Board of Directors
Michael “Flea” Balzary—Cofounder
Keith Barry—Cofounder
Joe Braun
Bo Gardner
Eric Greenspan
Anthony Kiedis
Michael Lerch
Ian Montone
Jennifer Rey
John Silva
Susan Wiesner
Our mission at Silverlake Conservatory of Music, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, is to facilitate a dynamic music education and to teach beginning and accomplished musicians of all skill levels. Our primary focus is on the youth of the community, but all are welcome and encouraged to participate. The Conservatory offers private music lessons on all orchestral and band instruments, as well as a variety of ensemble classes at a reasonable cost. We grant scholarships to children who qualify, providing free lessons and instruments. The performances and recitals put on by the Conservatory are a fulfilling experience for the students and a beautiful outreach to the community. Our goal is to keep our standard of teaching at the highest level while maintaining a friendly, fun and nurturing environment. The study of music enriches not only the lives of the student and teacher, but the community and society as well.
Silverlake Conservatory of Music a Brief History
In the later part of the previous century Michael ‘Flea’ Balzary paid a visit to his former school, Fairfax High. As he toured the campus he became aware that through fiscal cutbacks his beloved music program had been decimated. He often credited that very same program for the success he was now enjoying as a world famous musician. He wanted to do something to help alleviate this shortcoming.
His close friend and fellow Fairfax High alumnus, Keith Barry, had been teaching music for years and so an idea was born. To fill the gap in music education the idea was to create a music school and as soon as possible begin to offer scholarships to kids that might not have access to lessons or instruments. Enlisting the help of their friend Pete Weiss the school was built at Sunset Junction in Silverlake with the doors opening in 2001. Gaining full non-profit status in the year 2003 the school began achieving the goals central to its mission.
In the interceding years new programs have been introduced, choirs, orchestras, summer school programs for kids, songwriting workshops and more. Each semester a recital is held to celebrate our love of music. A gala benefit concert is held each year with artists donating their efforts to help raise funding for our programs. Neil Young, Patti Smith, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Metallica and many others too numerous to mention, though equally appreciated, have participated. After fifteen years SCM has outgrown our home in Sunset Junction.
Through our fundraising efforts and the dedicated hard work of our incredible staff and talented teachers we are now embarking on the next phase of the Silverlake Conservatory of Music. A new permanent home has been found and in the early summer of 2016 we are humbled to announce that we will be opening doors at 4652 Hollywood Boulevard. The new facility is housed in a building built in 1931 and was remodeled to offer the best use to our students, community and friends. We are thrilled to know that our music school is set up to thrive and be of service well into the future and beyond.
SCM’s new home, designed by Bestor Architecture, is in the middle of a thriving block on the border of Los Feliz and Silverlake. Formerly a light-filled makeup factory on Hollywood Boulevard, the original brick walls and wood bowstring truss ceiling from 1930 have been lovingly restored and refreshed to bring warmth and light to the renovated interior. The 13 lesson studios and large recital space in the rear of our new home compliment the beautiful student and parent lounge and music store at the front. There is color and vibrancy throughout the space, making SCM an exciting hub of activity that reflects the creativity of our faculty and students. SCM’s new home triples our capacity and allows us to double our scholarship program, offering more music education for the kids and kids at heart in our community.
Silverlake Conservatory of Music’s retail store offers essential supplies for the study of music. We also carry a fine selection of starter instruments, instruction books, musical gifts and accessories.
Michael “Flea” Balzary—Cofounder
Keith Barry—Cofounder
Joe Braun
Bo Gardner
Eric Greenspan
Anthony Kiedis
Michael Lerch
Ian Montone
Jennifer Rey
John Silva
Susan Wiesner
Keith Barry (Dean)
Erin Bentlage
Jan Bhagwandin
Michael Bolger
Derrick Davis
Teresita Delgado
Catina Deluna
Melissa Dougherty
Matthew Evans
Ted Falcon
Brett Farkas
Christopher Garwood
Zachary Gertzman
Edan Gillen
SJ Hasman
Carla Hassett
Kerim Imes
Jessica Jeza
Keith Larsen
Cynthia Law
Lonnie Marshall
Pablo Mendez Sr.
Dante Pascuzzo
Marc Rey
Matthew Selby
Jason Schimmel
Ann Sheridan
Amanda Shokrian
Mark Switzer
Mike Uhler
Susan Winsberg
Jan Arnold
Jennie Cook
Michelle Fierro
SJ Hasman
Tammy Jo Leonard
Ashley Thomas Macias
Amanda Millett
Betina Papadeas
Jennifer Rey
Jim Shanas
Lisa Schwartz
Keith Barry—Dean & Cofounder
Jennifer Rey—Executive Director
SJ Hasman—Director of Programs
Ashley Thomas Macias—Manager
Cristina Oseguera Perez
Veronica Hassett
Molly Monarch
Olamipo Somoye
Chloe Cappo
Gary Leonard—Photography
Jenny Cottle—Bookkeeping
Peter Weiss—Cofounder
The curriculum employed at Silverlake Conservatory of Music includes instrumental technique, vocal technique, and music reading. As a student’s proficiency increases, examples of various musical idioms are used and music theory is introduced.
