Music
The truly global language of music is a cornerstone of IB education. Dwight students of all ages practice, perform, compose, record, and along the way, gain appreciation for music as both a personal creative outlet and an essential vehicle for social and cultural change.
Student-run Record Label
The Music Department is proud to host 566 Records, a global Dwight Schools record label. 566 Records is run by a student advisory team, open to all students looking to write and record original music, and overseen by music faculty: Head of Performing Arts Eric Novod and Upper School Music Teacher and Ensemble Director Clayton Rychlik. The label focuses on:
- Highlighting original instrumental/vocal music of all styles, recorded at School or at home
- Encouraging student collaborations in our Dwight School Recording Studio
- Featuring the work of electronic music producers
- Gaining advice and insight via guest lectures from music industry professionals
- Creating community connections between music and other departments at Dwight
Music Conservatory Program
The Dwight Conservatory, an integral part of our Music Department, offers students in grades 1-12 individual lessons in a wide range of musical instruments and a breadth of musical styles. After-school lessons are conveniently located on campus, Monday through Friday, from 3-6 pm.
Students of any and all experience levels are taught by a dedicated team of creative, experienced music professionals, many of whom are graduates of prestigious institutions such as Juilliard, Manhattan School of Music, Mannes College, and the Curtis Institute of Music. Conservatory faculty continue to maintain active careers as orchestra members, chamber musicians, and recitalists in the New York metropolitan area and abroad.
Students study consistently with their private teacher throughout the school year, and have the opportunity to perform at annual Conservatory recitals in the winter and spring.
Dwight's Music Continuum
Highlights:
- Bi-annual global music festival at prestigious venues like Carnegie Hall and Frederick P. Rose Hall at Jazz at Lincoln Center
- Annual Lower School winter music celebration at Symphony Space
- Dwight Conservatory after-school lessons
- Dwight Voices (Middle & Upper School Choir)
- After-school clubs for all grades including:
- Lower School's Junior Orchestra and Rock Band
- Middle & Upper School's Rock Band and Jazz Ensemble
- Winter and Spring Music Conservatory recitals for grades 1-12
- Field trips to New York City cultural institutions
- In-house presentations of orchestral families by well-known musicians
- 566 Records Showcase - presentation of original music written, performed, produced, and recorded by Dwight School students