Hassadna Conservatory comprises eight main performance departments: Piano, Strings, Wind & Percussion, Voice, Plucked Instruments, Jazz, Early Childood and Special Needs.
We provide high-quality musical education with a focus on professionalism, enjoyment, and personal fulfillment!
Click to open each department and discover more!
Piano Department
The Piano Department at Hassadna includes around 100 students and is led by some of Israel’s foremost musicians. Our students regularly win national piano competitions, perform in ensembles such as piano trios and quintets, take part in four-, six-, and even eight-hand piano ensembles, and sing in choirs. They are consistently selected to participate in the David Goldman Program for Outstanding Young Musicians at the Jerusalem Music Centre, as well as in various international festivals.
Teachers
Head of Department – Anat Paul
- Alon Petrrilin
- Anat Paul
- Deborah Schramm
- Denis Burstein
- Einat Sola
- Emily Yaakoby
- Guy Slapak
- Larissa Baikin
- Lena Nemirovsky
- Marian Leon
- Mina Dashevsky
- Rina Rosenman
Ensembles
Advanced students in the Piano Department take part in ensembles such as piano trios, piano quintets, four-, six-, and eight-hand piano performances, duets with students from other departments in the conservatory, and more.
Participation in National Competitions
and Festivals
Each year, the department’s teachers select outstanding students to take part in national piano competitions, including the Piano Competition for Students in Ashdod, the Pnina Salzman Competition in Kfar Saba, the Ministry of Education’s Gifted and Outstanding Students Program, and the America-Israel Cultural Foundation exams.
Leading students from the department are also regularly admitted to the Excellence Programs at the Jerusalem Music Centre.
Department Concerts
Duet Concerts
In the piano department’s duet concerts, students team up with peers from other departments to perform works that highlight a unique musical collaboration between piano and melodic instruments.
Concert in Memory of Louisa Yoffe
A Commemorative Piano Department Concert in memory of Louisa Yoffe, a pianist and teacher who nurtured generations of leading pianists in Israel and around the world, including teachers who currently teach at Hassadna Conservatory and at leading institutions worldwide.
Young Pianists Concerts
This concert features the youngest students of the department, in their first years of study. Each year, the concert is dedicated to a selected musical theme that brings together all the students of the department as they prepare for the performance.
Outstanding Soloists Concert
The Piano Department Outstanding Soloists Concert is an inspiring showcase of pianistic excellence.
End of Year Festive Piano Department Concert
The concert features performances by ensembles playing four-, six-, and eight-hand piano pieces. Each year, the concert is dedicated to a selected musical theme that unites all the students of the department as they prepare for the performance.
Class Concerts
Twice a year, the department’s teachers organize individual class concerts, giving students the opportunity to perform for parents, family, and friends. With each concert, we joyfully watch the students grow, develop, and progress on their remarkable musical journey under the guidance of their devoted teachers.
Interested in attending the department’s celebratory concerts?
Check here and on our social media channels for the dates for this year.
Watch Us!
Want to hear more?
Click the button to watch a variety of videos from the Piano Department of the conservatory on our YouTube channel!
Strings Department
The Strings Department at Hassadna brings together around 100 students, guided by some of Israel’s leading teachers and musicians. Our students regularly perform in string orchestras and chamber ensembles such as string quartets, piano trios, and various Baroque groups. They are consistently selected to take part in the David Goldman Program for Outstanding Young Musicians at the Jerusalem Music Centre, the Young Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, and international festivals.
Teachers
Head of Department - Michael Gaisler
Violin
- Michael Gaisler
- Bella Canetti
- Bruria Manela
- Chava Fraenkel
- Dina Goyfeld Zemtsova
- Dmitry Sheinkman
- Elina Harel Yanovitsky
- Etien Meneri
- Evgeny Bushkov
- Mark Karlinsky
- Mila Statland
- Naama Drori
- Paula Roessler
- Tatyana Polozova
Viola
- Michael Gaisler
- Yoni Gertner
- Bella Canetti
Cello
- Ludmila Zlotnikov
- Polina Semenikhina
- Sasha Dulov
- Shulamit Sarid
- Shmuel Magen
- Sharona Greenstein
Contrabass
- Alex Osipenko
Chamber Music
- Michael Gaisler
- Etein Meneri
- Sasha Dulov
Orchestras
- Michael Gaisler - Senior orchestra
- Etien Meneri - Junior orchestra and violin ensemble
- Sharona Greenstein - Adam scool orchestra
- Chava Fraenkel - Yehuda Halevi school orchestra
Orchestra
Hassadna’s Strings Department is home to two orchestras for advanced students: our Junior Orchestra, conducted by Etien Meneri, and the Senior Orchestra, conducted by Michael Gaisler.
