The mission of Music Arts School is to provide outstanding music instruction, helping students develop their artistic skills, foster their cognitive and creative growth, and experience the joy and enrichment of achieving their full musical potential. We believe that the capacity to love and learn music is inherent in every person, regardless of age, background, or level.

Music Arts School was founded in 1952 as a private school for music instruction by renowned pianist. The passionate and energetic Mr. Scheff remained a beloved teacher at the school into his nineties, and only retired from teaching in 2005. Mr. Scheff’s wife Janice was also a much-loved piano instructor at the school, and as a former Director was a key force in its growth. In 2001, the Scheffs donated the school to the community, and through their many close relationships established a Board of Directors who incorporated the school as a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization in 2002.

The mission of Music Arts School as a nonprofit gained its impetus from the Scheffs’ teaching philosophy and style. The Scheffs rejected what they saw as the high-pressure atmosphere of some music instruction, in which competitions and major performances are the primary foci of music instruction. They believed that the experience of learning music should be central, and that this experience should be a positive one. They believed that the process of learning is as important as the product, that instilling a life-long love and knowledge of music is as important as learning the technical aspects of music making.

Today, Music Arts School has embraced and developed the Scheff’s philosophy of teaching, and continues to seek like-minded instructors. We believe that music lives in the heart of every person. It is our goal to nourish the unique gifts of each student and provide the tools that will allow these gifts to flourish. The mentoring and encouragement of our faculty promote creative, cognitive, and social growth among our students.

Since becoming a nonprofit, Music Arts School has expanded the scope of its activities, aware that we are in a unique position to better the cultural and educational life of our community. Music Arts School devotes a substantial part of its energies to charitable community outreach programs, including public school visiting artists programs, a financial aid program, community educational workshops, and music teacher workshops. The school indeed has become a center of musical life and education in our community.