Looking for the best music and theater classes and programs for kids in Manhattan, NYC? Our listings will have your kid learning everything from guitar to clarinet to stage performance in musical theater, even Shakespeare in no time. New York's borough of Manhattan is filled with great music and theater classes, so let NYMetroParents guide you.
MUSIC
ABC Do-Re-ME!
6 locations in NYC
646-434-1419
info@abcdoreme.com
A premier children’s music program offering enriching music programs including Kindermusik and Pre-Suzuki. Our programs bring music together with classes available for babies (including newborns), toddlers, and preschoolers through 7-year-olds.
Academy of Musical Arts - Varta
Manhattan
In Home Lessons
Manhattan
347-229-2485
Our In Home Music Lessons in Manhattan stand out with high quality and convenience! Enroll in our private lessons and you will never have to leave your home for a music lesson again. Choose from piano, violin, cello, guitar, flute, clarinet, and voice. Our outstanding teachers hold degrees from The Juilliard School and other leading conservatories and have extensive experience working with very young children, as well as advanced students. All young musicians have the opportunity to perform at our biannual recitals held in a beautiful recital hall in Manhattan!
Applause New York City
Home of Rock-n-Roll Babies, Broadway Babies, and Superstars
St. Jean's Community Center, 184 E. 76th St., New York
212-717-0703
info@applauseny.com
Applause NYC is the number-one rated, highly acclaimed NYC music and drama program for all ages! Classes include Broadway Babies and Rock-n-Roll Babies (ages 4 mos.-3 years), Little Stars (ages 3 and 4 years), Stars (ages 4 and 5 years), Superstars (K-5th Grade), and Applause Weekend Workshops (5th-12th Grades). Applause NYC also does birthday parties for ages 1-12 that include acting, singing, dancing and fun. Don't forget Applause for your next special event! Check out our classes and locations at applauseny.com.
apple seeds
10 W. 25th St., New York
212-792-7590
apple seeds Upper West Side - NOW OPEN!
200 West End Ave. (bet. 69th & 70th Streets)
212-792-7591
apple seeds is an all-in-one play space for families with children ages newborn-5 years. Their flagship location is in the Chelsea/Flatiron neighborhood and a second location is now open on the Upper West Side. Both locations feature a state-of-the-art indoor playground with museum-quality exhibits, 100 different children’s classes per week, unique birthday parties, and an award-winning day camp. Join us after school for classes in cooking, science, soccer, dance, and more for ages 3-5 years!
Arts at St. John's In the Village (The)
224 Waverly Place
212-243-6192
gordon@stjvny.org
Boys and girls accepted as Choristers receive professional music and voice training. The children also receive a small stipend. We offer practical professional training. Your child will be performing, while learning how to read and interpret music with artistic sensitivity. Our musical roots are founded in the ancient tradition of English cathedrals; children in the pursuit of musical excellence. We hope to carry this tradition of excellence and share it with the community. Rehearsals are held on Mondays from 4pm-6pm.
Broadway Bound Kids
St. Michael's Church, 225 W. 99th St, New York
917-300-8554
info@broadwayboundkids.net
Belt out show tunes, create scripts, become songwriters, take master classes with Broadway stars, and perform on stage in our stress-free summer programs. Rock out "Glee-style," and become part of a Glee Club in "Gleek Week." Sing, dance, act; create scripts, songs, sets, and costumes in "Create-A-Musical." 4th-9th-Grade performers may audition for the "Broadway Bound Players" musical! Go to broadwayboundskids.net for more information and to register!
City Treehouse
129A W. 20th St (bet. 6th & 7th Avenues), New York
212-255-2050
Drop-in for classes or bring your playgroup for a custom class. Enjoy dance classes presented by Creation Station, yoga presented by Karma Kids, and much more. City Treehouse has been recognized as Best Indoor Playspace by New York magazine, Nickelodeon, and Urban Baby, and offers a nature-themed indoor play area that features the largest indoor water play center in New York City. Drop-in play, parties, and special packages for playgroups and unlimited family play are available. Reservations are recommended.
Diller-Quaile School of Music
24 E. 95th St., New York
212-369-1484
Since 1920, Diller-Quaile has been developing the innate musicality in each individual, inspiring participation for a lifetime. Diller-Quaile offers Early Childhood Classes; Instrument and Voice Lessons; Classes and Ensembles; Adult Programs; Teacher Training/Dalcroze Courses; Rug Concerts for young children; master classes; and faculty concerts throughout the year. Classes begin Sept. 18, 2012 and run through June 10, 2013. Accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Precollegiate Arts Schools. Call 212-369-1484 or visit diller-quaile.org.