Both orchestras rehearse weekly throughout the school year and perform regularly at the Ministry of Education’s orchestral gatherings as well as in Hassadna’s festive concerts.
We take great pride in our Senior Orchestra, which was awarded First Prize at an international festival in Vienna!
Chamber Music
Young string students in their first years of studies participate in violin and cello ensembles. Advanced students perform in chamber ensembles such as string quartets, piano trios, various Baroque ensembles, and duets with students from the Piano Department.
Participation in prestigious national and international festivals
Leading students in the Strings Department are accepted into the Excellence Programs at the Jerusalem Music Centre, the Gifted and Outstanding Students Program of the Ministry of Education, and undertake the America-Israel Cultural Foundation exams.
Our students also participate in prestigious international courses such as Apple Hill, Aspen, the Perlman Music Program, and more.
Strings Department Concerts
Festive End of Year Concert
Each year, orchestras and ensembles from the Strings Department perform at the department’s annual highlight event – a festive end-of-year concert at the beautiful YMCA hall, in front of an enthusiastic audience of families, friends, and supporters. This concert is part of the Hassadna Conservatory’s Freddy Roz Concert Series.
Outstanding Soloists Concert
At the end of each year, several selected students from the department are given the opportunity to perform in a festive soloists’ concert at one of Jerusalem’s leading venues. It is an inspiring celebration of string performance and high-quality music.
Class Concerts
Twice a year, the department’s teachers hold individual class concerts, where students perform for parents, family, and friends. From one concert to the next, we are thrilled to watch our students grow, develop, and embark on a wonderful musical journey under the guidance of their dedicated teachers.
Interested in attending the department’s festive concerts?
Stay updated here and on our social media channels for this year’s events schedule.
Watch Us!
Want to see more?
Click the button to watch a variety of videos from the Strings Department at Hassadna Conservatory on our YouTube channel!
Hassadna’s Wind and Percussion Department includes around 180 students and is led by 30 of Israel’s leading musicians. Students regularly perform in wind orchestras and chamber ensembles such as woodwind quintets, brass quintets, flute ensembles, and more.
Students of the department have won national wind competitions and are consistently selected to participate in the David Goldman Program for Outstanding Young Musicians at the Jerusalem Music Centre, the Young Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, and various international festivals.
Wind and Percussion Department
Teachers
Head of Department - Sagit Mazuz
Flute
- Ronit Berman
- Dorin Hachohen
- Gaya Barkan
- Hagai Ashdot
- Hagar Shahal
- Julian Mintz
- Michael Lukin
- Rotem Braten
- Uri Nahir
- Yossi Arnheim
Oboe
- Nir Gavrieli
- Yael Mor
Clarinet
- Sagit Mazuz
- Bar Levy
- Ilya Shwarts
- Sapir Soto
- Tomer Amikam
- Yehiel Lock
Saxophone
- David Digilov
- Gan Lev
- Maayan James
- Raz Carmel
- Vered Kreiman
- Vlad Demianenko
Bassoon
- Richard Paley
- Michael Roessler
Trumpet
- Alex Gubernik
- Boris Bendikov
- Dima Levitas
- Guy Sarig
- Richard Berlin
- Rhona Brosch
- Tony Rotenberg
French Horn
- Alex Gubernik
- Edo Hayek
- Michael Slatkin
Trombone and Baritone
- Alex Gubernik
- Daniel Lubashevsky
- Gil Saada
- Tal Ben-Rei
Tuba
- Alex Gubernik
Percussion
- Alon Bor
- Lev Loftus
Recorder
- Idit Paz
Orchestras
- Sagit Mazuz - Senior, Junior and Young Wind Orchestras
- Alex Gubernik - Korczak School orchestra
Chamber Music
- David Digilov
- Daniel Lubashevsky
- Idit Paz
- Ilya Shwarts
- Ronit Berman
- Sagit Mazuz
Orchestras
Hassadna’s Wind Department features three orchestras, led by conductor Sagit Mazuz with Ronit Berman as artistic director: the Young Orchestra, the Junior Orchestra, and the Senior Orchestra.
The orchestras rehearse weekly throughout the year and perform regularly at Ministry of Education orchestral events, as well as in celebratory concerts both at Hassadna and around the city.
We are especially proud of our Senior Orchestra, which has earned multiple First Prizes at international competitions over the years!
Chamber Music
Advanced students in the Wind Department perform in chamber ensembles such as woodwind quintets, clarinet quartets, saxophone quartets, flute duets, clarinet trios, brass quintets, recorder ensembles, and more.
Participation in national and international competitions and festivals
Teachers in the department prepare selected students for the National Wind Competition Noshfim in Kfar Saba, the Gifted and Outstanding Students Program of the Ministry of Education, and the America-Israel Cultural Foundation exams.
