Each element of the Academy brings effective education in the arts to large numbers of people. The programs, although sponsored by St. Peter's Church, are directed to and open to all youth in the area. While the Academy is an important part of the life of St. Peter's Church, it is separate from the parish in terms of its day-to-day operations, its artistic development and programs, and musical integrity.

Concert Series
Established in 1987, St. Peter’s Concert Series is committed to bringing world-renowned artists and regional talent to the Finger Lakes. Past concerts have included English Cathedral Choirs, Vienna Boys’ Choir, the American Boy Choir and the National Girls and Boys Choir of the Czech Republic. In presenting mostly choral and organ programs, the Academy provides musical events not featured in other area venues. The appearances of visiting musicians are typically structured to include time for interactive musical experiences with Academy students.

The Series also features performances by the St. Peter’s Community Choirs. “The Sounds of Christmas” showcases everything from holiday favorites to cathedral classics while the “Spring Sing” spotlights a number of musical styles and traditions. For more than a decade, the Concert Series has been recognized by the New York State Council of the Arts with grants to support its innovative programs.

Community Choirs
Beginning in 1987 with ten choristers, the Community Choirs have grown to comprise more than 100 members, divided into four distinct groups: the St. Nicholas Choir (serving grades K-2), the Junior Choir (serving grades 3-6), the Senior Choir (serving grades 7- 12) and the Adult Mixed Choir.

Choristers are taught music literacy, singing skills, and receive training in all areas of musicianship. Each choir is given regular opportunities for performance; the Senior Choir has the distinction of performing throughout the Northeastern United States, England, and France.

The Community Children’s Choirs are under the direction of Wendra (Wendy) Trowbridge and the rehearsal schedules are as follows:

St. Nicholas Choir: Tuesdays from 3:45-4:45 pm
Junior Choir: Wednesdays from 3:45-5:00 pm
Senior Choir: Wednesdays from 5:15-6:30 pm

The Adult Mixed Choir is under the direction of MaryAnn (Molly) Hamilton, D.M.A. The primary task of this choir is to sing at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church’s worship services. This choir rehearses on Wednesdays from 7:30-9:00 pm and participation in this choir is tuition free.

Voice Studio
The voice studio is under the direction of Jennifer Sisbarro and offers lessons for students of all ages and abilities. Students will learn the basic concepts of singing and how to properly use the voice from a classically based approach. They will also be trained in general musicianship, and artistic expression. Students will be exposed to many different styles of music; and repertoire will be under the discretion of the instructor and tailored towards the individual student’s interests. A special studio performance class may be held up to two times a year, and students will be encouraged to participate in performing for their peers.

Suzuki Violin Studio
Suzuki Violin lessons at the Academy are offered to students of all ages from beginning through advanced levels. The Suzuki method developed in Japan, by Dr. Shinichi Suzuki, is based on the premise that all children are born with a high potential for learning, and given the opportunity and proper environment, any child can learn to play an instrument. Students in the Suzuki program learn to make music using the “mother-tongue” approach which focuses on listening and imitating, just as they learn to speak.

Parents in the Suzuki violin program have a vital role in the educational process. A parent is required to be an active participant in the lesson and at group class and help to structure practice at home. The triangular relationship of the teacher, parent and student is the key to the student’s success.  

The weekly group classes supplement the private lessons and are an essential part of the Suzuki program. The group classes give students the opportunity to experience the joy of playing together and for one another. 

The program at the Academy is supplemented through scholarship to bestow an educational opportunity to children who would not otherwise be able to afford the substantial fees for private instruction. Lessons are scheduled individually with the Suzuki certified instructors. The Suzuki program is under the direction of Ellen Kogut, Loraine Schoenfield and Julie Methven.

Cello Studio
Cello lessons at the Academy are offered to students of all ages from beginning through advanced levels working to achieve excellent musicianship through use of both traditional and Suzuki methods. Students develop good practice and performance skills through lessons in music reading, listening, interpretation and goal setting and are encouraged to participate in recitals and ensemble opportunities at the Academy. Dr. Jacqueline Wogick leads the cello studio.   

Piano Studio
The Piano Studio provides lessons for students of all ages and abilities with the goal of developing a high level of musicianship through the traditional approach of note reading combined with an emphasis on music theory and performance. Students attend a private lesson and 50 minute group class weekly. Recitals are held several times a year and all students are encouraged to participate. Mr. Troy Slocum and Ms. Joyce Stanzel are the piano instructors for the academy.

Piano Adventures Class
The piano adventures class is a class designed for beginning students in piano ages (5-8). This class is a great introductory class for the young student who wants to try piano in a fun and supportive environment. Students are taught in a group keyboard class setting that will provide the foundations for private lesson instruction. This class will be a prerequisite to private instruction for the beginning student.

Organ Studio
Students who have completed five (5) years of piano or who can play the Bach Two-part Inventions are invited to study the pipe organ on St. Peter’s two-manual mechanical action organ. MaryAnn Hamilton, parish musician at St. Peter’s, holds a doctorate in organ performance from the Eastman School of Music and is anxious to share her love of the instrument with members of the community. 

Students will learn to use both their hands and their feet to make music. Repertoire will include both general and hymn-based pieces as well as the hymns themselves.

Hands on the Arts
Join instructors, Kirsten Burrall and Jeanette Nelson for a class of creative exploration in the visual arts. Each quarter the class will experiment and work with a different medium, learning the fundamentals of those particular materials. The overall objective is to support beginning artists (young and adult) to be creative and delve into the materials. The topic for the quarter will be announced ahead of time and the instructor will choose from a variety of mediums from watercolor and pastels to ceramics and textiles.  Classes will be offered for both elementary age children and adults. Most materials will be provided.

Hands on the Arts for Kids (grades 1-5):  Thursdays from 3:30 – 5:00pm
Hands on the Arts for Home School: Tuesdays from 9:30 – 11:00 am
Hands on the Arts for Adults: Monday Evenings from 7:00 – 8:30pm

Open Studio Art Class – Grades 6-12
This class will be meeting on Tuesdays after school from 3:30 to 5:00pm. It will be a class where the student can choose a medium they would like to explore and then work at their own pace to develop their own style in a supportive environment. The instructor for the class will be Jeanette Nelson.

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