Causes: Arts & Culture, Performing Arts Schools

Mission: Neighborhood Music School strives to provide the highest quality instruction in music, dance and drama and to make education and performance accessible to people of all ages, backgrounds, economic means, and levels of ability.

Programs: NMS offers individual and group class instruction in over 30 instruments and 7 genres of dance. Its 130 faculty are both professional educators and active performing artists. More than 3000 students participate each year. These students range in age from 6 months to over 80 years and include beginners to advanced and professional level artists, and many adult students who are returning to instrumental instruction after a long hiatus. NMS has one of the largest ensemble programs in the country with over 100 ensembles performing together weekly including the renowned Greater New Haven Youth Orchestra, Concert Band and Symphonic Wind Ensemble. Instruction is on an academic cycle with two regular semesters running 18 weeks each, though rolling admissions are accepted.