Please call 323.665.3363 to schedule lessons
Grades 5-12, minimum 3 years study of instrument or approval of instructor; students must be able to play all major and minor chords and have basic knowledge of scales
Live Wire focuses on learning to work well and share creatively with others in a band setting. Skills that are emphasized in Live Wire are: ear training, song structure, dynamics, songwriting, group performance and leadership. Class is divided into a songwriting component (where students will create original music from scratch) and a song learning component (where students will learn how to play songs by other artists). All instruments welcome.
Fridays / Band A: 4:00 – 5:30pm / Band B: 5:30 – 7:00pm / April 6 – June 8/ $175 *$190 after April 6*
Grades 2 – 6, no pre-requisite
Young musicians come together in this highly collaborative and very creative songwriting class. Kids will brainstorm ideas, write lyrics, learn song structures, develop melodies, create solos and perform their own original songs together in an ensemble. We will showcase our songs in our new SCM facility “coffeeshop” style periodically throughout the year. Kids walk away confident, proud songwriters and performers! Instrumentalists and singers of all levels are welcome & encouraged to join. Students are required to bring a notebook & pencil to every class.
Mondays 6:30-7:30pm / February 5, 2018 – May 14, 2018 / $275 *$290 after February 5th*
Grade 4 – Adult, minimum 2 years study of instrument, or approval of instructor
Silverlake Conservatory’s instrumental ensemble program, the Peace Orchestra, is expanding
and improving! Our orchestra is a full studio ensemble that prepares and performs compositions
in styles ranging from baroque to contemporary. Our growing, multi-generational orchestra
program now also includes regular section rehearsals. There will be opportunities for members
to learn to compose and arrange music!
Wednesdays 5:30 – 7pm (***Sectionals every Monday) / April 4 – June 6 / $150 *$165 after April 4th*
SCM is proud to be partnering with PLAY, a mixed-age music and movement program for babies, toddlers, preschoolers and their families.
WEDNESDAYS 9:30am, 10:30am, 11:30am / April 4 – June 6 / FRIDAYS 9:30am, 10:30am, 11:30am / April 6 – June 8
For more information and to register for classes, please visit PLAY
Ages 4 – 1st grade
Our early childhood Music Education program has quickly become a popular destination for little music monsters every Saturday morning. A place where children can gain confidence, express themselves musically, and have a ton of fun doing it. Singing, drumming, body movement, a gigantic taiko drum, music notation, more singing, games, boom boom boom! Also, a great way for children to prepare for private lessons.
Saturdays 10:00 – 10:50am & 11 – 11:50am / March 31 – May 5 / $135 *$150 after March 31*
Grade 2-6, no pre-requisite
A choir of singers who learn to follow/read music, match pitch, harmonize, blend, be musical, care for posture, respect fellow singers and sing! Many styles and genres are rehearsed, as well as material in different languages. Singing with heart and confidence is this group’s specialty – they work hard and have a blast!
Mondays 5:00 – 6:20pm / February 26, 2018 – June 10, 2018 / $210 *$225 after February 26th*
Grade 7-12, no pre-requisite
This vocal ensemble of boys and girls is the next level after Youth Chorale. The kids work on more advanced harmony, and sophisticated music. Again, a diverse selection of music is picked, and there are many opportunities for soloists to perform.
Mondays 6:40 – 8pm / February 26, 2018 – June 10, 2018 / $210 *$225 after February 26th*
Adult, no pre-requisite
Our adult community choir is made up of women and men of varying musical backgrounds and experiences who share the common love of singing. The singers work hard, have a ton of fun and sing their tails off! Song choices are diverse, hitting traditional choral pieces, gospel, vocal jazz, world music and popular music. Music is often challenging, so rehearsal tracks are offered to assist in practice outside of rehearsal. Perhaps just a community choir, this group of inspiring and uplifting singers is working like they are getting paid!
Sundays 6 – 8:30pm / February 25, 2018 – June 10, 2018 / $210 *$225 after February 25th*
2nd – 7th grade
All instruments and voice
All skill levels
$450
This is a 2-week music immersion where kids who share a passion for music are brought together for a full day of all things music! Each day students rotate into 4 classes where they will be composing, arranging and rehearsing in various ensembles, listening, singing, playing instruments, and learning music literacy. Our teachers and staff are encouraging and supportive and we strive for an environment where kids feel they can indulge their creative spirits as well as gain the discipline that is required to be a music learner. All skill levels are welcome and will be challenged accordingly. New friendships are made and a ton of fun is had. Campers give a lively performance on the last day of camp and it’s always astonishing how much music they learn in 2 weeks!
