The Cortlandt School of Performing Arts Introduce
For families and individuals across Westchester County and the greater Hudson Valley, The Cortlandt School of Performing Arts (CSPA) represents the gold standard in music education and performance experiences. Located in the charming town of Croton-On-Hudson, NY, CSPA is far more than just a typical music school; it is a full-service performing arts hub, complete with professional instruction, a dedicated on-site music store, and instrument rental services. This unique combination makes it an unparalleled resource for New Yorkers seeking to begin, advance, or enrich their musical journey.
Founded by Carol and Ray Arrucci, a husband-and-wife duo with over 70 years of combined experience in the music industry, CSPA's vision is rooted in professional quality and community dedication. The school’s mission is to cultivate a deep love and knowledge of the performing arts at both the pre-professional and recreational levels, utilizing the arts as a powerful tool to nurture creativity, self-esteem, mental health, and physical well-being. The positive, inviting studio spaces and the team of professional, highly qualified educators create a supportive environment where students—from young beginners to seasoned adults—are encouraged to achieve their personal best.
Whether a student is interested in classical piano, rock guitar, or preparation for a musical theater career, The Cortlandt School of Performing Arts offers comprehensive programs. They ensure a convenient and professional experience from the very first lesson by not only providing instruction but also offering the essential equipment needed to succeed. This commitment to holistic music support—from private lessons with conservatory-trained musicians to hassle-free instrument rentals—has made CSPA Upper Westchester's busiest and most complete music school and store, a fact highly appreciated by local New York patrons.
The Cortlandt School of Performing Arts is ideally situated to serve the residents of Westchester and Putnam Counties. Its location in Croton-On-Hudson, New York, at 24 Old Albany Post Rd, Croton-On-Hudson, NY 10520, USA, provides convenient access for neighboring towns and local commuters. The location was strategically chosen to become an "arts hub" for the community, often being near other performing arts services, creating a focused destination for creative pursuits.
Recognizing the needs of all community members and the importance of a smooth student experience, the facility ensures excellent accessibility and parking. Key features include:
- On-site parking is available, providing a practical and easy solution for drop-offs, pick-ups, and class attendance, a crucial detail for busy New York families.
- A Wheelchair accessible entrance is provided, ensuring all students, parents, and visitors can easily and safely enter the beautiful studio spaces.
- Dedicated Wheelchair accessible parking lot spaces further enhance convenience for those with mobility challenges.
- The school is known to be particularly Good for kids, fostering an environment where young musicians feel welcome and engaged.
Furthermore, in a modern, post-pandemic educational landscape, CSPA offers flexibility through both traditional Onsite services and contemporary Online classes, allowing New York students to choose the learning format that best fits their schedule and comfort level.
As a comprehensive performing arts facility, The Cortlandt School of Performing Arts offers a wide spectrum of services that cater to musicians of all ages, skill levels, and musical interests. Their instructional offerings are diverse and staffed by professional Music instructors.
- Private Lessons: The cornerstone of instruction, offering one-on-one personalized coaching on a vast array of instruments and voice. Instruments taught include piano, drums, voice, guitar, ukulele, woodwinds (flute, clarinet, saxophone, etc.), brass, and strings (violin, viola, cello).
- Youth Classes: Programs specifically designed for younger students (K-12th graders) to engage them in developing their musical talents, self-esteem, and creativity.
- Adult Lessons: Tailored instruction for adults of all skill levels, whether they are returning to an instrument or starting for the first time.
- Beginner's Classes: Foundational instruction for students with no prior musical experience, taught by professional educators dedicated to student success.
- Intermediate Classes: Courses designed to build upon foundational skills, focusing on advanced technique, musicality, and theory.
- Advanced Classes: High-level instruction and coaching for students preparing for conservatory entrance, university programs, or professional careers.
- Online Classes: Flexible learning options via live video, allowing students to access the same high-quality instruction from the comfort of their New York homes.
- Musical Instrument Rental Service: A convenient, on-site service offering high-quality, educator-approved instruments for rent, complete with free regular maintenance and a loaner instrument for repairs.
- Music Store: An on-site retail space where students can purchase accessories (reeds, rosin, strings, etc.), music books, and even new Musical instruments at competitive prices.
What sets The Cortlandt School of Performing Arts apart for New York residents is its commitment to both excellence in instruction and full-service convenience, creating a truly all-in-one musical resource.
- Professional, High-Quality Educators: The staff consists of conservatory-trained musicians, professional educators, recording artists, and Equity actors, ensuring students receive instruction from masters in their field with dynamic backgrounds in performance and teaching.
- Comprehensive Instrument Offerings: Unlike schools specializing in a single instrument, CSPA offers private lessons on nearly all standard instruments, including piano, drums, voice, guitar/ukulele, woodwinds, brass, and strings.
- On-Site Instrument Rental and Retail ("The Music Depot"): The school eliminates the hassle of multiple stops by offering a dedicated Musical instrument rental service and a Music store on the premises, complete with accessories, music books, and wholesale prices on new instruments.
