Jazz & Contemporary Music
Immerse yourself in the world of jazz and contemporary music with our comprehensive and innovative program, designed to develop technical proficiency and a deep understanding of jazz and modern repertoire. Our curriculum emphasizes building a strong foundation in improvisation, rhythm, harmony, and expressive interpretation, while providing historical and stylistic context to enhance musical understanding.
The program also equips students to become independent and efficient learners, enabling steady progress on technique, repertoire, and performance without requiring excessive practice time on each piece.
Instruments
Master your instrument through the lens of jazz and contemporary music.
Piano
Piano
Take your jazz piano to the next level with a program that blends technical depth, artistic sensitivity, and creative freedom. Explore a rich, modern harmonic language while developing authentic and confident improvisation.
- Comprehensive mastery of jazz harmony and advanced progressions, applied in a practical and musical way
- Progressive development of improvisation: from traditional swing to fusion and contemporary styles
- Creative and versatile accompaniment techniques, adapted to different ensembles and musical styles
- Recital opportunities at premier Manhattan venues (participation not required)
Guitar
Guitar
Explore jazz guitar from swing, bebop, hardbop, postbop, to modern jazz and fusion.
- Exploring Jazz Standards and repertoire with focus on music by Charlie Parker, Duke Ellington, George Gershwin and Miles Davis, among others
- Jazz chord voicings and comping styles
- Single-line improvisation techniques
- Chord melody arrangements and techniques
- Study of jazz guitar legends like Joe Pass, Wes Montgomery, Grant Green, Pat Martino, and Herb Ellis
- Solo transcription study
- Ear Training with focus on identifying chord progressions and melodic shapes for improvisation
- Recital opportunities at premier Manhattan venues (participation not required)
Double bass
Double Bass
Master jazz double bass with a hands-on, creative approach, building a solid tone, strong groove, and authentic improvisational skills. Become the rhythmic and harmonic foundation of any ensemble while exploring a wide range of styles and techniques.
- Advanced double bass techniques: bowing, pizzicato, articulation, and dynamics
- Crafting bass lines and grooves for swing, bebop, fusion, and contemporary jazz
- Developing improvisation from core rhythmic patterns to full melodic solos
- Drawing inspiration from legendary jazz bassists to understand their style, tone, and musical approach
- Recital opportunities at premier Manhattan venues (participation not required)
Voice Jazz
The Voice Program helps singers of all levels develop healthy technique, expand vocal range, and refine interpretation across styles. Lessons cover breathing, diction, and posture, while building confidence for auditions and performances. Explore everything from classic jazz standards to soul, R&B, pop, and indie styles, building a flexible toolkit that lets students sing whatever moves them and open doors they might not have even considered yet.
- Classic jazz, R&B, pop, gospel, blues, funk, Latin jazz / Afro-Cuban, and indie styles
- Breathing, posture, diction, phrasing, tone production
- Mic technique and performance skills that prepare students for real stages
- Choose your path: standalone lessons or an integrated curriculum
- Recital opportunities at premier Manhattan venues (participation not required)
Music Theory & Improvisation
Learn to read, write, and analyze music while developing your skills in improvisation, composition, and songwriting. Explore scales, harmony, rhythm, and form in a practical way, strengthening the connection between ear, mind, and instrument. Master the theory. Understand the music. Create with freedom.
- Apply harmony, melody, rhythm, and form creatively
- Build improvisation skills connecting ear, mind, and instrument
- Explore songwriting: memorable melodies, engaging lyrics, strong structure
- Choose your path: standalone lessons or an integrated curriculum
- Private and group online lessons available
Composition & Song Writing
Transform your musical ideas into original creations with a strong personal identity. At NYMC, we go beyond theory; we teach you how music truly works and how to apply it creatively.
- Orchestration and arrangement: write for ensembles while balancing texture, dynamics, and soloists
- Combine composition with modern production: learn arranging, electronic elements, and studio tools as creative instruments
- Choose your path: standalone lessons or an integrated curriculum
- Opportunity to be selected as a candidate for presenting your musical compositions in a recital at a prestigious venue in New York City
Full Music Program
Our Jazz & Contemporary Full Music Program offers a modern, versatile approach to music education, combining jazz theory, ear training, sight-reading, and private lessons on your chosen instrument or voice. Students take two lessons per week, one focused on theory and the other on their instrument or voice, providing a structured yet creative approach that enhances improvisation, stylistic understanding, and real-world performance skills.
- Boost your progress with two lessons per week
- Reinforce reading skills, understand harmony and structure, and learn pieces faster and more efficiently
- Ear Training & Aural Skills, identifying pitches, intervals, chords, rhythms, and melodies to enhance sight-reading, musical memory, and expressive playing
- Develop technical skill, creativity, and a deeper understanding of music
- Apply theory directly to your instrument or voice with personalized instruction
- Recital opportunities at premier Manhattan venues (participation not required)
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!
The Best Music Faculty
Learn from world-class instructors with international experience and proven track records of student success.
Dr. Sarah Johnson
Piano
Juilliard Graduate, 15+ years experience
David Williams
Guitar & Voice
Berklee College, Grammy-nominated
performer
Isabella Martinez
Dance
Royal Ballet Academy, Contemporary
Specialist
Michael Chen
Violin
Vienna Conservatory, Principal Violinist
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
Ready to Book Now?
Skip the wait and secure your spot today with our quick booking system.