Belle School of Music

Sep 2024

Have you ever had someone from your childhood that was so influential in your life that you think of them many years later? That is why I am writing this review. I was a student of Mrs. Bragin. She taught me and my Dad piano lessons when she was just starting out. We went to her apartment on Central Ave. And I attended the Belle School of Music in Yonkers for a little while in high school. Mrs Bragin was tough but fair. She called me out every time I didn't practice! She expected hard work but only because she saw my potential and my love for the piano. She was kind, caring and so generous with her time and expertise. I started off on a small spinet piano and when she suggested I get a larger, better, piano she met me and my Dad at the Kimball store to help find the best one. I have no doubt that any teachers she chooses to represent her school are going to be high quality and held to her standards. I know firsthand that these schools were her dream and she would not settle for mediocre in any way. It was a privilege and a blessing to have been taught by Mrs Bragin. I would recommend her and her schools a million times over. I could not have had a better teacher and mentor.

Sep 2019

My daughter has been attending the Belle School since she was 4 - and she is now almost 7. We love the teachers. My daughter had Ms. Laura and Ms. Chia and they are both excellent. The teachers engage children and what they learn is truly remarkable. The parents I have met through the years have been very impressed with the program, and there are always lots of happy children at the school. My son also started lessons in January and already made amazing progress. I can't be any happier.

Aug 2019

I am writing this review after thoroughly reading some of the other reviews. I can understand that choosing a place where you want to learn how to play piano can be a daunting task. You pay good money so you want effective teachers and lessons. I chose Belle School of Music one day on a whim. None of the locations are within a convenient location to me, but my son was assigned to a class in Scarsdale taught by Mrs. Helen. I will say first off that Mrs. Helen is amazing with the kids. She is firm when she needs to be but at the same time lovingly reassuring and helpful to the kids. She has shown nothing but expertise in her field and knows how to teach well. At first my son and I had a little trouble with her English but it was a matter of time before we got to understanding her just fine. I do agree and wish that maybe these lessons took place in more airy rooms with....windows perhaps. I at least know that the Scarsdale location doesn't have any windows. The lessons however are just one hour and so it isn't a deal breaker for me. Some people on here comment about class size. I would think anyone would appreciate a small and more intimate class. In our case it has allowed my son to get more one on one attention from Mrs. Helen and whenever the kids play solo it goes around quicker. A smaller class also helps her identify who is playing off key. I also am ok with the smaller recitals. They are in the same classroom and Mrs. Helen has always said bring all the family and friends you'd like. My son has always felt proud. In my case, this has been money well spent. He has learned good skills and will continue to do so. I have recently enrolled my daughter and hope she gets the same results.