HochStories

Hochstein alum Jon Dretto took voice lessons with Sandra Boysen Sluberski as a teenager growing up in Webster. Today he is a singer-songwriter, guitarist, and TikTok sensation. In May, he released his debut single and a music video for mental health awareness month, which you can watch here.

Started in Fall 2012, Hochstein’s Making Music, Making Strides (MMMS) program – offered in partnership with the YMCA of Greater Rochester – currently provides tuition-free group music classes to more than 50 pre-K children ages 3-5 at two YMCA branches. The MMMS classes at the YMCA teach music and movement as well as new skills and lessons. These classes, provided at no cost to families, help children to develop not only as musicians and dancers but as complete learners.

As a Hochstein student in 1990, Bhavana Chawla was among a group of students who posed for a picture for Hochstein’s 70th anniversary poster. She took flute lessons at Hochstein with Diane Smith and studied piano with Jennifer Lacy. In the picture, she is wearing a red top and a white pair of shorts. Bhavana sent us a photo of her niece, Marigold, who is now about the same age she was in the poster.

With sadness we write in loving memory of Alice Pratt and Baiba Peelle - two remarkable faculty members who have left an indelible mark on our hearts and minds. We remember their extraordinary contributions, the ripple effect their influence had, at Hochstein and beyond, and the legacies they leave behind. These exceptional educators exemplified unwavering dedication, inspiring countless students and colleagues with their wisdom, passion, and commitment to fostering knowledge and growth. T...

For more than 45 years, Hochstein’s Expressive Arts program has served the Rochester community by offering music, art, and dance therapy; adaptive lessons; and wellness sessions – both at Hochstein and through group programs at 71 sites each week. One of the sites is the Hickok Center for Brain Injury, which serves individuals with traumatic brain injuries and neurological disorders. Read more and watch a video.

Hochstein alum Chris Matheos is a seasoned freelance bassist, author, and composer with more than 30 years of experience. His distinguished career has been shaped by the transformative impact of The Hochstein School. Read onto find out more about Chris and his advice for current Hochstein students.

A new weekly African Drumming class led by Hochstein instructor Adrianne Santucci at Baden Street Settlement is part of a new collaboration with Joseph Avenue Arts and Culture Alliance (JAACA). This is not the first time Hochstein has held activities at Baden Street. The two organizations have a long history dating back more than 100 years!

More than 300 students at Nativity Prep and Rochester City School 19 – through their Arts4All program – participate in group music, dance, and wellness classes taught by Hochstein instructors. Read more about the results and watch two videos here.

Acclaimed musician David Ying – cellist with the Grammy Award-winning Ying Quartet and faculty member at the Eastman School of Music – gave a masterclass at Hochstein in February for students in the Chamber Music Connection (CMC) program.

The Hochstein School is honored to be the recipient of one of the 2023 RPO Music Educators’ Awards! A committee of RPO musicians and community educators selected the recipients and the awards were presented on March 16 by RPO Music Director Andreas Delfs and musician representatives Andrew Brown and Willa Finck. Hochstein President & Executive Director Hilary Respass and Peggy Quackenbush accepted the award on behalf of Hochstein.