New School of Music

A passion for music ...the root of our mission.

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 ever-broader musical engagement by extending ourselves into the community 

The New School of Music is a non-profit community music school offering private lessons and group classes to children and adults of all ages. Our doors are open to all – from the absolute beginner to the experienced musician, from infants and toddlers to senior citizens.  

Founded over 30 years ago, by composer, conductor and pianist Nicholas Van Slyck, The New School of Music serves music learners starting with children as young as infants  up through senior citizens with instruction and access in a variety of forms, including classical, jazz, pop and world music. 

The New School of Music's teachers are active professionals who are deeply committed to making music and to teaching others the joy of creating and participating in music.  

We invite you to join our music community– attend outstanding faculty recitals, enjoy our family events, participate in monthly student recitals, and much, much more.

The New School is located in West Cambridge, near Mt Auburn Hospital in a historic 1883 wooden school building, the only remaining structure of its kind in Cambridge.

Community Outreach at the New School

True to Nicholas Van Slyck’s original vision, the New School maintains a focus on Community – offering a diversity of affordable programs, in a non-competitive atmosphere.   

Significant projects have included:

In-school music workshops for 3rd and 4th graders in all Cambridge public schools in (2004)

Partnership with the Cambridge Center for Families to provide low income Cambridge residents with free music classes and workshops for parents and children from infancy through five 

World dance and drumming class for homeless children in partnership with Housing Families Inc., one of the largest providers of family shelter in Massachusetts

Faculty engagement in concerts and workshops to support library summer reading programs Arlington Public Libraries

Outreach concerts to seniors at assisted living and care facilities at Youville Place (Lexington) and Chestnut Park (Brookline)

Serving music learners of all ages - infants   through senior citizens Open to students of all ages, training and financial means.  Instruction and access in classical, jazz, folk, pop and world music 

A hands-on introduction to Western instruments with exciting workshops in world music & dance. Students explore the world of music with instruments, dance, song and games, with New School master musicians.

Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Before -Care ( 8:30-9am) and 

After-care ( 3-5:30 pm)  available 

We offer:

- Private Classes

- Pre-school

- Grade School

- Teen Classes

- Adult Classes

- Summer Classes

Summer Programs

Register Now!

Call, email, or visit our website for more information.