NMS has a way of making a lasting impression on our students. I know this first hand, as the memories of my very first music class with Julia Blue-Raspe more than 40 years ago still swim around in my mind. It was here at NMS that I first marched to the beat of music and where music came alive. I …

Spontaneous music-making around our family piano was a key part of my musical upbringing. From popular parlor tunes from the 1890s, Irish tunes,1940s hits, the blues, to the Beatles, we would all jump in to play this cherished music by ear. And to sing loudly!When I was young, I thought every...

Neighborhood Music School has a long history of Jazz programming. Our world renowned faculty leads ensembles for all levels of improvisers (including our Premier Jazz Ensemble), helping to produce a long history of CT All-State musicians. Our jazz alumni include Grammy-nominated musicians such as Christian Sands and Wayne Escoffery. We also produce engaging concerts and run a beloved Summer Jazz program. Jazz at NMS is alive and well. As you will learn in the stories below...

In this installment of Notable Neighbors we highlight two people whose connections to NMS exemplify what we are all about. Amity Doolittle and Alex Vlassenkov have also both shaped and enriched my own and my family’s experiences at NMS in innumerable ways. Amity has been our Board Chair for close to three years now and her guidance, wisdom and generosity have set the tone for the steady leadership I have needed to get through...

One of the most magical aspects of NMS is the number of students, faculty, and staff who have been part of the NMS community for decades. Today, we meet two long-time, cherished members of the NMS community: a student who first came to NMS in 1975, and a faculty member who first came to NMS when he was a child. …

Prepare, support, and celebrate! Here’s how to make the most of your child’s online lessons: 1. Help your child make a smooth transition at least 15 minutes prior to the start of the lesson Provide a pre-lesson snack Wash hands Have the instrument, music, and a pencil with an eraser ready Have the computer/tablet set up with the camera positioned …

Covering a broad range of styles, our 21 composers (as young as four years old!) sent us videos, audio recordings, music notation, and lyrics. We even had an entrant from Sweden! Each and every song was uniquely endearing, and our judges had their work cut out for them. We are pleased to announce two winners for this competition...