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REGISTRATION NOW OPEN
REGISTRATION NOW OPEN
Program Overview
Program Overview
Launching in the Fall of 2025, the Cynthia Sternberg Schein Chamber Music Institute at The Music Academy provides advanced students in Central Pennsylvania with theory classes, chamber music rehearsals and coachings, recital performances, as well as exciting opportunities to work with guest artists. Throughout the semester, students will learn and explore music together, grow as leaders and communicators, and develop their artistry under the guidance of our faculty.
We offer two tracks:
Music Theory Course: Enroll in 12 weeks of theory and ear training courses, designed to supplement your private lesson study.
Chamber Music Ensembles: Students are placed in small ensembles with their peers and assigned repertoire based on level. They will attend 12 weekly rehearsals and coachings, culminating in a recital each semester. All students in this track will also receive weekly music theory classes included in their tuition.
MUSIC THEORY COURSE
MUSIC THEORY COURSE
Program Details
Program Details
Music Theory Course offerings at The Music Academy provide students with weekly music theory and ear training instruction, designed to be the perfect supplement to private lessons. Students will receive a certificate of completion each semester.
Age Recommendation: Grades 3-12
Tuition: $225 per 12-week semester, plus a $25 registration fee (*waived for TMA students); includes the cost of course materials.
Location: The Music Academy, 3060 Enterprise Drive, Suite 114, State College, PA 16801
Schedule: Saturday from 9:30 - 10:15 AM for 12 weeks each semester; see 2025-2026 Calendar below.
Level: Students will take a music theory evaluation for placement in Music Foundations (level 1) or Music Mechanics (level 2). See below for curriculum details.
SPRING SEMESTER BEGINS JANUARY 31, 2026
MUSIC FOUNDATIONS
MUSIC FOUNDATIONS
A beginning music theory course exploring the foundations of music. This course is an ideal starting point for students to discover the basic building blocks of music theory.
MUSIC MECHANICS
MUSIC MECHANICS
An advanced course designed to dive further into the mechanics of music theory. This course is perfect for students with experience in the basics who are looking for deeper exploration.
CHAMBER MUSIC INSTITUTE
CHAMBER MUSIC INSTITUTE
Program Details
Program Details
Students who wish to enroll in our 12-week intensive chamber music program are placed in small ensembles and assigned repertoire based on level.
Participants receive: Weekly rehearsals and coachings, a weekly music theory class, guest artist masterclasses, and recital and community performance opportunities.
Age/Level Recommendation: Grades 5-12; with 2-3 years of private lesson instruction or equivalent. A teacher recommendation form will be required for placement in a chamber ensemble. We recommend you consult your teacher prior to registering.
Tuition: $650 per 12-week semester, plus a $45 registration fee (*waived for TMA students); includes weekly Music Theory Course and materials
Location: The Music Academy, 3060 Enterprise Drive, Suite 114, State College, PA 16801
Schedule: Saturdays from 9:30am -12:00 pm for 12 weeks each semester; see 2025-2026 Calendar below.
LIMITED SPOTS!
Registration opens November 5, 2025
Rehearsals begin January 31, 2026
Schedule and Calendar
Schedule and Calendar
Daily Schedule
Daily Schedule
All classes will meet on Saturday mornings at The Music Academy, 3060 Enterprise Drive, Suite 114, State College, PA 16801.
9:30am - 10:15am - Music Theory Class for all participants; divided by level. After this class concludes, those who are participating in the Chamber Music ensembles will stay for rehearsal/coaching with their ensembles. Students who are only enrolled in Music Theory Courses will be dismissed.
10:15am - 10:30am - Break
10:30am -12:00pm - Chamber Music Coaching and Rehearsal Periods
Fall 2025 Calendar
Fall 2025 Calendar
12 weeks of instruction, followed by a Recital.
September 13
September 20
September 27
October 4
October 11
October 18
October 25
November 1
November 8
November 15 - Peer Performances
November 22 - Peer Performances and Pizza Party
- NO CLASS November 29 -
December 6 - Guest Artist Master Class
RECITAL: Saturday, December 13 at 11:00 AM; University Baptist and Brethren Church, 411 S Burrowes St, State College, PA 16801.
Note: One week of instruction will be dedicated to a visit by a Guest Artist.
Spring 2026 Calendar
Spring 2026 Calendar
12 weeks of instruction, followed by a Recital:
January 31
February 7
February 14
February 21
February 28
March 7
- NO CLASS March 14 (Spring Break)
March 21
March 28
April 4
April 11
April 18 - Guest Artist Master Class
April 25
RECITAL: May 2 at 11:00 AM; Oakwood Presbyterian Church; 1865 Waddle Rd, State College, PA 16803
Attendance Policy:
Attendance Policy:
Music Theory Course Attendance Policy: In order to successfully participate in the course and receive a certificate of completion, students must attend a minimum of ten (10) classes per semester. If a student must miss a class due to illness, a virtual attendance option may be available upon request.
