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Why Music Lessons?
With so many activities to fit in, so many demands on childrens' time, this is a question asked by many parents.  What exactly is to be gained for the average child who is unlikely to become a professional musician or follow a career in music?  The answer is that music lessons can play a very important role in your child's general development.  Playing an instrument, right from the earliest stages, involves many skills - visual, auditory, tactile and kinesthetic.  Unlike many specialized activities, playing an instrument helps develop both sides of the brain at the same time, increasing both intellectual functions and physical coordination, patience and confidence.  They aid the child's emotional development by providing an outlet for self-expression.  So, music lessons are an enormously valuable educational influence as well as an introduction to the wonderful world of music, and Yes, they are fun!  At Music in Chappaqua, we believe the rewards are priceless - and they are for life.
Who We Are
Music in Chappaqua began in 1993, with students taking piano lessons in Janet Angier's basement apartment on King Street. With Janet's dedicated approach, patience and enthusiasm, the number of her students grew. She then found other talented, wonderful teachers, and by word of mouth, Music in Chappaqua grew even more. Today, the school boasts over 250 students and teaches a variety of different instruments to all age groups. In June 2002, Music in Chappaqua opened a beautiful new school in downtown Chappaqua. Each studio in the school is equipped with the best Steinway & Sons grand piano and the latest computer hardware and software, all designed to enhance the learning process. Music in Chappaqua designed a school where children will want to come, to work hard, to play and to surround themselves with other talented and hardworking students and teachers. The studios are cutting edge, exciting, a piece of modern culture, art, architecture and design. What better forum could there be for the development of a budding artist? Finally, music lessons have been brought into the new millennium.
What We Believe
A music education is an essential element in a child's development and not just the ability to play an instrument. While not many children are destined to become professional musicians, it is a great asset to be able to sit down with an instrument and amuse oneself, and maybe others - a pleasure that lasts a lifetime. Moreover, there is the cultural value and the civilizing influence of growing up with music - a return to social values, beauty, the good in life. This is what we teach at Music in Chappaqua, not simply the notes!

Janet Angier-Director Music in Chappaqua

Janet_Angier-largeBest known in Westchester as the founder and director of Music in Chappaqua, the very successful and multi-faceted school of music, Janet has an enterprising background beginning with her graduation in performance with honors from the New England Conservatory of Music, continuing with engagements with the Taiwan National Symphony and the Vienna Symphonietta, among others. But she has perhaps found her real niche as an organizer and inspirer of the many musical activities of young people, typified by her innovative and ambitious approach to programming.

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Double Bass Lessons



Rus Wimbish

rus-wimbishSince relocating to New York City in 2005, Rus Wimbish has quickly established himself as an in demand performer and educator. Not content to be just another hired professional, he currently colaborates with many of NYC's creative artists to promote, perform, and record new music. Current projects include jazz, Latin, rock, and experimental groups, plus solo classical performances. A partial list of NYC performance venues include The Knitting Factory, Rockwood Music Hall, CBGB's, Joe's Pub, and The Brooklyn Conservatory of Music.

Before moving to New York, Rus recieved a B.M. and M.M. in Jazz Studies from the prestigious University of North Texas College of Music. As an educator, Russell has taught privately for the past 11 years. His teaching experience also includes directing ensembles, teaching workshops across the country, and adjunct positions in the North Texas school system.