GPYO-Westminster Conservatory Partnership

The GPYO has joined forces with the Westminster Conservatory of Music to increase opportunities for students to learn and perform music. Each institution has provided young people with musical instruction for more than 50 years, forming the foundation for lifelong participation in music for generations of New Jersey residents. Together, Westminster Conservatory and GPYO will reinforce each others’ offerings in order to provide an even wider range of opportunities for their students.  

We look forward to seeing what we can accomplish together!

Tuition Discounts
Students enrolled in programs at both GPYO and Westminster Conservatory are offered a 10% discount on tuition at each institution. To benefit from this offer, a student must be enrolled in one of the GPYO’s four ensembles and in at least one program of the Westminster Conservatory of Music, including private lessons, music theory, chamber music and Honors Music Program. 
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Westminster Conservatory Programs of particular interest to GPYO members include:

• Private Lesson Instruction (In-Person and Virtual Options)

Music study at Westminster Conservatory presents a unique opportunity for students of all ages and stages of musicianship to achieve musical and personal growth. At Westminster, you will find a full faculty of professional musicians who teach voice, strings, guitar, brass, woodwinds, piano, and percussion. All teachers hold advanced degrees and/or certificates in music. Their teachers inspire students in a collaborative environment that nurtures their passion for music. They lead them through a journey of musical theory, literature, and compositions both past and present. 

• Music Theory and Composition

The Conservatory offers a comprehensive Music Theory program that caters to students of all ages and stages of abilities. The classes offered are taught by highly experienced and credentialed instructors. 

• Coached Chamber Ensembles

Students of any age or level are matched with other musicians in a small ensemble which meets weekly for individual coaching by a Conservatory faculty member. This program will introduce students to a broader range of repertoire and provide the opportunity for interaction with other musicians at the same level. Participants are encouraged to perform in community settings. This class is open to all instruments. An interview/audition is required for placement.

• Honors Music Program

Founded in 1985, The Honors Music Program (HMP) of Westminster Conservatory is central New Jersey’s leading pre-college program for talented classical young musicians. HMP develops musical artistry and scholarship through its comprehensive curriculum and its vibrant, supportive community. Students, ages 8 to 18, attend their classes on Saturdays at the Conservatory’s Princeton campus. An exceptional faculty of performers, composers, and scholars inspire students and offer unmatched personal attention. By graduation students are prepared to pursue advanced study or careers in music.
The elementary- and middle-school programs are offered from 9:00 a.m.–12:45 p.m. and the high-school program is offered from 12:00 p.m.–3:45 p.m. from September through early June. Students must attend a 45- or 60-minute weekly private lesson in addition to HMP. Students may choose to study with a private teacher on the Conservatory faculty or with an outside teacher.

• Summer Music Camps
  • Presto I Junior Summer String Orchestra Camp
  • Presto II Intermediate Summer String Orchestra Camp
  • Westminster Chamber Music Camp

Established in 1970, Westminster Conservatory is the community music school of Westminster College of the Arts of Rider University. Welcoming young musicians of all ages, skill levels, instrument preferences, and economic backgrounds, Westminster Conservatory provides focused one-on-one lessons in a musical environment close to you. In addition, the Conservatory offers a wide range of classes and performing ensembles to engage every student, from the beginner to young maestros, regardless of age. Some classes are intended as an introduction to music and require no previous experience while others are designed to complement private instruction.
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Particularly gifted students have the opportunity to join the Conservatory's Honors Music Program, which offers a comprehensive curriculum designed toward mastering total musicianship. Westminster Conservatory of Music is a nationally recognized institution, maintaining active membership in the National Guild for Community Arts Education.