KATHY AND MARK GRIER CONSERVATORY AND PRE-COLLEGE MUSIC PROGRAM
The Kathy and Mark Grier Conservatory Division at Newark School of the Arts is a full-day Saturday pre-college music program for students up to the age of 18.
MISSION STATEMENT
The Kathy and Mark Grier Conservatory at Newark School of the Arts was established to instill in young people a lifelong appreciation for music by providing college-level music education, training, and performance opportunities, all at a low cost. A deep understanding of music from different cultures will provide an expanded worldview.
DIRECTOR’S WELCOME
On behalf of the faculty and staff at Newark School of the Arts, I welcome you to our community. We are pleased to have the chance to be part of you or your child's present and future journey as an artist, music lover, and global citizen.
Students who complete our program come to us from all walks of life, at all stages of their musical journey. What unites them in the end is the confidence and self-knowledge they gain through their studies in our program.
Classical training from the arts gives students discipline. That discipline can be applied to any pursuits. Our students go on to become high achievers in all areas of life.
As an alumnus, I can personally attest to the high artistic integrity of the program. This, with our focus on mentorship and guidance, is just one of the many things that set our program apart.
Wherever you are going, I hope you will let us join you on that journey.
Dr. Patricio F. Molina, Ph.D., D.M.A.
pmolina@newarkschoolofthearts.org
NJPAC JEFFREY CAROLLO AND FRANK CALABRESE MUSIC SCHOLARSHIP
The Jeffrey Carollo and Frank Calabrese Music Scholarship in partnership with the New Jersey Performing Arts Center provides financial assistance to advanced students who study classical vocal and instrumental music at the Newark School of the Arts.
If you are a student of classical vocal or instrumental music, you may be eligible for financial assistance through the NJPAC Jeffrey Carollo and Frank Calabrese Music Scholarship at The Newark School of the Arts.
PROGRAM INFORMATION
Ages: 18 and under
New Jersey Residents only
Program Dates: September – June
Class Times: Two days per week
Levels: Intermediate to Advanced
Tuition: Scholarship pays for one private lesson per week.
Scholarships are available for strings, woodwinds, select brass, piano, and voice.
Scholarships will be based on talent and potential. Financial need may be a consideration in the amount of the scholarship award.
Scholarships enable the recipient to attend classes after school, in the evenings, and/or on Saturdays at the Newark School of the Arts.
Classes include private lessons, music theory, history, and chamber music.
Annual performance of all scholarship recipients will be at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center each spring.
2024-2025 PROGRAM AUDITIONS:
TBA
Auditions will be held at Newark School of the Arts.
Audition Requirements
Students must be recommended by a music teacher (private instructor or public/private school teacher).
Students must complete the application form and be present at the audition. A student interview will be conducted on the day of the audition. Students may be required to sight-read.
Piano and Strings: Two contrasting pieces, three major and three minor scales and arpeggios of their choice. Both pieces must be memorized.
Woodwinds and Brass: Two contrasting pieces, two major and minor scales of their choice.
Voice: Two contrasting songs, one must be sung in English and one in Italian. Both pieces must be memorized.
The Perks
2 Private lessons per week at Newark School of the Arts
Study with distinguished faculty
Performance opportunities at NJPAC
Master Classes with renowned artists
Pre-College Level Music Theory Course
Pre-College Level Music History Course
Pre-College Level Music Business Course
Gifted young artists are strongly encouraged to apply.
Interested students should email Dr. Patricio Molina at: pmolina@newarkschoolofthearts.org
Letter of recommendation (Click here to download form)
Acceptance to William Paterson University, Oberlin College, Columbia University, New School, University of Maine, Berklee College of Music, Mannes College, New England Conservatory, Albert Einstein School of Medicine, Carnegie Mellon School of Drama, Westminster Choir College, Northwestern University, and others.
Recent Student Achievements
Scholarships, Awards, Performances, & More!
Full Scholarship, NJIT
Full Scholarship, Princeton University
Full Scholarship, Manhattan School of Music
Full Scholarship, Montclair State University
Full Scholarship, Rutgers University
Full Scholarship, University of Memphis
Full Scholarship, Union College
Full Scholarship, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Winner, Charleston International Competition
Winner, Gerard Souzay/Dalton Baldwin French Art Song Junior Division
Performance on Fox's Showtime at the Apollo with Steve Harvey
NJMEA Honors Guitar Ensemble
Gold Medal, Golden Key Music Festival
Winner, Garden State Plaza Talent Search
Performance with Ray Chew, Music Director for Dancing with the Stars
Winner, Crescendo International Music Competition
Winner, Legacy Arts International Competition with tour of Italy
Page turner for the Joshua Bell Trio at NJPAC
Winner, NJTYMA Golden Key Competition with performance at Carnegie Hall
Acceptance into NJSO Academy Orchestra
Guest Performer, Celia Cruz All Stars
Recruited for new acapella group Acapop by producers of Pentatonix
Performance at the United Nations Film Festival
Winner, Apollo Theater's Stars of Tomorrow
"The opportunities afforded me by the Newark School of the Arts changed me, and my life, for the better. I would not be where I am today without the skills and experience I gained through the Conservatory." -Aaditya, 16
