The Hochstein School

For New Yorkers in Rochester and the wider Western New York region, discovering a place where the arts flourish and are accessible to everyone is a true community treasure. That place is undoubtedly The Hochstein School. Established in 1920, Hochstein has grown to become synonymous with excellence in music and dance education, offering a rich tapestry of programs that cater to all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. Whether you're a child taking your first steps into the world of rhythm, a budding musician dreaming of the stage, or an adult looking to rekindle a passion for the arts, The Hochstein School provides a nurturing and inspiring environment right here in our vibrant city.

The Hochstein School's mission is deeply rooted in the belief that everyone should have access to excellent music and dance education, regardless of their age, skill level, background, or ability to pay. This commitment is evident in their comprehensive offerings, from individual lessons to a wide array of group classes and ensemble programs. Locals consistently praise the quality of performances and the engaging programs, such as the beloved "Orkidstra" series, which introduces children to the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO) in a fun and interactive way. These events often include creative activities like Halloween-themed crafts, making the arts enjoyable and educational for the whole family. The beautiful, elegantly renovated Performance Hall, a former church sanctuary, provides a special and inviting venue for recitals and concerts, contributing to the overall fantastic experience. Hochstein truly enriches the lives of thousands of individuals annually, fostering a love for music and dance that resonates throughout our Rochester community.

The Hochstein School is prominently located at 50 N Plymouth Ave, Rochester, NY 14614, USA. This central downtown Rochester address makes the school highly accessible for residents across the city and surrounding suburbs in Monroe County. North Plymouth Avenue is a key thoroughfare, ensuring straightforward navigation for those driving to the school. For New Yorkers utilizing public transportation, the central location likely provides convenient access to various bus routes. For those driving, drop-off options are available in front of the building (15-minute limit), along with two handicap parking spots. Street parking is available on Plymouth and surrounding streets, and there's a parking lot at the corner of Church St & Plymouth Ave (Quarry Lot P8292), as well as the Sister City's Parking Garage at 28 Fitzhugh St N. The school is committed to accessibility, offering a wheelchair ramp entrance at the front of the building, double-door large clearances, and elevators available from the lobby to access various facilities, including the Performance Hall. Accessible restrooms are located on the main floor and lower level, with ushers available for assistance, ensuring that all members of our community can comfortably enjoy what Hochstein has to offer.

• Individual Music Instruction: One-on-one lessons for all ages and skill levels in a wide range of instruments, including orchestral instruments (strings, wind/brass), piano, guitar, drums, ukulele, voice, composition, and bagpipes. The Suzuki program is also available for strings and harp.
• Group Music Classes: Offerings include Music FUNdamentals for young children (6 months to 6 years), vocal classes for adults, ukulele experiences, and various music theory and history courses.
• Ensemble Programs: Opportunities for students to participate in four student orchestras, three wind bands, three vocal ensembles, jazz bands, and rock bands, fostering collaborative musical experiences.
• Dance Education: A comprehensive program offering sequential instruction in various dance styles, including ballet, modern, tap, Caribbean-Latin, African, and Flamenco.
• Expressive Arts Department: Provides highly individualized music, art, and dance movement programs led by certified therapists, designed to address personal goals and promote overall wellness for individuals with special needs.
• Summer Camps: A variety of summer programs, including music camps (e.g., Hochstein Rock Camp, Flute Camp), dance camps (e.g., Around the World of Dance, African Family Dance & Drumming), and Arts in Action camps for immersive creative experiences.
• Live Performances: Hosts a busy calendar of events including student solo recitals, ensemble concerts, dance performances, faculty spotlights, and free public concert series like "Live from Hochstein" (broadcast on WXXI-FM) and "Hochstein at High Falls."
• Concert Hall and Venue Rentals: The elegantly renovated 857-seat Performance Hall and the 100-seat Hilda D. Taylor Recital Hall are available for rental by outside groups, contributing to Rochester's vibrant arts scene.
• Tuition Assistance/Need-Based Scholarship Program: A strong commitment to making arts education accessible to all, regardless of financial means, through a robust scholarship program.

• Rich History and Legacy: Established in 1920, The Hochstein School has a century-long tradition of providing high-quality arts education, making it a cornerstone of Rochester's cultural landscape.
• Inclusive and Accessible Mission: A core philosophy is to provide arts education to "people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities," regardless of their ability to pay, supported by a significant tuition assistance program.
• Comprehensive Arts Education: Offers an incredibly diverse range of programs spanning music (individual lessons, ensembles, theory), dance (various styles), and expressive arts therapy, catering to toddlers through adults.
• Exceptional Facilities: Features the elegantly renovated 857-seat Performance Hall (a former church sanctuary with state-of-the-art acoustics and intimate seating "in the round"), a 100-seat Hilda D. Taylor Recital Hall, two large dance studios, and numerous classrooms and rehearsal spaces.
• Highly Qualified Faculty: Boasts hundreds of talented faculty members, including master teachers, who are dedicated to tailoring instruction to individual needs and goals.
• Vibrant Performance Calendar: Hosts thousands of audience members annually for diverse performances including student recitals, faculty concerts, community series (like "Live from Hochstein" on WXXI-FM and "Hochstein at High Falls" outdoor concerts), and appearances by groups like the RPO.
• Youth-Oriented Programs: Features popular programs like "Orkidstra" in partnership with the RPO, specifically designed to engage children with classical music through themed concerts and hands-on activities.
• Community Engagement: Actively participates in and enriches the Rochester community through its accessible programs, performances, and long-standing presence.
• Award-Winning Performance Hall: The main concert hall was fully renovated in 1999 to include state-of-the-art acoustics and theatre seating, while retaining its historic elegance, making it a truly special venue.

Address: 50 N Plymouth Ave, Rochester, NY 14614, USA

Phone: (585) 454-4596

Mobile Phone: +1 585-454-4596

For New Yorkers in Rochester and across the greater Western New York region, The Hochstein School stands as an indispensable cultural and educational institution, perfectly suited for our local community. Its central location on North Plymouth Avenue offers exceptional accessibility, making it easy for families from all corners of the city and beyond to engage with its offerings. What truly makes Hochstein ideal for locals is its unwavering commitment to providing high-quality arts education to "all ages, backgrounds, and abilities," a mission powerfully supported by its robust tuition assistance program. This ensures that a love for music and dance can be fostered regardless of financial means, reflecting the inclusive spirit valued in our community. From the engaging "Orkidstra" series that delights children with the RPO, to diverse individual and group lessons for every instrument imaginable and a wide range of dance styles, Hochstein provides unparalleled opportunities for artistic development. The elegant 857-seat Performance Hall, a true gem of a venue, regularly hosts student recitals, faculty showcases, and free public concerts like "Live from Hochstein," allowing locals to enjoy world-class performances right in their neighborhood. With its century-long legacy, dedicated faculty, and a nurturing environment that builds confidence and discipline, The Hochstein School is more than just a place of learning; it's a vibrant hub where Rochester's artistic soul is cultivated, enriching the lives of thousands and strengthening our community's cultural fabric.

The Hochstein School

50 N Plymouth Ave, Rochester, NY 14614, USA