School Profile
The Crowden School
at Crowden Music Center
1475 Rose Street
Berkeley, CA 94702-1255
(510) 559-6910
Fax: (510) 559-6940
general email: info@crowden.org
admissions email: admissions@crowden.org
Founded in 1983 by violinist Anne Crowden.
The Crowden School is a coeducational independent day school serving grades four through eight, specializing in the musical growth and education of children who play string instruments and/or piano.
The School is a member of the East Bay Independent Schools Association and Chamber Music America.
Executive Director: Doris Fukawa
Rolling Admissions: September to June
Average Class Size: 12
Student to Teacher Ratio: 3 to 1
Extended Care: The School is open at 7:40 am and "AfterCare" (after-school care program) is from 3:45–6:00 pm.
Transportation: Easy access to the North Berkeley Bart station. Car pools.
Dress Requirements: None (except concert dress required).
Tuition for 2010-2011 academic year:
- Grades 4 and 5 $18,423
- Grades 6 through 8 $20,257
- Additional program fee for all grades: $1,000
Geographical Distribution: Alameda County • San Francisco County • Contra Costa County • San Mateo County • Solano County
Financial Aid: Based on need and musical potential.
Academic Curriculum:
- English
- History
- Mathematics
- Science
- French
- Music History
- Art
- Physical Education
- Theater
Music Curriculum:
- Applied Instrumental Studies (strings and piano)
- Chamber Music
- Orchestra
- Choral: part-singing and ear training
- Musicianship & Composition
- Concert performances
- Guest artist vists and masterclasses
- Special performance opportunities (examples include Davies Symphony Hall and Yoshi’s Jazz Club)
Artistic Support: The Crowden School has attracted the support of an impressive array of musicians of international and national renown, including the following:
John Adams • The Alexander String Quartet • Emanuel Ax • Yuri Bashmet • George Cleve • Jeremy Cohen • The Francisco Trio • Bonnie Hampton • Colin Hampton • Lou Harrison • Emanuel Hurwitz • Sharon Isbin • Gary Karr • Yo Yo Ma • Sharon Mann • Bobby McFerrin • Yehudi Menuhin • Midori • Emil Miland • Michael Morgan • Sir Simon Rattle • Donald Runnicles • Nadia Salerno-Sonnenberg • Gil Shaham • Michael Tilson Thomas • Laszlo Varga • Frederica von Stade • Zvi Zeitlin Trio
High School Choices, Class of 2010:
- Berkeley High School
- Bishop O'Dowd High School
- College Preparatory School
- Marin Academy
- San Domenico School Virtuoso Program
- San Francisco School of the Arts
- Lick-Wilmerding
- Athenian School
- Impact Academy
- Saint Mary's
- Miramonte
- Acalanes