Florentine School of Music, Art & Academics
384 Broadway, Fl. 2 (between Walker & White Streets), New York
212-625-8338
The Florentine Yamaha Music School offers outstanding music instruction for children ages 3-8. Using the Yamaha Method developed in Japan since the 1950's, Florentine's highly trained teachers lead fun, systematic group lessons for students and their parents. Music-making becomes a joyful part of your family life. Children learn to listen, sing solfège, play keyboard, and read and write music within a community of musicians. With their broad skills and highly-trained ears, students of the Yamaha Method are often leaders in school orchestra, band, and choirs. Visit florentineschool.com to arrange a free preview lesson.
Greenwich House
224 West 30th Street, Suite 302, New York
212-991-0003??
Greenwich House offers a rich, arts-focused curriculum for students ages 3-17 at its After-School, Summer Camp, and Music and Pottery programs. Expert instructors guide children in music, art, dance, and other creative classes, providing a safe, fun environment for learning and growing. Opportunities range from private music instruction and group choral programs (for adults too!) to pottery, cartoon art, and digital photography; select from more than 40 different weekly after-school and Saturday classes. The Music School also presents many free or low-cost concerts and recitals throughout the year.
Hands On! A Musical Experience, Inc.
1365 First Ave. 212-628-1945
529 Columbus Ave. 212-496-9929
19 Warren St. 121-227-7375
233 E. 50th St, 212-339-9915
189 Amsterdam Ave. 212-724-3124
Hands On! A Musical Experience, Inc. is a music program for infants, toddlers, and pre-school children. Using a specially formatted and instrument-based curriculum, students are introduced to a variety of musical styles, concepts, instruments, and activities that enhance other learning like the acquisition of language, listening skills, auditory discrimination, social understanding and personal discovery. We have produced such programs as “Carnival of the Animals,” and “Music Around the World.” Hands On! Creative Arts is a program that guides children towards self-expression, helps them to develop problem-solving skills, and instills an appreciation for art.
Heydt, Marsha
917-332-7063
marsha@marshaheydt.net
Learn to play the saxophone, flute or clarinet from an experienced teacher and recording artist. Become a star or just become more self confident in expressing yourself through music. Ages 8 and up.
Literacy Takes A Bow - East Side Performing Arts Center
Located at the Gymtime Center, New York
631-624-6824 / 631-624-5107
info@literacytakesabow.com
Be at the center of it all – theatre, dance, singing, creative writing, and performance! ESPAC’s after-school classes for ages 4-16 – Encore! Encore!, A Moving Experience, Play Building, and more – promote self-expression, problem solving, positive energy, and confidence, while allowing kids to explore the arts. Join the ESPAC community for a trimester of creativity and collaborative fun! Free Trial Class! We can even bring an arts program to your school through our innovative in-school program, Literacy Takes a Bow. Visit us online!
Little Rockers - Cool Kids Music Classes
Tribeca - MOOMAH Café
161 Hudson St.
Upper East Side - SPROUT
1375 3rd Ave. (Bet. 78th & 79th)
732-872-4354
Little Rockers is proud to announce a new TriBeCa class location! These Cool Kids Music Classes feature a mix of original and classic rock tunes to teach families about rhythm and melody. Owner Chris Apple explains: "We use rock to bring a fresh approach to our classes that is also fun for the adults. If the adults are having fun, the kids will, too!" With locations in TriBeCa and UES their plan is in motion. Are you ready for rockin’? Mixed-age classes, newborn-5 years. 7-week summer session begins July 9.
Lori Brand
New York
212-674-4599
loribrand@gmail.com
MMA Manhattan Music & Art
76 W.85th St
646-496-2649
mmanyc09@gmail.com
Great place for kids! Piano lessons, fine arts + lunch. Only $149/week-session. Please call (646)496-2649. Private instrument lessons. Adults division also available. Now enrolling for the Fall semester.
MoonSoup
1059 Second Ave at 56th St
212- 319-3222
Now's a great time to check out classes at MoonSoup! Just call to book your free trial class; a beautiful space with super-fun classes for babies up to pre-schoolers. Each enrollment includes free play time to keep kids busy all week. Plan ahead now for summer fun! MoonSoup's Mini Camp cooks up fun, creatively rich, art and music classes for babies to preschoolers. MoonSoup also does great Birthday Parties! Enroll early; classes fill fast!
