The Shostakovich Music, Art and Sport School was established to fill a vital need for a new kind of cultural education in the United States. The School has embraced the European principle that true talent in the arts depends upon a thorough grounding in all of the artistic disciplines, and that this strong foundation is best developed in ones early years.

At the core of the School's program is the faculty's desire for their students to acquire a deep love for the learning of the arts. This love, ideally learned at an early age, is essential so that each student can grow to his or her full artistic ability.

Thus, to promote the artistic development of the individual, and to nurture these ideals in each student, Ms. Diana Trost founded the School in 1981.

The faculty recognizes, however, that students of any age can grow and learn from enrollment in the schools programs and exposure to the arts. Regardless of age, all students who enroll at the school are taught with equal enthusiasm and in the best of European traditions.

As the program met with success and earned respect throughout the metropolitan area, two additional centers were founded in Brooklyn, New York.

Students enrolled at the Shostakovich School are encouraged to achieve their maximum potential and to experience the satisfaction that comes from the study and mastery of the arts.

The curriculum has been designed to motivate students to participate fully in the educational process and to relate their studies to life, to society, and their own personal development.

This philosophy of education gives inspiration to our students throughout their lives, whether they become professional artists or active amateurs.

Course materials and instructional methods have been devised to make the disciplines come alive in the students minds, so they can comprehend and internalize the mode of inquiry characteristic to each of the artistic endeavors.

Students are encouraged to undertake independent study or tutorials in accordance with their personal interests.

Students from all backgrounds are welcome.