The DCC Academy of Music

Music School songwriting

The DCC Academy of Music: In-person and Online for Fall

Music brings joy to the lives of so many, and whether you’re interested in pursuing it as a career, or you simply want a fun and fulfilling hobby, the Dutchess Community College Academy of Music is ready to accompany you.

Credit-free group classes, ensembles and private lessons are available for children, teens and adults of any skill level who want to have fun learning at a more relaxed tempo.

Mission Statement

The DCC Academy of Music is committed to providing individual lessons, ensembles and group classes for the musical enrichment of students with both avocational and professional ambitions, as well as the needs and interests of the diverse populations from across the region, including children and life-long learners.

Ages Served

Kids, Teens, and Adults (ages 4+) can take lessons, group classes and ensembles.

Teens & Adults (ages 14+) can take select college classes for “no credit” at a discounted price starting at age 14.

College Students (ages 16+) can take classes for college credit starting at age 16.

Academy Credit-Free Offerings

Ensembles	Group Classes	Individual Lessons
Chorus	Vocal Technique	All instruments
Orchestra	Songwriting	Voice
Jazz Ensemble	Piano	Songwriting
Chamber Music	Guitar	and more...
Guitar Ensembles	Ukulele
Ukulele Ensemble	Mandolin
	Violin

Please note: not all classes will be held each semester.

Classes Taught by Accomplished Musicians

Our faculty of over 30 members are highly accomplished musicians who perform professionally. Many have studied at major conservatories, such as Juilliard, Manhattan School of Music, Eastman, Berklee, and Indiana University earning degrees in music performance and education. Our teachers have solid experience in helping students make good progress through individual programs that build on the personal needs and interests of each student. Learn more about our instructors.

Become a part of our musical community!

MusicLink Scholarship

The MusicLink Scholarship Fund provides music lessons and other educational opportunities for talented low-income students ages 18 and under who demonstrate exceptional musical promise.

HOW TO APPLY (for parents of children ages 4-18)

1) Ask your child’s music teacher to email a short recommendation discussing the student’s musical interest and dedication to christian.lopez@sunydutchess.edu.

2) Get your child’s free or reduced lunch form from the cafeteria and send to christian.lopez@sunydutchess.edu, or fax (845) 431-8988.

3) If your child is homeschooled and you think your family meets the financial requirements for free or reduced lunch, please contact Christian directly at christian.lopez@sunydutchess.edu or (845) 431-8916.

WHAT’S NEXT

You will be contacted to schedule an interview and audition at the college. If awarded a scholarship, you will be sent registration links and asked to pay the $10/semester processing fee for each lesson and group class awarded ($10-30 total for the semester).

To support this scholarship tax-deductible donations can be made online at https://1406.thankyou4caring.org/pages/musiclink, or by check to the DCC Foundation, 53 Pendell Road, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601. Please note “MusicLink” on your check.