• How can I get a copy of your catalog?
• Are your programs for school age children only?
• Do I need to own an instrument?
• Are your class times limited?
• What classes do you offer for adults?
• What classes do you offer for children age 5 and under?
• What is the Suzuki Method?
• Do you offer lessons/classes only in your facilities in New Haven?
• Do you only offer classes during the school year?
• How do I register for programs at NMS?
• Is Financial Aid Available?

How can I get a copy of your catalog?
Call our school at (203) 624-5189 or click here and e-mail us a request for a catalog. You will receive a catalog from us via US mail within five business days of our receipt of your request.

Are your programs for school age children only?
NMS teaches music programs targeted to students of all ages, including pre-school (starting at 6 months) and adults. If you have the interest, we have the program.

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Do I need to own an instrument?
For students who do not own an instrument, NMS has a wide assortment of string instruments and a limited selection of wind and brass instruments available for rental. Pianos are available on-site for limited student use. NMS staff can provide information on rental or purchase of alternative instruments, please call our office for details.

Are your class times limited?
NMS is open Monday through Friday 8 am to 9 pm, Saturdays 8 am to 5 pm and Sundays 12 noon to 4:00 pm (we do not have weekend hours during the summer). With a roster of over 100 instructors, we make every effort to be available when you are.

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What classes do you offer for adults?
In addition to individualized private instruction in most instruments and voice, we offer a variety of classes incorporating Group Introductory Instruction, Ensembles, Listening & Lecture Courses, Theory and Composition, Dance, Drama and Yoga and Professional Training as well. To accommodate the busy schedules of working adults, we offer Learn@Lunch programs at convenient daytime hours and music and dance programs on evenings and weekends.

What classes do you offer for children age 5 and under?
A variety of music and movement classes are available to children ranging in age from 6 months to 5 years.

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What is the Suzuki Method?
In the 1950's the late Japanese violinist and educator Dr. Shinicki Suzuki recognized the parallels between young children learning to speak their native language and learning to play a musical instrument. For that reason the Suzuki method can also be called the "Mother Tongue Method." Suzuki teachers develop motor coordination and train the ear before the eye: students are first taught basic listening and playing skills before note reading is introduced, in the same way children learn to speak and comprehend before they learn to read. Parental involvement in the lesson is essential to the success of the Suzuki learning method.

Do you offer lessons/classes only in your facilities in New Haven?
No, we also offer both individualized lessons and group classes at Guilford, Hopkins School and Woodbridge JCC. Please request a catalog for details.

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Do you only offer classes during the school year?
Private instruction, dance and music classes, ensembles and summer camps all keep the halls of NMS bustling during the summer months too. View summer program here or call for brochure. One does NOT have to be a student at NMS during the school year to enroll in the summer program.

The fun-filled summer camps include:
· Band Camp: Two-week morning camp for intermediate band students in grades 6-11 incorporating small sectionals and full rehearsals.
· Jazz Camp: Four-day intensive Big Band/Combo summer day camp for teens and adults includes listening classes, master classes, sectionals and jam sessions.
· Audubon Arts Camp: Interdisciplinary arts camp for ages 4-16 incorporating drama, movement, signing and visual arts activities.

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How do I register for programs at NMS?
If you have not yet received a catalog from NMS, please call us to do so and we will include a registration form with your catalog. If you already have a catalog and just need a new registration form to fill out, please click here, and print out the registration form.

Return the completed registration form to the school with the registration fee and tuition payment or deposit by mail, fax or in person and allow 5-7 business days for student placement. Payment can be made to NMS by cash, check, money order, VISA, MasterCard or Discover.

Student assignments are based on teacher availability, student's learning style and interests and are generally arranged by phone with the Registrars office. To help us better accommodate you, please be thorough when filling out the Preferred and Unavailable Days/Times Section of the registration form.

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Is Financial Aid Available?
Charitable contributions allow Neighborhood Music School to offer limited financial aid to those who demonstrate a need. The amount of aid awarded is based on household income, family size, and financial obligations and is limited by the availability of NMS resources. Financial Aid does not pay for lessons/classes in full.

To apply for Financial Aid, a completed Financial Aid form must be submitted with:

• documentation of income
• a completed registration form
• a registration fee of $35 (individual) or $50 (family)
• and, a deposit of $150 for private instruction or $100 for group classes.

Please click here to print the Financial Aid form or call NMS at (203) 624-5189 to request a form.

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