- Performance Opportunities: The CSPA community is highly focused on performance, often featuring concerts in their own cabaret room and organizing unique events like the "Music in the Parking Lot" summer concert series, which cultivate confidence and live performance experience.
- Founders’ Dedication: The school is guided by the extensive experience of Carol and Ray Arrucci, whose combined decades in composing, touring, directing, and performing for large audiences inform the high standards of the curriculum.
- Positive and Professional Environment: Patrons consistently praise the "positive environment for learning" and the "clean, beautiful and inviting studio spaces" with welcoming and friendly receptionists, making the entire experience enjoyable.
- Flexibility and Convenience: The availability of both Onsite services and Online classes, coupled with a commitment to being reasonably priced, provides significant value and convenience to busy New York families.
New York residents in the Hudson Valley area, including Westchester and Putnam Counties, can easily reach The Cortlandt School of Performing Arts to inquire about classes, schedule a lesson, or arrange an instrument rental. The professional staff are ready to assist with all your music education and retail needs.
Address: 24 Old Albany Post Rd, Croton-On-Hudson, NY 10520, USA
Phone: (914) 402-4250
Mobile Phone: +1 914-402-4250
The Cortlandt School of Performing Arts is absolutely worth choosing for any New Yorker seeking quality music instruction for several compelling reasons that solidify its standing as a regional leader. The most significant factor is the **unmatched quality of instruction**. The school does not rely on average teachers; they hire the highest quality, certified music teachers, conservatory-trained artists, and professional performers, guaranteeing a premium educational experience that is crucial for a student’s long-term musical success.
Furthermore, CSPA addresses the logistical challenges of music education by combining three essential services into one convenient location: the Music School, the **Musical instrument rental service**, and the **Music store**. For a parent in Westchester, being able to secure piano lessons, rent a clarinet for band, and purchase sheet music all in one place simplifies an often complicated process. This "one-stop-shopping" for music education is a major value-add.
Finally, the ethos of the school, championed by its owners, is centered on a nurturing and encouraging environment. Reviewers highlight the highly professional, organized, and encouraging staff, which is particularly beneficial for youth classes where a positive experience is paramount to continued learning. By choosing CSPA, you are investing in high-quality teaching, unparalleled convenience, and a community dedicated to cultivating a lifelong love of the performing arts.
The Cortlandt School of Performing Arts Services
Music School
- Adult lessons
- Advanced classes
- Beginner's classes
- Intermediate classes
- Private lessons
- Youth classes
The Cortlandt School of Performing Arts Details
Service options
- Online classes
- Onsite services
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Children
- Good for kids
Parking
- On-site parking
The Cortlandt School of Performing Arts Photos







The Cortlandt School of Performing Arts Location
The Cortlandt School of Performing Arts
24 Old Albany Post Rd, Croton-On-Hudson, NY 10520, USA
The Cortlandt School of Performing Arts Reviews
voicepiano
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1A positive environment for learning! Professional educators dedicated to the success of their students! Clean, beautiful and inviting studio spaces with welcoming and friendly receptionists. Thank you, Carol and Ray Arrucci for bringing such high quality music education and performance experiences to three towns in Westchester County!
September 16 · Annette VaccaroThis is our 1st year here and my daughter has been taking piano and she absolutely loves it. They have great staff from clerical to the teacher's. They are very professional, organized and reasonably priced. Mrs. Andrea is a awesome teacher very kind, professional, and encouraging. We definitely will continue here.
February 18 · Monique Mojica-AponteBoth my children and my husband have taken music lessons here. Carol and Ray attract and retain amazing teachers. Their twice annual recitals are very impressive. This is a studio for students who want quality training with a friendly atmosphere. Carol also leads the Westchester Women's Chorus in which I participate. She has formed a group of women that is fun and full of community which welcomes singers by audition - yet of varying degrees of vocal experience and training. She gives tirelessly to this group to create quality performances with both challenging choral music and fun engaging popular music. We also travel to nursing homes and community events to share the power of music. CSPA is a wonderful place!
June 13 · Katie FederWhat a great find was CSPA for me. Having decided to take piano lessons as a retirement reward, CSPA was recommended as THE place to go.I believe I am gifted with the world’s best piano teacher in Kessa Mefford.She has such a sweet balance of humor, encouragement, talent patience and kindness.She instinctively knows just how far to move me forward without causing too much frustration.I look forward to arriving each week with Ray’s friendly greeting and chatter about the music world. Carol keeps me on track with great on-line communication reminders each week of lessons and CSPA calendar.The location is great as CSPA in Croton is located above the Carvel ice cream store and is also close to my home.
June 14 · Martha MarescoCSPA is incredible! Carol and Ray are consummate vocal professionals who have transformed my daughter into the singer we always knew she could be! It took Carol about 5 minutes to know what she needed and we completely trust her in training our daughter vocally. In just a few short months, she has found her voice thanks to Carol! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!
May 11 · Linda Adair
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