About Us
About NYMC
New York Music Center (NYMC) provides high-quality music education both in-person and online, covering a wide range of disciplines including classical and contemporary instrumental and vocal music, jazz, modern music, dance, and musical theatre.
NYMC promotes the crucial benefits of music education, such as enhancing cognitive development, emotional intelligence, academic performance, empathy, creativity, mathematical reasoning, literacy skills, discipline, cultural awareness and social engagement. The power of music is a universal phenomenon that transcends cultural, linguistic, and geographical boundaries. It has the unique ability to evoke emotions, trigger memories, and create connections between people. Music has been used throughout history as a form of expression, communication, and healing.
As the parent company of New York City Piano Academy and Barcelona Piano Academy, NYMC offers diverse music education for students of all ages and levels, eager to join our community and explore various instruments and specialties. This affiliation provides global opportunities through collaborative programs, with a faculty of world-class musicians dedicated to exceptional education and unique performance experiences.
About NYMC
New York Music Center (NYMC) provides high-quality music education both in-person and online, covering a wide range of disciplines including classical and contemporary instrumental and vocal music, jazz, modern music, dance, and musical theatre.
NYMC promotes the crucial benefits of music education, such as enhancing cognitive development, emotional intelligence, academic performance, empathy, creativity, mathematical reasoning, literacy skills, discipline, cultural awareness and social engagement. The power of music is a universal phenomenon that transcends cultural, linguistic, and geographical boundaries. It has the unique ability to evoke emotions, trigger memories, and create connections between people. Music has been used throughout history as a form of expression, communication, and healing.
As the parent company of New York City Piano Academy and Barcelona Piano Academy, NYMC offers diverse music education for students of all ages and levels, eager to join our community and explore various instruments and specialties. This affiliation provides global opportunities through collaborative programs, with a faculty of world-class musicians dedicated to exceptional education and unique performance experiences.
Our Belief
Our Belief
At the New York Music Center (NYMC), we believe music is a universal language that transcends borders, cultures, and differences. It has the extraordinary power to inspire emotion, unite communities, and elevate the human experience.
Music reflects the essence of our shared humanity. It shapes culture, fosters generosity, and builds understanding across generations and backgrounds. Music is not just art — it is a vital force for connection,
empathy, and expression.
Our Philosophy
Our Philosophy
At the New York Music Center, we believe music education is not only about technical skill — it’s a pathway to personal growth, emotional well-being, and lifelong learning.
In today’s world, technology often dominates our attention, replacing meaningful human connection with passive habits like excessive screen time and social media scrolling. These changes have contributed to rising levels of stress, anxiety, and disconnection, especially among young people. Music education provides a powerful antidote: it cultivates focus, emotional expression, creativity, and genuine connection, helping students develop resilience and well-being in a way that no digital experience can replicate.
Through music, students develop perseverance, patience, creativity, and self- confidence. They become not only skilled performers, but also thoughtful, resilient individuals prepared to navigate an increasingly complex world.
Supported by research and widely endorsed by educators, neurologists, and therapists, music education is increasingly recognized as a powerful tool for enhancing mental health, social and language skills, and academic performance, especially in areas like math, reading, memory, and communication.
At NYMC, we aim to shape not just talented performers, but thoughtful, resilient individuals prepared to thrive in all aspects of life.
Our Mission
Our Mission
The New York Music Center offers world-class instruction in music, dance, and musical theatre for students of all ages and skill levels. Whether you’re a beginner, adult learner, advanced student, or professional performer, we welcome you to our vibrant artistic community.
Our mission is to:
- Provide international-level training with top-tier faculty
- Inspire a lifelong appreciation for music, dance, and theatre
- Make learning the performing arts enjoyable, engaging, and impactful
- Promote happiness, creativity, and self-expression through music, dance, and theatre
- Offer unique opportunities to help every student grow as a performer and individual
We are committed to making the arts a joyful and enriching part of life for all.
New York Music Center Leadership Team
The New York Music Center thrives thanks to the vision, expertise, and dedication of our leadership team.
