OUR MISSION
The Cortlandt School of Performing Arts is dedicated to providing a dynamic environment to engage the youth and adults of the Hudson Valley in developing their musical talents. Our goal is to cultivate a love and knowledge of the performing arts at both the pre-professional and recreational levels. CSPA welcomes students of any race, color, gender , religion and national origin.
The Cortlandt School of Performing Arts utilizes the performing arts as a vehicle to nurture self-esteem, creativity, mental and physical health and to practice respect for the self and others, especially with our younger students. Age- appropriate and level appropriate songs and repertoire are used to train and develop the talents of our young performers. Adults can start from scratch or receive instruction at any level, and will find it gratifying to begin an instrument from scratch, or pick up where they may have left off.
Led by renowned, experienced music educators, the CSPA classes offer a safe, enriching and inspiring environment for all ages. Our staff is made up of professionals that not only enjoy teaching, but share musical knowledge on the instruments that they have played and performed on at a professional level. CSPA does not rotate teachers. We strongly believe that the learning process is stunted by that type of structure. You will receive instruction from one dedicated professional that has a personal interest in your growth as a musician.
The support of our community, neighboring towns and local school districts is important to CSPA. We are members of the HVGCC (Hudson Valley Chamber of Commerce) we have hosted and have participated in many events to raise funds for important causes, including Gullotta House. We also participate in community events, offering our talents to enrich our community. (See "Our Affiliates")
Above all, the CSPA staff is committed to fully developing the natural talents of every student that comes through our doors.
OUR JOURNEY - Ray and Carol Arrucci, Owners
Merging Talents: A Journey in Music
The Evolution of Our Musical Training Facility
We have been in the music business for over 70 years combined! We live and breathe music. Ray is a vocalist, stage and television actor, and rock guitarist, while Carol is a classically trained vocalist, pianist, and conductor. Together, we have toured, composed, directed/musical directed, and performed for audiences in the thousands, for a very long time. We offer private lessons on piano, drums, voice, guitar /ukulele, woodwinds, brass and strings. Our teaching professionals are masters in their field, and have dynamic backgrounds in music education, instruction, recording, touring and performance arenas. We care about them and many have become “family”. Instrument rentals of quality band and orchestral instruments are also an important part of our business.
Our initial journey in 2012, involved establishing a premier musical training facility and began with a year and a half of searching for a large, professional conservatory space that had great parking, high ceilings, bright light, was easily accessible to northern Westchester students. Our initial space at 24 Old Albany Post Road in Croton met all these criteria and more—it was situated in a full-service mall that included a bakery, a pizzeria, a nail salon, dry cleaners, and an ice cream shop. Our customers appreciated the convenience of the modern building and elevator. We immediately offered lessons on all instruments and voice and hired the highest quality certified music teachers in the area! In 2013, we began to offer instruments for rent, and accessories are "in-stock". In the spring of 2014, Carol retired from the music classroom and works full-time at CSPA. We immediately began a popular Concert Series in our intimate venue and have produced music within our community at The Paramount Theater, local fairs and restaurants. CSPA quickly became the center of music instruction, rental and retail in Northern Westchester.
In 2016, we recognized a growing need for musical training in the Yorktown/Putnam area, and we opened a second location in a cozy "home-like" building. After a year, we moved to a larger space at 1950 East Main Street, Mohegan Lake. This new location has allowed us to engage more with the community and welcome new faces, enriching our musical journey. This space was additionally expanded in 2023, to double the space to become two wings of studio space.
Our third location at 29 Marble Avenue, Pleasantville holds special significance, as Carol grew up there and we lived there for 10 years after our marriage, and two of our 3 sons were born there. This location is a true testament to our personal and professional growth in the world of music.
Carol's extensive background as a certified music teacher includes an award-winning career as a vocal music teacher and as a musical conductor/director of over 200 shows. Her experience spans middle schools, high schools, colleges, community theaters, regional theaters, and Broadway. She is also a church musician at The First Presbyterian Church in Ossining, where she directs music for a weekly bilingual service. Ray's journey began in retail business and as a beloved tour guide, but he has since transitioned to become an Equity actor, recording artist, musical performer, and now, a business manager at CSPA. Together, our combined talents have created a unique and extraordinary musical training facility for all ages.
Our locations are designed to meet the diverse needs of our students, offering state-of-the-art facilities and a nurturing environment where talent can thrive. We continue to evolve, driven by our passion for music and commitment to excellence. With over seven decades of experience, we have amassed a wealth of knowledge and expertise that we share with our students. Our curriculum is comprehensive, covering various aspects of music, from performance and composition to career direction and guidance. We believe in the transformative power of music and its ability to bring people together, to heal, and to inspire. Our mission is to foster a love for music in every student, helping them realize their full potential and achieve their dreams.
Our community connections have always been important. In 2018, The Westchester Women’s Chorus was developed and has served as an organization that serves the community with performances from nursing homes to community fairs, baseball games and political events. As we look to the future, we remain dedicated to our vision of maintaining a world-class musical training facility that nurtures talent and promotes the positive power of music. We invite you to join us on this journey, to experience the magic of music, and to become a part of our vibrant community.
Our story is one of passion, perseverance, and the unwavering belief in the power of music to change lives. Now, as the largest music school in northern Westchester, we are proud of what we have accomplished and excited for what lies ahead. Together, we will continue to make music, to inspire, and to create a lasting legacy in the world of music education.