Instrumental Academy
​NEW ENGLAND

Welcome to the
​Instrumental Academy at Integral Steps,
where individual and ensemble-based learning
form a symbiotic relationship
​in developing deep musicianship.

​Developing A Well-Rounded Musician
​How is the Instrumental Academy different?

Our academy focuses on the musician as a whole: we target skills, collaboration, creativity, engagement, movement, drive - all through a combination of group classes, private lessons and performance opportunities.

Learning is all-encompassing; deep musicianship comes with the ability to not only play technically well, but to ignite active listening, feel the music through your whole body, and connect with it emotionally. So when you embark on our program, you are not just developing your technical abilities; you are embracing a way of movement, of expression, of community, through music. 
​
Research shows that joyful group learning amplifies the skills we learn in the one-on-one setting with master teachers. Music stems from our communities, which is why we place an emphasis on the support that group learning and social interaction can have on your individual instrumental growth. It is a truly integrative learning experience; to find out more about the science and research behind this form of teaching, please visit our About Us page.

An Immersive Experience
What does your Instrumental Academy entail?

Private Lessons: 
​a place for personalized learning, focused technical skills building. 

​

Group Classes: 
​A space for building ensemble and social-emotional skills, creative improvisation, experiencing music through the body and personal expression within the context of community. 

Recitals: 
​An excellent means to set goals, take stock of the learning that has taken place by sharing music with the entire community and practicing public presentation skills.

​Performance and further learning opportunities: 
​Joining the Instrumental Academy at Integral Steps provides an immersive experience where students get to be a part of a broader musical family. We partner with a great number of organizations to bring enriching experiences throughout the year; this enables students to showcase their talents and celebrate their successes through ventures such as local business events, community projects and even global virtual concerts!

The Advantages of Community
What are some of the benefits to the Instrumental Academy at Integral Steps?

1. Multiple teachers: Students get exposed to different ideas and a range of teaching styles.
2. Learning in an ensemble:  Group classes foster social-emotional learning and teach students how to be part of an ensemble. The shared space also teaches students to be part of a community and value diverse perspectives, cultures and personalities.
3. Elevated personal development: Group classes and private lessons work in tandem: The engagement and enjoyment of a group setting provides a place to contextualize music theory concepts through movement, aural skills and story: it is a musical immersion where students learn from each other. Private lessons allow for focused, nuanced attunement of instrumental skills. The two together create a symbiotic relationship that elevates learning and personal growth. . 
4. More than just music lessons: Many of our programs are steeped in Art, Science, and Language as well as music. Coupled with a Dalcroze-inspired curriculum which focuses on movement and socialization, the academy program literally brings more to the page than just music lessons. 

An Academy Tailored To You
Prices, Options, and Scholarships. 

​In participating in the Integral Steps academy program, not only will your child be part of a rich musical community, academy tuition offers the best financial options for a well-rounded musical education.

It also means that you get a tailored academy experience; there are a large number of class and lesson-length combinations that are sure to work for your family and interests. ​​

How to register for the Instrumental Academy

1. Select your weekly group class out of the programs below.
2. Add your group class to your cart either on the individual program pages or through our registration page.
3. Once you have added your group class, click "Keep Shopping".
4. Using the 'Location' button in the upper right corner, select 'Integral Steps Waltham'.
5. Enroll in the Instrumental  Academy by adding your lesson-length time to your cart. 

That's it! You can now proceed to checkout and we can't wait to be making music with you!

Piano Moves
Learn foundational music and movement skills through rhythm, improvisation, and tonal recognition in a fun, Suzuki- and Dalcroze-inspired group piano class!​

Piano Moves
Learn foundational music and movement skills through rhythm, improvisation, and tonal recognition in a fun, Suzuki- and Dalcroze-inspired group piano class!​

Rhythmic Solfège I & II
Rhythmic Solfège builds on the principles of learning music through movement with the addition of focused musical study on keyboard percussion!​

Rhythmic Solfège I & II
Rhythmic Solfège builds on the principles of learning music through movement with the addition of focused musical study on keyboard percussion!​​​

Music in Motion
Move, dance, explore, learn! Music in Motion is a movement-based music curriculum introducing concepts like rhythm, melody, and harmony in a social and imaginative way.​

Music in Motion
Move, dance, explore, learn! Music in Motion is a movement-based music curriculum introducing concepts like rhythm, melody, and harmony in a social and imaginative way.​

Our Teachers

Our faculty at Integral Steps are highly sought-after teachers, clinicians, and performers of their primary instrument. All are trained in integrative education and provide students with exciting performance opportunities.

Flute lessons

Our flute teachers:
Emma Shubin
​Cora Crisman
​Weronika Balewski

---

Piano lessons

​Our piano teachers:
Emma Shubin
​Cora Crisman
Dr. Amanda Setlik Wilson

---

To discover more about our integrated approach to learning and explore the science behind what we do, please click here.