Chamber Music Ensemble Attendance Policy: Playing in a small ensemble presents a unique opportunity to build relationships and develop intricate communication skills with fellow musicians. Unlike large ensembles, chamber music relies heavily on the individual, with only one instrument per musical part. Missing a rehearsal disrupts the entire group’s progress. For this reason, we maintain a rigorous attendance policy and ask that all students and parents carefully consider this commitment before registering. Attendance is mandatory for all Chamber Music coachings, rehearsals, and recitals. Any potential conflicts with the published calendar must be disclosed at the time of registration to be approved in advance. Absence due to illness or family emergency will be excused; however, more than two (2) absences per semester may result in dismissal from the program with no refund. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation to ensure that all students in the program have a successful experience.
Meet the Faculty
Meet the Faculty
Our superb faculty members hold degrees in the instruments they teach, ensuring that you and your family will receive the highest level of instruction available. All faculty and staff have passed background checks as required by the PA Department of Education.
Amy E. Gustafson
Amy E. Gustafson
Chamber Music Coach & Music Theory Instructor tap for bio
Chamber Music Coach & Music Theory Instructor tap for bio
Praised for her 'exquisite sensitivity' and a 'style filled with class and elegance' by La Voz de Asturias (Asturias, Spain) and recognized as a 'talented player who doesn’t fit the cookie-cutter mold' by Lucid Culture (New York City), American pianist Amy E. Gustafson has performed across the United States and in both Western and Eastern Europe.
Recent performances include an appearance at the Sigal Music Museum in Greenville, SC; replacing legendary pianist Abbey Simon in Los Angeles at LACMA’s series, Sundays Live; a performance with the Sofia Sinfionetta in Sofia, Bulgaria, and a concert tour with her piano duo, Duo Azul. Other recent engagements have taken her to Spain, China, and Canada, and she has also performed New York City venues, such as Weill Recital Hall of Carnegie Hall, Steinway Hall, Trinity Church Wall Street, the Tenri Cultural Institute, CAMI Hall and the Kosciuszko Foundation.
Born into a musical family, her talent was evident at an early age, and she received much of her beginning piano instruction from her grandmother. By the age of 15, she had won several local competitions, including MTNA’s Baldwin Competition, and her success led her to move to New York City to continue her studies.
Since then, Gustafson has won numerous awards, including the second prize in the International Young Artists Piano Competition, second prize in the Joyce Dutka Arts Foundation Competition, and the Special Presentation Award and the Alumni Award from Artists International Presentations, Inc.
Gustafson completed her studies at the Manhattan School of Music, New York University, and the University of Texas at Austin. Her major teachers have included Julian Martin, Andre-Michel Schub, Anton Nel, Constance Keene, and Miyoko Lotto, and she has benefited from the advice of many renowned pedagogues, including Solomon Mikowsky, Arie Vardi, Veda Kaplinsky, Robert McDonald, Paul Badura-Skoda, Marc Durand, Martin Canin, Leslie Howard, and Luiz de Moura Castro.
In addition to her performing career, Gustafson is on the piano faculty at Millersville University. She is the Executive director of the Gijón International Piano Festival and the founding director of the Palmetto International Piano Festival. Gustafson also founded and directed The Stony Brook International Piano Festival from 2008 to 2015. In 2022, Gustafson designed and created Music and Movement in a Box, which is a musical experience activity kit for kids ages 2 to 5, now available on Amazon and from www.musicandmovementinabox.com.
Amy E. Gustafson is a Yamaha Artist.
Sally Williams Minnich
Sally Williams Minnich
Chamber Music Coach tap for bio
Chamber Music Coach tap for bio
Sally Williams Minnich (Traditional and Suzuki Violin) is an avid freelance performer, music educator, arranger, and composer. She has appeared as a soloist at the Electronic Music Midwest Festival, the Pennsylvania Centre Orchestra, the Altoona Symphony, The Cleveland Pops Orchestra, and The Williamsport Symphony Orchestra. She is a founding member of the internationally-known violin duo, Revamped, and has invented extended techniques for the violin. Williams Minnich is also the first violinist and founding member of the Allegria String Quartet which most notably performed with Grammy Award-winning artist Billy Childs. Williams Minnich studied as a preparatory student at the Cleveland Institute of Music and holds bachelor's degrees in violin performance/music composition and a master’s degree in violin performance from Bowling Green State University. She also holds a master's degree in music education from Pennsylvania State University. She has had the privilege of studying with violin pedagogues David Russell, Vasile Beluska, and James Lyon.
Victoria Petrosky
Victoria Petrosky
Music Theory Instructor tap for bio
Music Theory Instructor tap for bio
Victoria Petrosky (Piano, Music Theory, Solfege, Accompaniment) was trained as a child at The Moscow Children's Music School #36, with her beloved piano teacher who was a student of Vladimir Sofronitsky. Victoria is a graduate of the College of Music of the Moscow Tchaikovsky Conservatory , with a B.A. in music theory, and of Gnessin's Russian Academy of Music in Moscow, where she obtained a Master 's degree in music theory and piano pedagogy. At the Gnessin Academy Victoria studied piano performance with Galina Turkina (of the Turkiny piano duo). Victoria has been teaching for over twenty years, first at the Moscow Children's Music School and later at the Main Line Music Academy near Philadelphia. She has been active as an accompanist, including the Bolshoi Theater Choreography College in Moscow, church and concert choirs in State College, musical theater productions in State College. Victoria teaches piano to students of all ages, beginner through advanced levels. She is an active member of the Central Pennsylvania Music Teachers Association, where she serves as a co-chair for the Phyllis Triolo Music Competition.
