Founded in 1976 by composer, conductor, and musician Nicholas Van Slyck, the New School of Music is a nonprofit community music school located in Cambridge that offers music instruction for newborns through adults, at all levels and ages. All of NSM’s teachers have a lifelong commitment to the art of teaching and a love for working with a wide range of students and ability levels. Our faculty includes recording artists and international performers, many who have multiple graduate degrees and perform several musical styles or instruments. In addition, our faculty provides music instruction in a variety of musical forms, including classical, jazz, pop, and world music. NSM also offers diverse concert programming throughout the year.
The New School of Music is located in West Cambridge in a historic wooden school building built in 1883, the only remaining structure of its kind in Cambridge.
We invite you to join our music community by taking lessons, joining an ensemble, attending outstanding faculty recitals, enjoying our numerous family events, participating in monthly student recitals, and much, much more!
Mission Statement
The New School of Music’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 our 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