The Hochstein School

- 50 N Plymouth Ave, Rochester, NY 14614

In the heart of downtown Rochester, New York, The Hochstein School stands as a revered institution with a rich history spanning over a century. Founded in 1920, the school's mission has always been to provide exceptional music and dance education to people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. It is not just a school, but a community hub that nurtures personal achievement and a deep appreciation for the arts. The stunning building itself, a former church, adds to the school's unique character, with its history intertwining with prominent figures of the Underground Railroad and the funerals of Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass. This storied past permeates the atmosphere with a sense of purpose and positive energy, making it feel less like a "corporate" institution and more like a warm and nurturing home.

The Hochstein School is well-known for its dual identity as both a premier educational institution and a vibrant concert hall. The beautifully renovated performance hall, which was once the church's sanctuary, boasts outstanding acoustics that enhance every live music experience, from student recitals to professional concerts. This venue regularly hosts a variety of events, including the popular "Live from Hochstein" series and collaborations with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO) for concerts themed specifically for children, like "Orkidstra." This blend of educational and performance-based offerings creates a dynamic environment where students can not only learn but also see their art form celebrated by the wider community.

With its comprehensive programs, dedicated faculty, and an unwavering commitment to making the arts accessible, The Hochstein School continues to be a cornerstone of Rochester's cultural landscape. It’s a place where a child can discover their love for an instrument, an adult can return to a long-forgotten passion, and the entire community can gather to enjoy the power of music and dance.

The Hochstein School is conveniently located at 50 N Plymouth Ave, Rochester, NY 14614, USA. Its central downtown location makes it easily accessible for residents across Rochester and the surrounding areas. The school's commitment to inclusivity is evident in its extensive accessibility features. The facility provides a wheelchair-accessible car park, a wheelchair-accessible entrance, and wheelchair-accessible seating in the performance hall. Additionally, the building includes wheelchair-accessible toilets and an assistive hearing loop, ensuring that everyone can fully participate in classes and enjoy concerts. These thoughtful amenities highlight the school's mission to be a welcoming space for all, regardless of physical ability. The central location also makes it convenient for public transportation and those who live or work nearby, adding to its overall accessibility for the local community.

For more information about programs, concert schedules, or to enroll, you can contact The Hochstein School directly. The phone number is (585) 454-4596, and the mobile phone number is +1 585-454-4596. The school's administration is known for its responsive support and ability to help with inquiries and scheduling. They also offer a tuition assistance program, which allows individuals to pursue their education in music and dance regardless of their financial status. This commitment to accessibility is a key part of the school's identity, ensuring that no one is turned away due to an inability to pay.

The Hochstein School provides a vast array of services, catering to a wide variety of interests and age groups. Based on public information, here are some of the programs and offerings available:

• Music Instruction: A wide range of music lessons are available for children and adults, including individual and group classes for instruments such as drums, piano, guitar, stringed instruments, and wind/brass instruments, as well as voice/chorus lessons.
• Dance Education: The school offers a full spectrum of guided dance instruction, including ballet, modern, tap, Caribbean-Latin, African, and Flamenco.
• Ensemble Programs: Students can participate in various ensembles, including four student orchestras, three wind bands, three vocal ensembles, and jazz and rock bands, providing valuable collaborative experience.
• Specialized Programs: The Music FUNdamentals program is designed for very young children (6 months to 6 years), providing an engaging and nurturing introduction to music. They also have a Suzuki Strings program for children as young as three.
• Online and On-site Services: In addition to in-person instruction, the school offers online classes, providing flexibility and convenience for students.
• Live Performances: The venue hosts numerous concerts and recitals, including the "Live from Hochstein" series, which are often free and open to the public, featuring student and faculty performances, as well as guest artists.

The Hochstein School is distinguished by several key features and highlights that make it a premier institution in Rochester:

• Inclusive and Welcoming Community: The school is explicitly noted as being LGBTQ+ friendly and a transgender safe space. It has gender-neutral toilets and a mission to serve people of all backgrounds and abilities.
• Historic and Beautiful Venue: The Hochstein Performance Hall is a stunning venue with exceptional acoustics, making it a favorite for both performers and audiences.
• High-Quality Instruction: The school boasts an "impressive roster of accomplished instructors" who are dedicated to nurturing student talent. As one reviewer noted, their drum lessons with Richard were a fantastic experience.
• Commitment to Accessibility: In addition to physical accessibility, the school has a long-standing tradition of offering financial assistance, ensuring that arts education is available to all, regardless of economic status.
• Collaborations with RPO: The partnership with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra for concert series like "Orkidstra" provides unique, high-quality performance opportunities for students and introduces classical music to new, young audiences.
• Comprehensive Programs for All Ages: The school is "good for kids," but also provides a wide array of programs for teens and adults, making it a multi-generational learning hub.

What truly makes The Hochstein School a worthwhile choice is its unique blend of history, community, and excellence. The school's mission, which dates back to its founding as a "settlement school," is still relevant today, with a strong focus on providing access to the arts for everyone. This dedication is not just a slogan; it's a practice, as evidenced by their tuition assistance program and their welcoming atmosphere for the LGBTQ+ community. As a reviewer noted, the school has a "warm, friendly learning environment" where students find a "home." For children, the "Orkidstra" series with the RPO is a perfect example of how the school makes high-level music engaging and fun. For adults, the availability of both private and group lessons, as well as the chance to attend world-class concerts in a beautifully restored venue, makes it an attractive destination. The positive energy of a place that is "synonymous with music excellence" while remaining approachable and down-to-earth is its greatest asset. By choosing The Hochstein School, you are not just signing up for a class; you are becoming part of a community that has been enriching the lives of Rochester residents for over a hundred years, a place where a love for the arts is cultivated and celebrated with every lesson and every performance.

The Hochstein School

50 N Plymouth Ave, Rochester, NY 14614, USA