About Us

At CSOTA, our journey began as Mobile Music 4 Kids, pioneering a comprehensive advanced music program for local Day Care Facilities and schools in Queens, NY. From the outset, our goal was clear – to initiate music instruction at the earliest age possible, shaping gifted minds and giving our children a distinct advantage in a highly competitive world.

Starting with Mobile Music, we provided weekly progressive music instruction to local schools, offering age-dependent courses ranging from Music and Movement to instrument and vocal instruction. Our program, aligned with NY State Standard of the Arts and MENC (Music Educators National Conference) standards, focused on the essential components of singing, listening, moving, playing, and creating, ensuring holistic musical development in young learners.

When the pandemic hit, we adapted, transitioning to online lessons and expanding into private adult lessons and group sessions. This transformative period led to a restructuring, birthing the Contemporary School of the Arts (CSOTA). As a hybrid school with a focus on arts education, CSOTA caters to learners from a very young age to adults.

Our mission at CSOTA is centered around the comprehensive growth and success of our students. We're dedicated to delivering engaging lessons that not only impart essential skills but also inspire a lifelong love for learning. Through a balanced blend of tradition and innovation, Christine Gibbons and Robin Vance have crafted a positive and rewarding hybrid learning experience that accommodates students of all ages and abilities, making CSOTA a beacon where the harmonies of music and education flourish.

Embarking on a musical journey is more than just about creativity; it's the transformative experience of becoming the artist you aspire to be. This belief defines my role as a co-founder and music educator at CSOTA. I'm Christine Gibbons, on a mission to elevate our students' artistic confidence, nurture their skills, and infuse a passion for the art-making process while instilling integrity and good character.

My journey in the world of music and theater began at the tender age of four. At ten, I initiated formal training in voice and acting at The Newark School of the Arts and The Children’s Theater Workshop in Essex County, New Jersey. Through my teenage years, directing and leading choirs in church laid the foundation for my commitment to the craft.

As an international performer, I've graced stages across China as a lead singer for the state-of-the-art Thai City Theater and sailed the Western and Eastern Caribbean islands as a lead production singer for Carnival Cruise Line.

Education has been a cornerstone of my journey, with a foundation laid at Montclair State University where I earned a B.A. in Theater & Music. Committed to continuous growth, education is an ongoing pursuit for me, and I continue to study, learning as much as I can at Berklee College of Music.

Proudly serving as the co-founder of CSOTA and co-owner of 2-4-1 Entertainment, our establishment goes beyond traditional music education. CSOTA is a haven where creativity knows no bounds, encouraging every student to explore, express, and excel.

Robin Vance, a distinguished individual with a BA degree in psychology, is a retired detective from the New York City Police Department. However, it's in the realm of music that Robin's journey truly unfolds. Commencing her studies in music, dance, and acting at the tender age of seven, she swiftly immersed herself in the world of melodies and rhythms.

At 14, Robin took on the role of a music teacher, marking the beginning of a multifaceted career as a performer and educator. Over the years, she has showcased her talents on several instruments and garnered numerous awards for her impactful contributions to the world of music.

Renowned for her crime prevention efforts, Robin employed a unique approach, teaching drug and gang prevention through the universal language of music. Her noteworthy accomplishments include composing music for an anti-drug project and playing a pivotal role in the success of programs like D.A.R.E on an international scale.

In addition to her impressive musical journey, Robin co-founded the Contemporary School of the Arts and 2-4-1 Entertainment. Driven by a passion for animation and a commitment to curriculum development for music education, particularly for young learners, she continues to study and teach. Robin's mission is to help all learners thrive and reach their musical goals, creating a harmonious blend of her diverse talents and unwavering dedication to education.