© Nasser Berzane – Betsy Schlesinger with piano students at the Mairie du 15e
A personal note
Beginnings are so important – and the choice of instrument as well.
What makes a child choose one instrument over another is mysterious but once he or she finds the one it’s magical. I believe it is our role as musicians and teachers to “listen” carefully, be attentive to each child as he/she embarks on the journey of learning music.
Our program offers opportunities for children as young as 3 years old to discover the world of music and different instruments while developing their oral and rhythmic skills with our First Steps program.
The curriculum continues with the Discovery Groups, mini classes before moving on to individual lessons and music theory or ensemble classes. L’Ecole Koenig/American Conservatory has come to play an important and unique role in the Parisian music scene, offering high quality programs for the very young.
Learning an instrument involves discipline but also passion and joy.
Our faculty is international, made up of performing artists who are also passionate about sharing their talent with their students. For me it is so very important that our young musicians are guided by professionals who not only teach but understand what it takes to get on stage and communicate the pleasure of making music with others.
How satisfying it is then for us all to plant these seeds and watch them grow!
The soul of the L’Ecole Koenig/American Conservatory has always been in its Franco-American identity, offering the best of both worlds: high standards, quality teaching in an innovative, positive and creative environment.
A little history
An American in Paris, is one of my favorite films and one that fueled a dream that one day I too could come live and work in this beautiful, creative city.
After finishing my master’s degree in piano at the Yale School of Music, I spent a summer studying with Gaby Casadesus at l’Ecole d’art américaine at Fontainebleau. At the end of the summer, I was awarded the Nadia Boulanger scholarship to come study for one year in Paris: a dream comes true!
One year turned into two, two years into three and well… winning a scholarship for one or two years is one thing; earning one’s living another! At that point I contacted another American musician in Paris for advice: Joan Koenig.
When I called Joan, she said, I am about to open a music school, would you like to join me? I answered why not?
That moment was the beginning of an adventure that has never ceased to evolve.
For many years I taught piano in a friendly and creative environment while pursuing a performing career.
In 2011, I began to integrate the admin team, helping out as Joan developed the Pre-school/Kindergarten program she began in 2008. The Conservatory had evolved from a handful of students in 1986 to a student body of over 350. In the spring of 2015, with her program ever expanding, Joan once again asked me a question: would I accept to direct the music school? And once again, I answered, why not?
Today, I am honored and proud to be the director of the Ecole Koenig/American Conservatory. 