Leading students from the department are also accepted into the Excellence Programs at the Jerusalem Music Centre.
Wind Department Concerts
Festive End of Year Department Concert
Each year, orchestras and ensembles from the Wind and Percussion Department perform at the department’s highlight event – a festive end-of-year concert at one of Jerusalem’s leading venues, in front of an enthusiastic audience of families, friends, and supporters. This concert is part of the Freddy Roz Concert Series at Hassadna Conservatory.
Outstanding Soloists Concert
At the end of each year, several selected students from the department are given the opportunity to perform in a festive soloists’ concert at one of Jerusalem’s leading venues. It is an inspiring celebration of excellence and high-quality music.
Class Concerts
Twice a year, the department’s teachers hold individual class concerts, where students perform for parents, family, and friends. From one concert to the next, we are thrilled to watch our students grow, develop, and embark on a wonderful musical journey under the guidance of their dedicated teachers.
Interested in attending the department’s festive concerts?
Stay updated here and on our social media channels for this year’s schedule.
Watch Us!
Want to see more?
Click the button to watch a variety of videos from the Wind and Percussion Department at Hassadna Conservatory on our YouTube channel!
Vocal Department
Hassadna Conservatory’s Vocal Department includes around 50 students. Students explore a variety of singing styles, including classical, jazz, pop, and rock, and regularly perform in choirs and chamber ensembles.
Teachers
- Ayelet Carmon
- Dana Sasson
- Hilma Digilov
- Liane Hannoun
- Maya Polizer
Choir Conductors
- Ayelet Carmon
- Hilma Digilov
Choirs
Hassadna’s Vocal Department runs four choirs, which students join based on their level and age. The choirs perform in a variety of concerts at the conservatory and beyond, as well as at Ministry of Education events.
Ensembles
The Vocal Department also features advanced vocal ensembles for senior students. In addition, students participate in diverse ensembles alongside peers from other departments.
Department Concerts
Festive End of Year Choirs Concert
A festive end-of-year concert featuring the choirs and the “Sounds of Hassadna” ensembles is held at Mishkenot Sha’ananim Hall in Jerusalem.
Class Concerts
Twice a year, the department’s teachers hold individual class concerts, where students perform for parents, family, and friends. From one concert to the next, we are delighted to watch our students grow, develop, and embark on a wonderful musical journey under the guidance of their dedicated teachers.
Interested in attending the department’s festive concerts?
Stay updated here and on our social media channels for this year’s schedule.
Plucked Strings Department
Hassadna Conservatory’s Plucked Strings Department includes around 30 students, studying harp and guitar, and is led by three of Israel’s leading musicians. Students participate in and win national competitions, and perform in ensembles and orchestras.
Teachers
Classical Guitar
- Dafna Medina
- Oleg Tchaikovsky
Harp
- Gittit Boazson
Ensembles
Advanced students in the Plucked Strings Department perform in orchestras and diverse ensembles alongside students from other departments at the conservatory, appearing in celebratory concerts such as duets concerts and ensemble concerts.
Participation in national and international competitions and festivals
Advanced harp students participate in the National Harp Competition and are accepted into the David Goldman Program at the Jerusalem Music Centre, the Young Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, the Gifted and Outstanding Students Program of the Ministry of Education, and more.
Jazz Department
Hassadna Conservatory’s Jazz and Popular Music Department includes around 80 students and is led by some of Israel’s leading musicians. Students regularly perform in jazz ensembles, take part in the department’s festive end of year concert at the Yellow Submarine, and participate in major jazz festivals in Israel and abroad.
Teachers
Head of Department - Dr. Oleg Bogod
Voice Development
- Dana Sasson
- Liane Hannoun
- Maya Polizer
Saxophone
- Aaron Henkin
- Aviv Blum
Electric Guitar
- Dor Ben Lulu
- Eden Hai
- Ilya Siltsoff
Jazz Piano
- Oleg Bogod
- Chai Bar-David
- Jason Rosenblatt
Contrabass & Bass Guitar
- Eden Hai
- Itay Amir
- Tal Gamlieli
Drums
- Maya Cohen
- Nadav Friedman
- Oren Fried
Ensembles
- Oleg Bogod
- Ilya Siltsoff
- Tal Gamlieli
Ensembles
Advanced students in the Jazz Department perform in a variety of jazz ensembles, organized according to skill level and guided by leading musicians. These ensembles appear at several events throughout the year and participate in Ministry of Education jazz ensemble gatherings.
Participation in national and international festivals
Advanced Jazz students are accepted into international festivals and courses, such as the Berklee Summer Program, among others.
Deparment Concerts
Festive End-of-Year Concert at the Yellow Submarine
Each year, ensembles from the Jazz Department perform at the department’s highlight event – a festive end-of-year concert at the Yellow Submarine, in front of an enthusiastic audience of families, friends, and supporters. This concert is part of the Freddy Roz Concert Series at Hassadna Conservatory.
