Settlement Music School

Settlement Music School offers Children’s Music Workshop, Group Piano Classes, Group Beginning Instruction, the Suzuki Program for cello, guitar, and violin, Musicianship with theory and ear training, Children’s Music Playshop, Summer Programs, and Music Individual Instruction. Group Piano Classes are one-hour courses for 15 weeks, and Group Beginning Instruction is a one-hour weekly lesson.

Programs

• Children’s Music Workshop — ages 3-9 · Wednesdays · Encouraged as a complement to Individual or Group Beginning Instruction.
• Group Piano Classes — ages 5-8 · One-hour courses; 15 weeks · $630 · Currently offered at the Helen Eaton Keyboard Lab in the Mary Louise Curtis Branch.
• Group Beginning Instruction — ages 6-12 · One-hour weekly lesson · $1,225 · Alternative to Individual Instruction in the first year of study.
• Suzuki Program — ages 4-8 · $745 · Available for cello, guitar, and violin.
• Musicianship — ages 9-18 · Theory and ear training.
• Children’s Music Playshop — youngest students
• Summer Programs — mid-June to late August · Summer 2026 session runs for nine weeks.
• Music Individual Instruction

At a glance

• Ages: 3–18 years old
• Price range: $630–$1,225
• General schedule: Summer Programs 2026 are offered at all branches; summer session runs for nine weeks, from mid-June to late August.
• Facility hours: Willow Grove Fall Hours: Monday-Friday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Sunday closed

About the provider

Settlement has served as a community hub and trusted resource for music and the creative arts since 1908. Its six branches serve the Greater Philadelphia region, and the school says it is an inclusive, creative community dedicated to providing exceptional arts education and instruction for all. It is a member of the National Guild for Community Arts Education, has the highest level of accreditation from ACCPAS, and was inducted into the Philadelphia Music Alliance Walk of Fame.

Registration appointments are asked for students under age 18. A non-refundable registration fee is due at the time of registration ($65 individual; $95 family of two or more). Financial aid is available to students through completion of high school (through age 23 for voice students) and Creative Arts Therapy clients of all ages. There is a $5 registration fee for all summer courses.

What families say

“Settlement educated me on piano and so much more: how to listen, how to cultivate a mentor, responsibility, culture, and the relationship between what I give and what I get in my individual pursuits. Settlement helped me become the artist, community member, and leader that I am today.” — Quiara Alegría Hudes, Settlement alumna and Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright

Last updated October 23, 2026.