The Crowden School

Like Jen, I must reveal that I now work here, but I’ve loved the Crowden School for many years before that. I had hoped my son might attend, but when I was hired on, my supervisor said, «Maybe it was you who wanted to be at Crowden!», and I think he was right.
This is a remarkable and unique school, with fantastic students and staff. The first two hours of each day are devoted to the study and practice of chamber music, which not only develops the musical skills of each student, but also teaches them many more subtle things, such as cooperation and sensitivity to one another. Since it’s only 4^th-​8^th grade, there is enormous personal attention given to each student, and everyone is fully revealed as a unique individual. The small size means that the children must learn to get along together as almost an extended family.
The musical training also seems to help their math skills, and they perform well in all subject areas. More importantly, they are expressive and engaged — in fact, it’s hard to get them to restrain themselves during class discussions, everyone talks at once, quite a different experience that the sullen silence one encounters in many schools!
I feel extremely privileged to be a part of this very rich environment, and if I were 8, I’d love to look forward to being at such a school. No one chides the kids from playing the pianos here, or gives anyone grief for carrying a violin case, and there are youngsters walking around humming their latest compositions. The level of musicianship is astounding; they advance quite quickly with the daily work.
It is a remarkable oasis of culture for musical and/​or aesthetically sensitive and astute children.

The Crowden School is the pride of north Berkeley, the only middle school in the United States that focuses on chamber music. Founded by legendary Scottish violinist Anne Crowden in 1983, TCS balances a rigorous apprenticeship in the classical tradition with a stellar academic program. The student talent attracted by this small school (fewer than 100 kids) is jaw-​dropping. Come to one of the free concerts and you’ll see what I mean!