Class Concerts
Twice a year, the department’s teachers hold individual class concerts, where students perform for parents, family, and friends. From one concert to the next, we are delighted to watch our students grow, develop, and embark on a wonderful musical journey under the guidance of their dedicated teachers.
Interested in attending the department’s festive concerts?
Stay updated here and on our social media channels for this year’s schedule.
Watch Us!
Want to see more?
Click the button to watch a variety of videos from the Jazz Department at Hassadna Conservatory on our YouTube channel!
Early Childhood Department
Hassadna Conservatory’s early childhood department (pre-instrument) is designed for children aged 1 to 7. Group sessions are held in the afternoons and organized by age.
Pre-instrument studies support a child’s cognitive, social, and emotional development. During the group sessions, children are introduced to the language of music and learn to listen actively to a variety of musical pieces through play, storytelling, singing, playing instruments, and movement. Children express themselves through music, get to know different musical instruments, meet fellow young musicians from the conservatory, and attend concerts.
Teachers
Hassadna Conservatory has wonderful pre-instrument teachers who lead creative and engaging lessons with great sensitivity and talent.
Learning and growing!
Our early childhood group lessons provide a joyful and natural foundation for continuing with musical instruments!
At the end of each year, we recommend that Pre-Instrument students moving on to elementary school meet with the conservatory team for a consultation to explore and choose the right instrument or voice path.
Information & Registration
You are welcome to contact our early childhood coordinator to check exact times and register for a suitable group.
Placement in a group will be determined based on availability and the discretion of the conservatory team and department teachers.
Lera Nemirovsky - Coordinator:
Music Department for Children with Special Needs
The Special Needs Department at Hassadna Conservatory is a unique and integral part of the conservatory’s musical life. The department offers a tailored program for students with special needs, while fully integrating them with students from other departments.
Established in 2002, the department enrolls around 10 students each year. As part of their studies, students receive individual instrument lessons delivered with a therapeutic approach. For these remarkable children, who face various challenges every day, music becomes the ultimate tool for communication, self-expression, and genuine joy.
Voices from the Program
A Mom’s Perspective
Dina, mother of Yotam, a Hassadna graduate:
“When you have a child with special needs at home, everyday life is never like anyone else’s. There’s a tendency for everything to become ‘special.’ But here at the conservatory, my child experiences a healthy sense of normality—a life of equality among peers. When he improvises, a burst of life emerges from him… he expresses everything deeply from the heart, without any reservations. He is always limited by frameworks, always confined to a wheelchair. But then, for a single moment, he has the opportunity to breathe, to improvise! He has a piano teacher, he has music lessons at the conservatory—he is just like all the other students his age. Watching Yotam play the piano is truly like a dream. A dream I never dared to imagine.”
A Hassadna Student’s Perspective
Shani, a student from another department at the conservatory:
“Working with Lea always lifts my spirits. When I arrive at rehearsal after a long day, she always reminds me why we do what we do—because we love music. I always learn so much from her about following your heart and how to overcome any obstacles to make our dreams come true.”
A Teacher’s Perspective
Deborah Schramm, piano teacher:
“When I work with ‘typical’ children, I more or less know the musical development process they are likely to go through with me. But with children with special needs, the whole picture is completely different. A child may be blind, so I can teach them only by developing their hearing and hand coordination. A student might be able to read music easily but be so emotionally blocked that they resist learning entirely. Or a student may be the sweetest kid in the world, happily participating in my lessons, yet finding a single note on the piano feels like climbing Mount Everest for them.
How do I approach the challenges these students present? The learning process here is uniquely fascinating and moving. My ‘arsenal’ in this process is the joy I feel in exploring new ideas and developing creative solutions. With my help, these wonderful children gain a musical lifestyle that would otherwise be inaccessible to them. Music illuminates their lives because it touches so many deep aspects of the human experience. I work with the students as they are, without trying to fit them into other frameworks or make them into what society wants them to be. I help them believe that they are perfectly fine just as they are. I try to bring them happiness and share with them my love of music.”
Rasha's Story
Rasha was born blind, with severe autism and cognitive disability. After being abandoned by her parents as a baby, she grew up in an orphanage. The founder of the orphanage noticed Rasha’s deep love for music and brought her to us. From that moment on, a special bond developed between Rasha and her piano teacher, Deborah Schramm.
Deborah shares: “My heart leaps with joy at the privilege of helping this remarkable student grow. Without music, Rasha would completely fall apart emotionally, which only highlights the incredible power of music.”
Attending her beloved piano lessons, playing in chamber ensembles, and performing in concerts—these are all high points in Rasha’s life, moments of true happiness.