SESSION I: June 18 – June 29
SESSION II: July 9 – July 20
SESSION III: July 30 – August 10
BRING ON THE MUSIC! MUSIC INTENSIVE
6th – 12th grade
All instruments and voice
Audition or recommendation of SCM faculty
4+ years experience is recommended
$325
This is a 6-day intensive program for young musicians who have studied their instrument for a number of years and would like to meet with other kids who also have a great passion for their craft and wish to take it to a new level. The faculty is made up of professional musicians and singers who will lead the kids in this challenging and rigorous program. This is a noncompetitive environment that focuses on process, not product. Students will rotate into 5 classes daily including instrumental and vocal technique, composition/arranging, small ensemble, large ensemble, improvisation, and music literacy. Camp will conclude with a recording session.
INTENSIVE CAMP SESSION: July 23 – July 28
To set up an audition or inquire about the Camp Intensive, please email sjhasman@me.com
9th-12th grade, Community Service Hours
SCM offers music students from 9th – 12th grade the opportunity to continue participating in our rigorous summer music program as mentors and teacher assistants. These young adults are all current music students who are motivated, inspirational, positive, confident and responsible – all things we like to model for our young musician campers. As most teachers know, it’s when we act as leaders that we really take our own craft to the next level. Tuition is waived for our mentors and community service hours can be accrued. If you would like to apply, please email sjhasman@me.com with Summer Camp Internship in the subject.
Grade 9-Adult, no pre-requisite
Singers reading music, and instrumentalists singing what they read – two important parts of a musicians education that we encourage! Focusing on reading rhythms, reading written music, basic music theory, and ear training, this class will help strengthen your confidence and ability when it comes to sight singing! Beginning/intermediate levels.
Sundays, 6:00pm – 8:00pm / August 19 – September 30 / $90
Adult, no pre-requisite
This is a 6-week course dedicated to adults who want to learn the art of performance. All students bring 2 songs to workshop every week to sing for the group. Students will receive constructive critique and feedback in preparation for a performance at the end of the 6 weeks. Each singer will spend ample time on the microphone and work with a professional accompanist and voice teacher. This is an encouraging and generous group of people coming from various backgrounds and levels of experience who root for each other. It is a very supportive environment. (10 students)
Sundays 6:00pm – 9:00pm / August 5, 2018 – September 16, 2018 / $325
Private lessons are $30 per half hour on a month-to-month basis. Lessons are the same time every week, same place, with the same instructor. There is a one time $20 registration fee for new students to the school.
We ask that students give us at least 24 hours notice when they cannot make a class; they will receive a credit for this class that will carry over to the following month. Classes cancelled with less than 24 hours notice will not receive a credit, and makeup lessons are not guaranteed. Only one credit will be offered per month. There are NO refunds available.
Silverlake Conservatory of Music admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all rights privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color national or ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admission policies, scholarship and loan program, and athletic and other school administered programs.
Late payments for private lessons are subject to a $15 late fee. Late registrations for ensemble classes are subject to a $15 late fee.
One of the primary missions of Silverlake Conservatory of Music is to provide scholarships to children whose families would otherwise be unable to afford lessons. Through a variety of sources including: personal contributions, corporate contributions, musical instrument donation, and in-house fundraising activities – the Conservatory has maintained a strong roster of talented and committed future musicians. We strive to address the decrease in arts education in schools while providing cultural enrichment to our community at large.
Lessons are 30 minutes long, with the availability for hour-long lessons if the schedule permits.
Private instruction begins at kindergarten age.
No, all of our lessons are one-on-one between the student and instructor.
We schedule all of our lessons over the phone or in person—please give us a call at 323.665.3363 and we will be happy to help you!
The Fret House Inc
309 N Citrus Avenue
Covina, CA 91723
626.339.7020
guitars/ukuleles/banjos/
bass guitars/mandolins/harmonicas
Thomas Metzler
Violin Shop
604 S. Central Avenue
Glendale, CA 91204
818.246.0278
violins/violas/cellos/basses
Keyboard Concepts
5539 Van Nuys Boulevard
Sherman Oaks, CA 91401
818.787.0201
New & used pianos/rentals
Old Town Music
42 E Colorado Boulevard
Pasadena, CA 91105
626.793.4730
Band & Orchestra Instruments/sheet music
The Horn Guys
3704 Foothill Boulevard
La Crescenta, CA 91214
Horns
STRING SEASON
www.stringseason.com
stringseason@sbcglobal.net
1.800.731.7940
The curriculum employed at Silverlake Conservatory of Music includes instrumental technique, vocal technique, and music reading. As a student’s proficiency increases, examples of various musical idioms are used and music theory is introduced.
SCM relies upon continued support from our community. Please consider a tax deductible donation for our ongoing needs.
Tax ID #: 27-0030546
We are located ON HOLLYwood blvd. just east of vermont ave.
address:
4652 Hollywood Blvd. Los Angeles CA 90027
Phone: 323.665.3363
e-mail: reception.SCM@outlook.com
Hours: Monday – Friday 11am – 9pm
Saturday and Sunday 10am – 6pm