Music Conservatory of Westchester • Faculty

Born in New York City and raised in Queens, Jean Newton grew up playing the piano, but not very seriously. She regularly put loose leaf paper under the dampers of the family Steinway to make it sound like a harpsichord. Her mom was not too happy about this. In college, Jean studied both English and music. She went on to earn a Masters Degree in harpsichord and early music performance practice, and a Doctoral Degree in English Literature, all from the City University of New York.

“I always knew I wanted to teach, and the two things I loved best were music and poetry. I was fortunate to obtain a faculty position in the Academic Department at Manhattan School of Music.” At the same time, Jean pursued a successful performing career, making her New York debut at Merkin Hall in 1983. She was a founding member of the Cantabile Chamber Players, and appeared regularly with the New York String Ensemble, Bronx Arts Ensemble, New Jersey Chamber Symphony, and many other groups in the New York area.

In addition to teaching harpsichord at the Conservatory, Jean established and coaches the school’s Baroque Ensembles. “Baroque chamber music is lots of fun for students,” she says. “The style is really different, and involves great freedom of interpretation – including improvisation, not unlike in jazz.”

Jean’s two children, now in college, both studied at the Conservatory for over 10 years each. “As a parent, I know that my kids’ experience here had a transforming influence on their development and gave them a community of friends who shared their love of music.”

Photo/Pinsky Studio

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Conservatory faculty are all highly skilled and experienced teachers. Teachers are assigned to maximize the learning experience of each student taking into account the students musical interests and goals, age and scheduling needs.

"I am very happy and proud of Jun Luke Foster’s and Benjamin Boventer’s achievements. I taught Jun Luke for 12 years and his acceptance to Juilliard School of Music is a great sign of his musical maturity and accomplishment. He was also accepted to Harvard and Yale. Benjamin was with me for five years. He won a prestigious $40,000 scholarship from Skidmore College for music studies. He was the only pianist in that competition who received this award. He was also accepted at Tufts University. It is very satisfying to know that our students continue to achieve such success." —Svetlana Gorokovich, MCW Faculty

Conservatory faculty are all highly skilled and experienced teachers. Teachers are assigned to maximize the learning experience of each student taking into account the students musical interests and goals, age and scheduling needs.

"I am very happy and proud of Jun Luke Foster’s and Benjamin Boventer’s achievements. I taught
Jun Luke for 12 years and his acceptance to Juilliard School of Music is a great sign of his musical maturity and accomplishment. He was also accepted to Harvard and Yale. Benjamin was with me for five years. He won a prestigious $40,000 scholarship from Skidmore College for music studies. He was the only pianist in that competition who received this award. He was also accepted at Tufts University. It is very satisfying to know that our students continue to achieve such success."
—Svetlana Gorokovich, MCW Faculty

Jean Newton | Harpsichord & Baroque Ensemble

Music Conservatory of Westchester • 216 Central Avenue, White Plains, NY 10606
914.761.3900 • info@musiced.org

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