Music Beans
118-122 Baxter St., Suite 702, New York
646-770-1599
If it’s tough to fit music lessons into your child’s busy schedule, we make it easy! Music Beans is now offering in-home lessons in the NY Metro area (Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens), in the comfort and convenience of your own home. Plus, our energetic, 90-minute music-themed parties are led by professional musicians and creative educators, and include Music Beans concerts, rhythmic games, singing and movement, arts & crafts, celebration birthday cake and pizza for your child’s special day. For more information, visit our website or call 646-770-1599.
Music Together in the City
West Side, New York
212-358-3801
*Tribeca
*Soho
*West Village
*Gramercy Park
*Battery Park City
*Financial District
*Murray Hill
Jump in to spring with a Music Together in the City class! Family classes for children birth through 4 years begin in late March, and registrations are accepted through April 18. Music Together’s award-winning music has fun songs for you and your kids to enjoy in class, at home, in the car and on the playground. Participants receive two CDs and a complete songbook with songs and chants from one of our nine collections. Register and join us for a rich music experience this spring! Please visit the website or call.
Natalia Huang Piano Studio
Murray Hill, New York
917-698-1005
New York Jazz Academy
718-426-0633
Javier Arau, Program Director
nyja@nyjazzacademy.com
The New York Jazz Academy, the Upper West Side's dynamic new music school, offers the highest quality jazz music instruction to students of all ages and levels. Recognizing the lack of opportunity among many students to play in school jazz ensembles, the NYJA offers weekly big band rehearsals, sectionals, jam sessions, and improvisation seminars to elementary, middle, and high school students. NYJA also offers in-home private lesson and ensemble packages and is currently accepting fall 2009 registration applications on all instruments.
New York Music & Arts Center
337 East 81st Street, New York
212-288-2006
Playing Mantis
32 North Moore
646-484-6845
19 North Broadway, Nyack
Toys and crafts made by hand from around the world inspired by children and mother nature are perfect as birthday party gifts. Each toy, each craft tells a story of a heritage, a culture, and of the passion with artistic and humane expression. For all the right reasons, Imelda McCain can't help but restore you faith in humanity. Her worldview is local in nature and global by design. And her simple, unwavering desire to make it all work to everyone's benefit is as egalitarian and humble as it is inspired.
Road Recovery
Conveniently located in midtown Manhattan
212-489-2425
Roadrecovery.org, has offered at-risk youth healthy ‘cool’ alternatives to drugs, alcohol, and insanity for over 14 years! Our staff is comprised of music industry professionals who have confronted and overcome similar life crises, and now wish to mentor youth through the process of presenting concerts and recording music. Our weekly Trax Program workshops seek to help teens develop the strength, self-assuredness and comprehensive life skills needed to withstand peer pressure and negative influences.
Rutgers Community Programs
236 W. 73rd St. (at Broadway), New York
212-877-8227 x212
New families, bring your children ages 1-10 to the Rutgers Community Programs FREE Open House, Saturday, September 22, 9:30am-12:30pm. We have Mommy & Me and On My Own playgroups; Ready, Set, Go! preschool alternative for kids aged 3-5; Mandarin; art; dance; movement; soccer; and Curtains Up Playhouse, the musical theater program where kids ages 5-10 act, sing, dance, and design sets for the spring production of “Cinderella!” $25 off a fall class or $100 off Ready, Set, Go! if you attend the Open House. RSVP required.
Star Kidz - NYC
NYC & Westchester locations
New York
914-921-0006
NYC (Upper East Side)
Westchester (White Plains)
Star Kidz is a unique program combining singing, acting, hip-hop, and more, all in one class! Since 2004, we’ve helped hundreds of kids, ages 3-17, learn performance skills and build confidence through fun, motivating classes. Through a carefully designed curriculum, Star Kidz features a staff of New York City-trained instructors who teach technique, develop performance skills, and build confidence for every level and age group, from Broadway hopefuls to those on the shy side. View our online video: starkidzonline.com. Let your child shine!
Third Street Music School Settlement
235 E. 11th St. (at 2nd Avenue), New York
212-777-3240
Located on East 11th Street, Third Street Music School Settlement has been changing lives and its community by providing world-class music and dance instruction since 1894. Serving children and adults ages 0 to 99, Third Street has something for everyone! Early childhood and preschool programs instill a lifelong love of the arts and learning. For older children, teens and adults, individual/group lessons as well as enrichment programs, ensembles, and performances promote skills, achievement, and enthusiasm to all who wish to move along the pathway of excellence in music and dance.