Maria Manzano
President & Artistic Director
Provides executive leadership and strategic oversight of all New York Music Center operations, directing artistic vision, managing growth, and ensuring the success of programs and initiatives across the center and its affiliates.
mmanzano@newyorkmusiccenter.com
Alba Latorre
Chief Financial Officer (CFO) & BPA Liaison
Oversees the financial strategy, planning, and fiscal management of the organization. Supports coordination with the Barcelona Piano Academy.
alatorre@newyorkmusiccenter.com
registrar@newyorkmusiccenter.com
Xiaorui Wang
Accounting
Manages accounting functions.
xwang@newyorkmusiccenter.com
Faith Gourchane
Director of Operations
Leads school-wide operations, managing staff, facilities, and organizational systems to ensure the school runs smoothly.
fgourchane@newyorkmusiccenter.com
Renato Diz
Program Manager
Manages day-to-day operations for our programs, including scheduling, lesson delivery, and communication with students and instructors.
rdiz@newyorkmusiccenter.com
Dafne Sevilla
Director of Education
Leads the development and oversight of educational programs across all divisions.
education@newyorkmusiccenter.com
dsevilla@newyorkmusiccenter.com
Renee Gomez
Administrative Manager
Manages daily operations, scheduling, and internal administration.
admin@newyorkmusiccenter.com
rgomez@newyorkmusiccenter.com
Laura Madrià i Guitart
Curriculum Coordinator
Designs and maintains the academic curriculum to ensure pedagogical excellence.
lmadria@newyorkmusiccenter.com
Jacqueline Rodriguez
Director of Admissions
Oversees admissions for students and families.
jrodriguez@newyorkmusiccenter.com
Deirdre O'Donohue
Artistic Advisor
Provides artistic guidance in programming, pedagogy, and faculty development.
Our Partners & Affiliates
Barcelona Piano Academy (BPA)
Barcelona Piano Academy (BPA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing high-level learning and professional opportunities to young, talented pianists from around the world. Each year, BPA hosts a prestigious summer program and international piano competition in Barcelona, featuring masterclasses, workshops, and recitals at renowned venues across the city.
The faculty includes internationally acclaimed pianists and professors from top institutions such as:
The Juilliard School, Paris Conservatory, Royal Academy of Music (London), Liceu Conservatori, École Normale de Musique de Paris, University Mozarteum Salzburg, Amsterdam Conservatory, University of Sydney, UDK Berlin, and the Manhattan School of Music.
BPA attracts a highly international group of participants, including students from American Ivy League universities and leading conservatories across Europe, Asia, and beyond, offering a world-class educational and performance experience in the heart of Barcelona.
New York City Piano Academy (NYCPA)
NYCPA is a premier piano school offering high-level instruction for students of all ages and levels, from beginners and adult amateurs to advanced students and professional performers. The academy builds a strong, supportive community united by the transformative power of music, with a focus on artistic excellence and personal growth.
NYCPA has piano students from all over the world, both working in our studio in Midtown Manhattan and learning online from different states across the U.S. as well as various countries. Students benefit from regular performance opportunities, recitals, and personalized mentorship, helping them grow in skill, confidence, and musical expression.
Recognized as one of New York City’s top piano schools, NYCPA is known for delivering exceptional results through elite training and a deep commitment to musical development.
Both BPA and NYCPA are proudly part of the New York Music Center family, a parent organization dedicated to supporting musical excellence and professional growth worldwide.
Programs
Our Learning Modes
Choose the learning format that works best for your lifestyle and preferences.
Our flexible approach ensures you get quality music education no matter how you choose to learn.
In-Studio
Experience personalized instruction in our state-of-the-art studios, featuring professional-grade pianos, advanced equipment, and optimal acoustics for an exceptional learning environment.
Online
Experience the same expert, high-quality instruction you'd get in person, live teachers from around the world, real-time feedback, and the freedom to learn from anywhere, anytime. Join our vibrant community of students from all over the globe!
Hybrid
Combine the best of both worlds with flexible scheduling between in-studio and online lessons designed to fit your needs.
In your home
Enjoy the comfort and convenience of private lessons in your own space, with our teachers coming directly to you!
Application Form
Take your first step into music education today
- Expert instructors with international experience
- Flexible scheduling for all ages
- Both online and in-person lessons available
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