Business Details
31 Years
experience
Premier Music School in Rochester, NY
Founded in 1995, the Kanack School of Musical Artistry in Rochester, NY, cultivates true artists through a unique blend of technical discipline and creative expression. Our pedagogy, rooted in Alice Kanacks Creative Ability Development Method, empowers students of all ages to explore music as a language for truth and beauty. We offer private lessons on violin, viola, cello, piano, and 10+ instruments, alongside group classes in improvisation, Suzuki repertoire, folk music, and chamber ensembles. Our inclusive, non-competitive environment fosters artistic growth, social collaboration, and intellectual development guided by the Three Rules: no criticism, applause for ideas, and respect for creative choices.Students thrive in weekly classes, music hours with professional accompanists, and performance opportunities with the Rochester Philharmonic. The schools alumni excel in diverse careers while embodying confidence and creativity. As part of the 501(c)(3) nonprofit Creative Ability Development, Inc., we maintain a legacy of innovation in music education.
Services
Private Lessons
Group Classes
Bach Children's Chorus
CAD Arts
Music Hour
Details
- Year established: 1995
Highlights and features
- We offer a unique Creative Ability Development Method combining technical skill with creative exploration.
- Our faculty includes award-winning educators with decades of experience in music instruction.
- We provide inclusive, non-competitive learning environments for students of all ages.
- Students gain performance experience through ensembles and partnerships with professional groups.
- We teach improvisation as a core skill for artistic and intellectual growth.
Services
Private Lessons
Personalized music instruction on violin, viola, cello, piano, harp, guitar, and six additional instruments. Our certified teachers tailor lessons to individual goals, combining Suzuki method training with creative improvisation techniques. Students develop technical proficiency while exploring their unique musical voice through structured practice and performance opportunities.
Group Classes
Weekly group sessions in improvisation, Suzuki repertoire, folk music, and chamber ensembles. Classes foster collaborative learning through call-and-response teaching, creative games, and peer performances. Participants build social skills while mastering diverse musical styles from classical to contemporary folk traditions in a supportive, non-competitive environment.
Bach Children's Chorus
Premier children's choir offering advanced vocal training and performance opportunities. Members rehearse with professional musicians, perform alongside the Rochester Philharmonic, and host community concerts. The program develops vocal technique, music literacy, and stage presence through rigorous auditions and expert coaching by award-winning director Karla Krogstad.
CAD Arts
Early childhood program integrating music, visual arts, movement, and storytelling through Alice Kanacks Creative Ability Development Method. Preschoolers explore creative problem-solving using structured improvisational games that build confidence, collaboration, and artistic expression while following three core principles of respectful creative exchange.
Music Hour
Regular performance events featuring student recitals with professional accompanists. Advanced students gain stage experience through formal concerts while beginners participate in low-pressure Kaleidoscope Music Hours. The program builds performance confidence, technical polish, and audience engagement skills through frequent, supportive public presentations of musical progress.
People
Alice Kanack
Founder
Alice Kanack developed the Creative Ability Development Method after studying with Dr. Shinichi Suzuki in Japan. Her innovative approach combines technical discipline with creative exploration, empowering students to discover musical truth through improvisation. She continues to shape the school's pedagogical philosophy since its 1995 founding.
Karla Krogstad
Chorus Director
Karla Krogstad, a Rochester music educator for over 35 years, directs the Bach Children's Chorus. Recognized with the 2025 RPO Award for Outstanding Music Educator, she specializes in vocal training and ensemble performance, preparing students for professional collaborations and community concerts.
Questions
What age groups do you accept for music lessons?
We teach students from toddlers through adults. Our Creative Ability Development Arts program starts at preschool age, with private lessons and group classes available for all skill levels.
Do you offer financial assistance for lessons?
Yes, we provide financial assistance through our policy that makes music education accessible to all students regardless of economic background. Contact us for application details.
How do I join the Bach Children's Chorus?
Participation requires a short audition. The chorus is open to all regional students and offers advanced vocal training with performance opportunities alongside professional musicians.
What instruments can I learn at Kanack School?
We offer private lessons on violin, viola, cello, piano, harp, guitar, mandolin, flute, percussion, banjo, ukulele, and voice. Group classes accommodate all these instruments.
What makes your teaching approach unique?
Our Creative Ability Development Method combines technical discipline with creative improvisation, fostering artistic self-expression through structured practice of the freedom of choice in music.
Are there performance opportunities for students?
Yes! Students perform in weekly Music Hours with professional accompanists, recitals, and ensemble concerts. Advanced students collaborate with the Rochester Philharmonic and other professional groups.
Reviews (2)
Messafredo Caranbriel
Feb 04, 2021
Report
This is a wonderful place for kids to learn. Very intimate and homey with their red barn look school. They adapted with a remote-style learning the past year due to the pandemic but is now accommodating in-person teaching. My son loves learning from his violin teacher, Ms. Alice. They have been very flexible and great with my child.
Aianna Kettavong
Nov 21, 2016
Report
It's AMAZING! All the teachers are nice and the owner, Alice Kanack, studied with Mr. Suzuki, him self