THEATER
91st Street Academy
316 E. 91st Street, New York
646-276-4019
info@91ACADEMY.com
Spend up to 6 exciting weeks developing acting and dance skills, growing in confidence and self-expression, and having lots of fun! Classes offered: Hip-Hop, Jazz and Ballet, Kids’ Yoga, Drama, Music Theatre, and Kids’ Zumba! Morning Session: 3’s, 4’s, 5’s OnStage (3-5 yr olds) 9-11:30am. Afternoon Session: All Stars (1st-8th Grades) 12-3pm.
A Class Act NY
200 W 60th St, #28 E, NYC
212-315 3010
Applause New York City
Home of Rock-n-Roll Babies, Broadway Babies, and Superstars
St. Jean's Community Center, 184 E. 76th St., New York
212-717-0703
info@applauseny.com
Applause NYC is the number-one rated, highly acclaimed NYC music and drama program for all ages! Classes include Broadway Babies and Rock-n-Roll Babies (ages 4 mos.-3 years), Little Stars (ages 3 and 4 years), Stars (ages 4 and 5 years), Superstars (K-5th Grade), and Applause Weekend Workshops (5th-12th Grades). Applause NYC also does birthday parties for ages 1-12 that include acting, singing, dancing and fun. Don't forget Applause for your next special event! Check out our classes and locations at applauseny.com.
Atlantic Acting School
76 Ninth Ave., Suite 537
New York
212-691-5919
hbaird@atlantictheater.org
Saturday Teen Scene Study & Technique (Grades 9-12) teaches the Atlantic Technique, integrating acting classes with an actor’s physical and vocal warm-up. Young Actors (Grades 6, 7-8) offers physical improvisation, theater games, assigned monologue and scene work. Performance & Playwriting (Grades 4-6) engages young actors through story creation and structured theater games to create an original play. Creators (Grades 1-3) and Performers (PK/K) features classes in acting, storytelling, theater games, and character creation. Saturday Youth Program (Ages 7–10) is a young performers’ ensemble program with music, art, and acting.
Big Apple Comedians
212-479-0822
BigAppleComedians@gmail.com
School is back in session! Big Apple Comedians is teaching a stand-up comedy school for kids at Governors Comedy Club in Levittown. The session starts on September 26th for 7 consecutive Saturdays. On the 8th week is the graduation show, when kids will perform at Governors Comedy Club and receive a FREE DVD of the performance. Big Apple Comedians also performs at bar/bat mitzvahs, sweet 16's, and birthday parties. Bring New York's funniest to your next event!
Body & Spirit
Rutgers Presbyterian Church
236 West 73rd St
212-877-8227 x 212
Join us in celebrating 10 years as the Upper West Side’s best value! Our programs include many dance classes and a fabulous musical theatre workshop offered by a professional staff, as well as our usual classes. This year, our art instructor Cindy Schaffer will also be teaching afterschool programs, in addition to the handprints classes she has taught for years here during the mornings. Take a look at our website for details.
Broadway Arts Factory
DANY Studios, 305 W. 38th St.
New York
646-543-2823
Broadway Arts Factory is a 501(c)(3) educational institution dedicated and devoted to the training of musical theatre students between the ages of 11 and 18. Our faculty consists of highly skilled educators who are also successful Broadway performers or members of the Broadway community. This is your chance to study dance, voice, and acting under one roof. Our sliding scale of program fees allows talented students this opportunity no matter what their financial background may be.
Broadway Birthday Bashes
123 E. 24th St., New York
212-563-7488
Make your child a star by hosting a one-of-a-kind party that’s never been done before, at Broadway Birthday Bashes. You’ll get private access to an Off-Broadway theater, where you'll watch the city’s top comedic talent create a brand new, made-up musical all about your child. With a full theater for kids and a full bar for parents, this is a birthday party where you can’t go wrong. Parties can be customized with pre-show entertainment, karaoke, disco dance floor, carnival treats, and a whole lot more!
Broadway Bound Kids
St. Michael's Church, 225 W. 99th St, New York
917-300-8554
info@broadwayboundkids.net
Belt out show tunes, create scripts, become songwriters, take master classes with Broadway stars, and perform on stage in our stress-free summer programs. Rock out "Glee-style," and become part of a Glee Club in "Gleek Week." Sing, dance, act; create scripts, songs, sets, and costumes in "Create-A-Musical." 4th-9th-Grade performers may audition for the "Broadway Bound Players" musical! Go to broadwayboundskids.net for more information and to register!
