Since 1981

Our History

Founded in 1981 by a small group of Russian émigrés, the Shostakovich School has grown into a multifaceted music, art and early-education institution with three centers in Brooklyn.

Our Mission Meet the Faculty

1981Founded in Brooklyn

3Centers in Brooklyn

9Departments, from baby classes to adults

50+Students accepted to gifted & talented schools each year

Established to fill a vital need

The school was established to fill a vital need for a new kind of cultural education in the United States.

A tribute to Shostakovich

The Shostakovich School of Music, Art and Dance is named after Dmitri Shostakovich (1906–1975), one of the most important composers of his time. The school is named both in tribute to him and in the hope that our students will emulate his artistic talent.

Three centers in Brooklyn

Since its inception in 1981, the school has grown from a dream shared by a small group of Russian émigrés into a vibrant, multifaceted music and art institution with three centers in the New York metropolitan area: on Avenue X in Gravesend, on Bath Avenue in Bath Beach, and on Brighton Beach Avenue.

Today the school teaches music and voice, dance, fine art, drama and musical theater, chess, and baby classes, and runs a Day Care with free 3-K and Pre-K for All. The school and its Day Care program are licensed by the New York State Department of Education.

What guides our teaching

Our mission

Maximum potential

Students at the Shostakovich School are encouraged to achieve their maximum potential and to experience the satisfaction that comes from the study and mastery of the arts.

Learning connected to life

Our curriculum is designed to motivate students to participate fully and to relate their studies to life, to society and to their own personal development.

Inspiration for life

This philosophy of education inspires our students throughout their lives, whether they become professional artists or active amateurs.

Milestones

A few moments from our history.

1981
The school is founded
A small group of Russian émigrés opens a school of music, art and dance in Brooklyn.
June 7, 2015
Symphony Space
Students perform at Symphony Space in Manhattan. Watch
May 21, 2016
35th-anniversary concert at Steinway Hall
Honors students celebrate 35 years of the school on the Steinway Hall stage. Watch
December 12, 2016
Steinway Hall performance
Another evening at Steinway Hall for our honors students. Photos
Today
Three centers, nine departments
Free 3-K and Pre-K for All in our Day Care, and a new Vocal & Voice program added in 2026.

Achievements

Our students on stage, in competition and at the city’s specialized schools.

Concert halls

Honors students perform at Steinway Hall (two concerts a year) and at Symphony Space.

Competition winners

Piano, violin and vocal students have won 1st and 2nd places at competitions in New York, New Jersey, Philadelphia and Boston.

Gifted & talented schools

More than 50 students are accepted every year to schools such as Mark Twain and Bay Academy junior high schools and LaGuardia High School.

Chess tournaments

Chess students compete in domestic and New York City competitions.

What families say

I feel lucky to have found Shostakovich School of Music, Art & Dance located in Brooklyn, NY. I began my journey at the age of 9 with piano lessons.

Olivia Henderson

I was fortunate to have studied musical theatre at the Shostakovich School in Brooklyn which helped greatly in launching my career in the performing arts.

Pritchett Katharine

My son attends music school in Brooklyn at the Shostakovich School. He is taking saxophone and has a strong desire to become a professional musician, and with the progress he has made, I believe he will.

Maginnis Lowe

From a very young age my daughter was interested in many different types and styles of music, at home or in the car. As she got older, I was amazed at how well she responds to music and how quickly she can memorize the lyrics.

Karen Pollock

I LOVE Shostakovich School! I have been a ballet student there for 6 years already! I LOVE my teacher Svetlana, who helps us a lot!

Yulka L.

Very, very good school! I was dancing and singing there! Teachers are so smart and teach very well! Thank you!

Kathy Naumova

Become part of the story

Book a trial class and see why families have trusted us since 1981.

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A $75 registration fee applies to all new enrollments