Cornerstone believes in providing its students with a holistic and creative education in addition to an excellent academic curriculum. That’s why we have an innovative and award-winning music program, directed by Kathy Ferris.

All students receive and learn the violin in the 3rd grade. Students continue to participate through the eighth grade, choosing among Cornerstone’s extensive choir, strings, piano – even harp – programs giving a minimum of three performances each.

Despite Cornerstone’s limited resources and practice time, Cornerstone students have been enormously successful. They have participated in the String Festival Solo Ensemble, performed with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, and received Superior ratings in the National Federation of Music Festival. They have also collaborated with student teachers at Michigan State University, which has proved a tremendous connection for the students.

Much of the program’s success is because of the tremendous support it receives from Partners, Friends, parents and teachers.

Aside from being highly qualified instructors, every Cornerstone music teacher is also a performer, bringing a unique perspective to the students’ education. Mrs. Ferris has performed everywhere from New York to Austria.  She is tremendously enthusiastic about the benefits of the program, both creatively and academically. Students learn to both express and discipline themselves, often improving concentration and mathematical skills.

Music, Mrs. Ferris says, “is the most globalizing and creative of mediums, and the purpose of the program is not necessarily to produce outstanding music (although this has certainly become the end result), but to ensure that every child is exposed to the disciplines and advantages that music can bring.”