Broadway Edge
244 W. 54th St., 5th Fl., New York
646-395-2898
Downtown Dance Factory
291 Broadway, 5th floor, New York
212-962-1800
Downtown Dance Factory, a comprehensive dance school located in a brand new, multi-studio complex in the heart of Tribeca, offers dance classes to kids aged two through teen in jazz, hip-hop, tap, ballet, and lyrical, as well as musical theater from TADA!. Downtown Dance Factory also offers a popular all-boys hip-hop program. With adult dance classes and dance-themed kids’ birthday parties on the menu as well (think ballet, hip-hop...even breakdance!), Downtown Dance Factory has something for everyone! Register now!
DramaZone®
917-690-0789
We offer dramatic parties casting your child as the star of the show. Choose from any of our three locations or we can come to you! Bring on the super heroes with an adult super hero attending your party. Imagine your child's eyes visiting with a real life adult princess at her party. We can customize any party; you name it, we can do it. We organize the entire party or send the entertainment to a venue of your choice. While your child’s partying, you can simply enjoy your guests.
Literacy Takes A Bow - East Side Performing Arts Center
Located at the Gymtime Center, New York
631-624-6824 / 631-624-5107
info@literacytakesabow.com
Be at the center of it all – theatre, dance, singing, creative writing, and performance! ESPAC’s after-school classes for ages 4-16 – Encore! Encore!, A Moving Experience, Play Building, and more – promote self-expression, problem solving, positive energy, and confidence, while allowing kids to explore the arts. Join the ESPAC community for a trimester of creativity and collaborative fun! Free Trial Class! We can even bring an arts program to your school through our innovative in-school program, Literacy Takes a Bow. Visit us online!
Literally Alive Children's Theatre
115 MacDougal Street, New York
212-866-5170
Paula J Riley Studio
312 West 36th Street Studio 6A , New York
212-689-4362
paula@pjrileystudio.com
For over 35 years, Paula has acted, directed, taught, coached and produced in New York City. She holds periodic Teen Master Classes in Kentucky at the long-standing Jenny Wiley Theater. FROM SCRATCH TO SCRIPT teaches you the ABC’s of acting, using her process called Primary Principles of Acting, which includes playful exercises and improvisation. All that you learn is applied to scenes and monologues, which are performed before an audience of industry, friends and family at workshop’s end.
StageCoach Schools
45 E. 81st St.
347-678-8989
330 Smith St, Brooklyn
718-852-3208
Stagecoach is not just for performers, it is for everyone who loves to act, sing and dance for pure enjoyment. Stagecoach helps children grow, at their own speed, into effective human beings. At the same time our caring and talented teachers and principals make sure they keep their feet firmly on the ground. Classes run on Saturday mornings from 10am to 1pm. StageCoach training is training for life!
StageCoach Theatre Arts School, Upper East Side
7 E. 96th St., New York
347-678-8989
Free Trail Classes - Act, Sing, and Dance.
Star Kidz - NYC
NYC & Westchester locations, New York
914-921-0006
NYC (Upper East Side)
Westchester (White Plains)
Star Kidz is a unique program combining singing, acting, hip-hop, and more, all in one class! Since 2004, we’ve helped hundreds of kids, ages 3-17, learn performance skills and build confidence through fun, motivating classes. Through a carefully designed curriculum, Star Kidz features a staff of New York City-trained instructors who teach technique, develop performance skills, and build confidence for every level and age group, from Broadway hopefuls to those on the shy side. View our online video: starkidzonline.com. Let your child shine!
TADA! Youth Theater
15 W. 28th St at Broadway, New York
212-252-1619
SMoazeni@tadatheater.com
Celebrate like a star! TADA! offers musical theater birthday parties where your group can experience one of our original musicals for kids (by kids) and/or get in on the action themselves. Package options can include a performance at our theater, or a specialized singing and dancing workshop at the location of your choice. All parties include the TADA! birthday song personalized for you, a special goody bag for the birthday child, invitations, and favors. Let TADA! create a party for you. Visit our website or call for more details.
The Great Charlini
914-673-9081
Theatre Arts Center
In Summer Residence at Professional Performing Arts Center
Queensborough Community College
Bayside
718-595-2905
Take center stage in a four-week Performing Arts Camp for talented 9- to 19-year-olds. Professional quality close to home. Learn from working Broadway professionals like the Dance Captain from Billy Elliot. Three Musical Theatre/Dance Companies by age & ability or Teen Acting Ensemble. Full day (Mon – Fri) includes acting, musical theatre/dance, voice, on-camera, improv, and more. Students perform fully staged shows for the public. Musical Theatre July 9 – Aug. 5. Teen Acting Ensemble July 2 - July 29. One of the best values in NYC! By audition. Space is limited.
Vital Children's Theatre
Linda Key, Education Director
2162 Broadway, 4th floor, New York
212-579-0528