About The Music Academy
About The Music Academy
Our Mission
Our Mission
Founded in 1964, The Music Academy is the region's first and only nonprofit community school, providing high quality music instruction to students of all ages and musical ability. We offer beginner, intermediate, and advanced private lessons in 20+ instruments, as well as Suzuki group classes for beginners in violin and cello. Our early childhood program provides music & movement classes for ages 0-9. Learn more & join us!
About Cynthia Schein
About Cynthia Schein
Cynthia "Cinny" Sternberg Schein (pictured right, at piano) was one of The Music Academy's co-founders and first piano teachers beginning in the early 1960s. With a lifelong passion for helping create meaningful and enriching musical experiences for young people, Cinny remains actively involved with TMA and helped establish the Cynthia Sternberg Schein Chamber Music Institute in 2024. Thank you, Cinny!
Our Facilities
Our Facilities
Conveniently located off of West College Avenue near Gigi's Restaurant, The Music Academy has a spacious education space featuring 8 studio classrooms and 9 well maintained pianos. Our central Beethoven Room is perfect for group classes, intimate performances, and masterclasses. End-of-semester recitals typically take place offsite at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Centre County.
FAQs and Notes
FAQs and Notes
Do I have to be a student of The Music Academy to enroll in the Chamber Music Institute or Music Theory Course?
Do I have to be a student of The Music Academy to enroll in the Chamber Music Institute or Music Theory Course?
No! We welcome all music students in Central Pennsylvania to join us for this exciting program. If you are a current TMA student, you will enjoy the benefit of a waived registration fee to participate in the Chamber Music Institute and Music Theory Courses.
I am interested in the Chamber Music Ensembles but I have a conflict with one or more of the dates. Can I still participate?
I am interested in the Chamber Music Ensembles but I have a conflict with one or more of the dates. Can I still participate?
Please list all known conflicts on your registration form. If faculty approves the absences, you may still participate. However, please note that missing 2 or more rehearsals could result in dismissal from the program with no refund, as per the attendance policy below.
Chamber Music Ensemble Attendance Policy: Playing in a small ensemble presents a unique opportunity to build relationships and develop intricate communication skills with fellow musicians. Unlike large ensembles, chamber music relies heavily on the individual, with only one instrument per musical part. Missing a rehearsal disrupts the entire group’s progress. For this reason, we maintain a rigorous attendance policy and ask that all students and parents carefully consider this commitment before registering. Attendance is mandatory for all Chamber Music coachings, rehearsals, and recitals. Any potential conflicts with the published calendar must be disclosed at the time of registration to be approved in advance. Absence due to illness or family emergency will be excused; however, more than two (2) absences per semester may result in dismissal from the program with no refund. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation to ensure that all students in the program have a successful experience.
What if my plans change? What is the refund policy?
What if my plans change? What is the refund policy?
Due to the nature of chamber music, we need adequate planning time to place students in ensembles based on level and instrumentation. For this reason, we ask you to seriously consider the commitment before registration. Extenuating circumstances such as extended illness or moving away from the area will be considered. If your plans should change, please let us know as soon as possible so that we may notify the next student on the waitlist. See more Registration Details here and review The Music Academy Policy Statement here.
Is there Financial Aid available?
Is there Financial Aid available?
As a nonprofit community music school, The Music Academy is committed to reducing financial barriers as much as possible. If you are a TMA student who has completed one or more semesters of private study with us, your TMA instructor may nominate you for a grant to offset the cost of tuition. Please speak with your instructor if you seek financial aid to participate in the Chamber Music Institute.
What if the semester has already begun? Can I join late?
What if the semester has already begun? Can I join late?
In some cases we may be able to administer a placement exam and permit a late enrollment to the music theory course. However, it is unlikely we will be able to accommodate a late enrollment to the Chamber Music Institute, as the ensembles will be carefully arranged months in advance. However, please reach out and express interest! Our faculty would love to speak with you and provide more information so that we could welcome you to a future semester at the Chamber Music Institute.
Is an audition required to participate?
Is an audition required to participate?
There is NO AUDITION REQUIRED; however, we have developed program guidelines to ensure that all participants find success in our program. Please see the Registration Details page and review the criteria with your music teacher before registering for the Chamber Music Institute.
Additional Notes
Additional Notes
Courses are subject to cancellation if minimum enrollment numbers are not met. In this rare case, all participants will receive a full refund.
What to bring: In addition to your instrument and any assigned course materials, students are encouraged to bring a notebook, pen/pencil, water bottle, and a snack each day.
For additional information, please complete an inquiry form below.
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