The Hochstein School
Walk into our waiting room on a Saturday morning or weekday afternoon and you'll hear the sound of music, of dance shoes, of laughter. You'll see tiny ballerinas in pink tights bounding up to the dance studios, orchestra students of all sizes arriving for rehearsal with their instrument cases, and people of all ages peeking through the window of our state-of-the-art Music Lab.
Since its founding in 1920 as a tribute to musician David Hochstein, The Hochstein School has served as Rochester's community school of the arts. Located in the heart of the city, Hochstein offers a richly talented, experienced faculty; individualized programs; unique ensemble and performance opportunities; a renovated, climate-controlled facility; and a reasonable fee schedule with financial assistance options.
Musical offerings include individual and group music lessons for children and adults; an ensemble program with four student orchestras, three wind bands, three vocal ensembles, and jazz and rock bands; and summertime music camps.
The Music FUNdamentals program offers engaging classes for our youngest students (6 months to 6 years), taught by certified music educators who provide a nurturing environment for children as they sing, move, listen, and play instruments while building the foundation for future music-making and appreciation.
Hochstein’s Suzuki Strings program begins at age 3 and is based on the philosophy that all children are born with a high potential for learning, and given the opportunity and a structured, encouraging environment, any child can learn to play an instrument.
Hochstein's dance program offers a full range of sequential, guided instruction focusing on the joy, and enjoyment, of the art of dance. We offer a wide variety of dance classes from ballet, modern, and tap to Caribbean-Latin, African, and Flamenco.
For more than 45 years, Hochstein’s Expressive Arts Department has served the Rochester community through our music, art, and dance movement programs. At Hochstein, we believe the arts should be accessible to all, and all are truly welcome here. Our highly individualized music, art, and dance sessions – led by certified therapists – are appropriate for those interested in addressing personal goals and/or promoting overall wellness in their lives.
Facilities include the 857-seat elegantly renovated Performance Hall – which regularly hosts recitals and performances in many different genres – the 100-seat Hilda D. Taylor Recital Hall, two large dance studios, and many classrooms and rehearsal spaces. Hochstein boasts ample nearby parking and handicapped accessibility.
Thousands of audience members annually attend Live from Hochstein (or listen to the concerts on WXXI-FM), Spotlight on Faculty, and summertime Hochstein at High Falls concerts, as well as our students’ solo recitals, ensemble concerts, and dance and music therapy department recitals.
