belief that an arts education is a powerful tool for personal growth, a sentiment echoed by its alumni, including a Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright who noted that Settlement taught her "how to listen, how to cultivate a mentor, responsibility, culture, and the relationship between what I give and what I get in my individual pursuits." This focus on holistic development is a cornerstone of the Settlement experience, aiming to not only build technical skills but also to foster confidence, creativity, and a lifelong appreciation for the arts.

The school offers a wide variety of programs for all ages, from early childhood to adults and seniors. For its youngest students, the Kaleidoscope Preschool Arts Enrichment Program is a nationally recognized, award-winning program that prepares children for kindergarten through an arts-integrated curriculum. Rigorous research by West Chester University has proven that students in this program are more prepared for kindergarten than their peers in other pre-K programs, with higher vocabulary scores and an increased ability to manage emotions. This early foundation in music, creative movement, and visual art sets a strong precedent for a child's educational journey. While a limited number of fee-paying students can be accommodated, the program is primarily a collaborative partner with the School District of Philadelphia Pre-K Programs.

While the school has a long-standing reputation for excellence, it is important for new students and families to understand its operational policies, which are detailed in their extensive contracts. As one new parent noted, a clear understanding of these policies from the beginning is key to a positive experience. The school is known for its firm adherence to its rules, including a strict absent policy, which some may find challenging to navigate. However, the school also offers a high level of instruction with dedicated faculty, many of whom are current and former members of the Philadelphia Orchestra. The one-on-one approach to understanding a student's needs and recommending the best-fit instructor is a testament to their commitment to personalized education.

Settlement Music School is located at 416 Queen St, Philadelphia, PA 19147, USA, in the heart of the city's Queen Village neighborhood. The school has multiple branches throughout the greater Philadelphia area, including locations in Germantown, Northeast Philadelphia, Willow Grove, and Wynnefield. This network of branches makes its services accessible to a broad population across Pennsylvania and even in neighboring New Jersey. The Mary Louise Curtis Branch on Queen Street is well-equipped to serve all visitors. The school is committed to accessibility, with a wheelchair-accessible car park, entrance, seating, and toilet. It is also noted as being an LGBTQ+ friendly and transgender safe space, fostering an inclusive environment for a diverse community. The school offers both on-site services and online classes, providing flexibility for students to learn from anywhere.

Settlement Music School offers an extensive and varied range of services that cater to all ages and skill levels.

Individual Lessons: Private, one-on-one instruction for students of all ages and abilities.
Youth Classes: Programs for children and teens, including early childhood music, dance, and a variety of instrumental and vocal classes.
Adult Lessons and Classes: A vibrant community for adult musicians, whether they are beginners or seasoned veterans.
Advanced Classes and Programs: A sequential course of study for students with exceptional talent who may go on to professional training.
Preschool Programs: The award-winning Kaleidoscope Preschool Arts Enrichment Program, which prepares young children for kindergarten through an arts-integrated curriculum.
Dance Programs: A full curriculum of dance classes including Creative Movement, Ballet, Modern, Jazz, and Rhythm in Motion.
Music Ensembles: Opportunities to perform in various ensembles, from Rock Band to Advanced Study Chamber Ensembles.
Specialized Instruction: The Suzuki Program, which emphasizes listening, repetition, and a close relationship between student and teacher.

Settlement Music School stands as a respected institution with a number of features and highlights that set it apart.

Premier Arts Education: The school's status as the largest community school for the arts in the U.S. and its extensive history since 1908 speak to its high standing.
Experienced Faculty: The faculty consists of highly credentialed professionals, including current and former members of the Philadelphia Orchestra, ensuring top-tier instruction.
Comprehensive and Inclusive: The school offers a wide range of programs for all ages and skill levels, with a stated commitment to serving all individuals regardless of background or financial circumstances.
Welcoming and Safe Environment: It is recognized as an LGBTQ+ friendly and transgender safe space, fostering a truly inclusive community.
Excellent Accessibility: With a wheelchair-accessible car park, entrance, seating, and toilet, the school is built to welcome a diverse population.
Holistic Approach: The school focuses on building character and life skills, in addition to technical proficiency in music and dance.
Proven Success: The Kaleidoscope Preschool program is supported by research from West Chester University, showing its effectiveness in preparing children for kindergarten.

For more information, to enroll in a class, or to schedule a meeting with a staff member, you can contact Settlement Music School at the following address and phone number.

Address: 416 Queen St, Philadelphia, PA 19147, USA

Phone: (215) 320-2601

For families and individuals in the Pennsylvania region, Settlement Music School is a powerful and enriching choice for arts education. What makes it truly worth choosing is its century-long legacy of excellence and its unwavering commitment to community. While the school's strict policies may be challenging for some, its dedication to providing high-quality instruction is undeniable. The presence of world-class faculty and the opportunity for students to learn from the very best is a unique draw. For those seeking an early childhood program, the proven success of the Kaleidoscope Preschool makes it a top consideration for parents who want their children to be well-prepared for school.

The broad range of offerings, from a variety of dance styles to a full music curriculum for all instruments, means that students do not have to look elsewhere as they grow and their interests evolve. The school is a place where a child who loves piano can eventually grow into a professional musician, and where someone looking for a new hobby as an adult can find a welcoming community. The testimonials from satisfied students and families highlight the deep and lasting impact the school has on their lives, cementing a passion for music and art. While some personal experiences may vary, the overall reputation of the school as a "premier music school" and a place that helps individuals find their "pathway to music" remains strong. For a comprehensive, high-quality, and inclusive arts education, Settlement Music School stands as a beacon in the heart of Philadelphia.

Settlement Music School Services

Music School
Adult lessons
Advanced classes
Beginner's classes
Intermediate classes
Private lessons
Youth classes

Settlement Music School Details

Service options
Online classes
On-site services

Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Wheelchair-accessible toilet

Crowd
LGBTQ+ friendly
Transgender safe space

Children
Good for kids

Settlement Music School Photos

Settlement Music School Location

Settlement Music School

Pennsylvania Philadelphia County Philadelphia Queen Village Queen Street

416 Queen St, Philadelphia, PA 19147, USA

Settlement Music School Reviews

An average rating of ★4 from 23 user reviews.★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

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.
May 22 · Helen Lam
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.
April 03 · Sunset Tina
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.
January 15 · C K
Very unprofessional interaction with Rebecca Dhondt from the administrative staff. Her conduct when interacting with my small business has very much put me off of recommending the programs offered to those in my community as I have in the past. I'm disappointed because I respected Settlement so much before now.
February 27 · Rebecca Foxman
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.
January 22 · Sandra Redguard