The New School of Music (Cambridge, MA) is an inclusive community music school for children and adults of all ages and levels. We offer private and group lessons, ensembles, recitals, and vacation programs in a welcoming, student-centered environment. Our faculty share a lifelong commitment to the art of teaching and love working with a wide range of students and in a variety of genres, including classical, jazz, pop, and world music.
We invite you to join our community by taking lessons, performing in ensembles, attending outstanding faculty recitals, participating in monthly student recitals, enjoying family events, and much, much more!
History
Founded in 1976 by composer, conductor, and musician Nicholas Van Slyck, the New School of Music has offered music education in Cambridge for nearly fifty years. Originally located on Concord Avenue, NSM moved to its present West Cambridge location in 1980 to take residence in the former Lowell School, a historic wood-framed schoolhouse built in 1883 and used by the Cambridge Public Schools through 1979. The Lowell School is on the National Register of Historic Places, and it is the only remaining structure of its kind in Cambridge.
The New School of Music is located on the traditional and ancestral land of the Massachusett, the original inhabitants of what is now known as Boston and Cambridge. We pay respect to the people of the Massachusett Tribe, past and present, and honor the land itself which remains sacred to the Massachusett People.
Mission Statement
NSM’s mission is to foster a love and understanding of music throughout our community. In fulfillment of that mission, we:
- Provide outstanding music education to students of all ages with a wide range of musical interests, levels of achievement, and financial means;
- Share our music with the public through performances and community events; and
- Promote a broadening musical engagement by extending ourselves into the community
Testimonials from Families
The New School of Music is offers a rare opportunity for children of all ages to share with adults the joy and community that is part of learning about the arts. The school is dedicated to excellence, and the teachers are caring and dedicated to music education at all levels and among a wonderfully diverse group of students. – NSM Parent
We are so proud of our son’s musicality; financial aid at NSM has made it possible for our child to excel and relish his musical gifts. – NSM Parent
I hadn’t been playing music for years prior to enrolling in lessons at the NSM. As an adult student, it is great to have a place where I can learn an instrument from scratch and rediscover my love for playing music. – NSM Student
This is a wonderful place that fosters the love of music in children of all ages. Our daughter, Nicole began her experience at NSM when she was 4 1/2 as a Music Discovery student. She is now 11 taking piano lessons with teachers who enthusiastically continue to support Nicole’s love of music. – Linda, NSM Parent
We have been taking classes at NSM since our daughter was 1 1/2 years old. When she wanted to learn electric guitar and needed private lessons, it was the first place we called! All of the staff/teachers have always been excellent at NSM. Our family values the overall community and commitment to the music/arts that NSM has created! – NSM Parent