Passion, love, and smiles are some of the words described on Facebook by students of Belle Arti Center for the Arts. Owners Claudette Munné and Massimiliano Facchini, a husband and wife team, are known for their musical accomplishments from merengue beats to classical music. Together, they established Belle Arti as a place to nurture and raise the next generation of musicians in Forest Hills.
If you’re looking for a music school that is not only enjoyable but encouraging and enriching as well, check out Belle Arti. Their well-organized classes follow a semester schedule that allows kids and parents to enjoy their vacation without having to miss out on lessons. To learn more, read our interview with Claudette Munné, co-owner of Belle Arti in Forest Hills.
1. Could you please tell our readers when Belle Arti Center for Arts was started and why the owner(s) chose Forest Hills for a music school?
When my husband, Massimiliano Facchini, and I founded Belle Arti Center for the Arts in 2007, we wanted to build our school in a community that was varied culturally and professionally, and we decided that Forest Hills, Queens was the right fit for us. At Belle Arti, we strive to foster a positive, family-friendly atmosphere for the community where our students and families are free to express and develop their cultural and artistic talents.
2. What type of music lessons does Belle Arti Center offer?
Belle Arti Center for the Arts offers a wide variety of music programs and instrument lessons that are catered for children of all ages and adults. Our signature Musical Aurora® program is a groundbreaking class that teaches the fundamentals of music to children ages 2-5. For more information, feel free to watch this video:
3. What is the most popular musical instrument to learn at Belle Arti Center and why do you think most kids start with these instruments?
We teach piano, violin, guitar, cello, woodwinds, singing, drums, and more! All Belle Arti students take music theory classes in addition to their instrument lessons.
Piano tends to be the most approachable instrument for beginners and provides an excellent foundation that can be built upon. Violin, Guitar, Voice, and Cello are also popular choices.
4. What is Belle Arti?
“Belle Arti” means Fine Arts in Italian. Belle Arti is a music school in the heart of Forest Hills. After being here for 10 years, we are proud to serve the families in this community with passion, love, and integrity. We don’t care what your background is or what your abilities are. We are here to make music happen for everyone to the best of our knowledge and ability. We are proud to say that we are doing our part in raising the next generation of young entrepreneurs, professionals and/or musicians.
5. Does the school follow a curriculum that allows students to eventually major in music when in college?
Absolutely. While we don’t expect the majority of our students to major in music in college or study at a conservatory, our curriculums are competitive and prepare students to be equipped to major in music in high school and college. Some of our students have entered The Julliard School, Manhattan School of Music, Mannes School of Music and The Peabody Conservatory.
6. What type of yearly music activities does Belle Arti Center arrange for students?
Belle Arti students participate in two recital performances each year for our students at the end of each semester. Students also participate in yearly progress evaluations at the end of each academic year.
7. How has the Forest Hills neighborhood changed since you’ve been here? What would you suggest to make this community even better?
When we came to the neighborhood ten years ago, there were very few activities for kids in the area. In the past ten years, we have seen much growth in the community, and this has become a very family-friendly and kid-friendly area.
For additional information on Belle Arti or to set up a time to visit, please visit Belle Arti’s website.
Forest Hills Neighborhood Cafe, Poesie Cafe