Lessons & Programs

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LESSONS & PROGRAMS

We welcome all learners into our diverse community.

THEORY TUTORING

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CHAMBER MUSIC

10-week collaboration on Thursdays and Saturdays.

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ONLINE LESSONS

PIANO LESSONS

NSMS offers a variety of programs for children and adults, as well as performance or assessment opportunities, music theory lessons, online lessons, and chamber music.

Our students are involved in both private lessons and group classes.

We are experienced in working with students with special needs.

NSMS enrolls students on an ongoing basis, schedule-permitting.

Piano Detectives Club

60-minute weekly group class

10-minute private lesson during the class hour

The Piano Detectives Club is a special program for beginning students in pre-school and kindergarten. The class meets for 1 hour each week, during which students discover the basics of music and piano through a variety of hands-on activities and games, as well as a 10-minute individual lesson. The program offers a fun and stimulating environment, while providing a solid foundation for reading, rhythm, and technical development. The primary goal of the private lesson is to instill good practice habits. Weekly assignments are age-appropriate and are designed to foster complete musicianship at the piano.

Classes begin in September, and enrollment is limited to six students.

Music Tree Group Program

60-minute weekly group class

30-minute weekly private lesson

These classes, Time To Begin and The Music Tree, are designed for elementary students ranging from ages 6-9. Classes meet for one hour each week, during which students learn new concepts and pieces together. Class activities include group music-making, developing fluent music-reading, reinforcing rhythm concepts, building a solid technical foundation, learning effective practice strategies, and developing poise and confidence in performance. The Music Tree method, created by the founders of The New School, provides the core curriculum.

On a separate day of the week, students attend a 30-minute follow-up private lesson. This time is devoted to reviewing and practicing the pieces introduced in class, and allows for more in-depth work on individual technique, musicianship, and expression.

Classes begin in September, and enrollment is limited to eight students.

Student Repertoire Programs

30-, 45-, or 60-minute weekly private lesson

60-minute group class every alternate week*

*limited options for monthly group classes

Each NSMS student receives both group and private lessons as part of their enrollment. Our unique combination of lessons ensures all students are supported by a team of expert teachers.

Weekly lessons are devoted to studying a variety of repertoire, refining technical skills, and developing complete musicianship. Students also participate in a yearly school-wide Piano Progressions skill assessment. In addition to gaining technical skills, our students experience joy, learn self-expression, and feel accomplished.

Repertoire Classes meet every alternate week for one hour, and students within each class are of similar age and ability level. The group setting provides students with regular performance experience, feedback from their class teacher and their peers, a sense of community, reinforcement of musical concepts, and development of critical listening skills. Class size is typically 8-10 students, and enrollment continues on a rolling basis throughout the school year until full.

We offer all levels of lessons, from foundational piano to advanced professional studies. Register today to schedule an interview with our team!

Junior PEPS: Program for Excellence in Piano Study

45- or 60-minute weekly private lesson

60-minute group class every alternate week

Additional performance opportunity in end-of-year PEPS recital

The Junior PEPS Program prepares middle schoolers for advanced piano study. Students perform between levels 4-6 of RCM, and work on creative projects. Placement in the Junior PEPS Program is by teacher recommendation.

PEPS: Program for Excellence in Piano Study

60-minute weekly private lesson

60-minute group class every alternate week

60-minute small-group sessions once a month with legacy faculty

Additional performance opportunities, including end-of-year PEPS recital

The Program for Excellence in Piano Study was founded in 1995 by Phyllis Lehrer. This program is for high schoolers playing advanced repertoire. Students are prepared for collegiate-level music study, though many successful alums also go on to unrelated degrees, supported by their foundational life skills from piano. Placement in the PEPS program is by audition only.

NSMS welcomes adult students of all levels.

6-week trial option

45-minute, 60-minute, or biweekly individual lessons

Repertoire classes six times per year

Our tailored lessons support adult learners in reaching musical goals at any level. After meeting with our Admissions team to discuss your musical background, as well as your goals, you will be placed with a private teacher who will work with you to plan your individualized course of study.

All adult students are encouraged to attend repertoire classes, which provide an informal performance opportunity in a supportive setting. Listening to others play leads to the discovery of new pieces you enjoy, and inspires you in your own practicing. Playing for others will help you build your confidence as a pianist. These classes foster a sense of community and camaraderie among our adult students. Classes will explore topics such as theory applied to repertoire, practice strategies, and mindfulness.

Repertoire classes meet every 6 weeks on Saturdays at 3:00PM, and are led by different NSMS faculty members.