Walk through the doors of Neighborhood Music School, and youll sense something special. In our hallways, studios, and performance spaces, you cant help but feel the unique brand of energy and excitement thats generated when people come together to share artistic experiences the sounds of music, laughter, and creativity are everywhere.The talented faculty at NMS are practicing artists and experienced educators, many of whom have been at Neighborhood Music School for 10 years or more. They are dedicated to their students and the community at NMS and recognized for their ability to inspire, to motivate, to support and to challenge their students. Most faculty also have active performing careers and credentials that include affiliations with almost all of the leading conservatory and graduate institutions, performances at major venues all over the US and abroad, and engagements and appointments with noted philharmonics, symphonies, ensembles and dance troupes.
Highlights and features
- Music Theory, Piano, Guitar
People
Mary Brostrom Bloom
Piano
BM (Ed.), Westminster Choir College; MM, Westminster Choir College and The New School for Music Study. Featured teacher at the National Conference on Keyboard Pedagogy and the Fiftieth Annersary of The New School for Music Study. Numerous articles and appearances at national conventions. Teachers include Phyllis Lehrer, Frances Clark, Louise Goss, Sam Holland and NMS teacher Helen Shafranek.
Reviews (15) Amelia Carmichael
Sep 23, 2017
Nathan Wei
Jun 22, 2017
Horrible teachers. One of the violin teachers would yell at me for not able to catch up like her other students. She would also dis-encourage me telling me that i wasn't meant to play violin. Then she would tell me that i was the worst student she ever had and i should just quit. The other staff is very friendly so i will give it a 3 star.
Dian Yustisiana
Aug 11, 2016
Carol F.
Dec 08, 2015
First lets start with the positives: the faculty are fantastic and the general feeling of the school is one of inclusivity and positivity, really wonderful for kids. However, each time I am forced to deal with the front office I leave offended and annoyed. Somehow I am always assisted by the woman in the back with light gray hair and frankly, she could not be more rude if she tried.
If only you could deal directly with your teachers, all would be well. I also tried phoning in my business but I was met with curt responses every time. We adore our teachers and so will continue with them, but the actual face of the school to the public needs some serious work. Go with patience and a strong tolerance for you-know-what. And you if get the woman in back- RUN!
If only you could deal directly with your teachers, all would be well. I also tried phoning in my business but I was met with curt responses every time. We adore our teachers and so will continue with them, but the actual face of the school to the public needs some serious work. Go with patience and a strong tolerance for you-know-what. And you if get the woman in back- RUN!
Ellen D.
Oct 20, 2015
After a very long hiatus from playing the clarinet, I began studying with Julie Asuma Levene at NMS. What a wonderful experience. She is an excellent teacher and ensemble coach. Several years ago she had a studio recital, and I had an opportunity to meet many of her students. The ages ranged from young children to senior citizens. We all agreed that she was terrific and we were lucky to have her as a teacher.
Patricia G.
Feb 25, 2015
I came back to my flute after a 40 year hiatus. No small matter, I took a free trial lesson with Elaine Thoma, just to see if I should bother to overcome all I had forgotten in that time. I haven't looked back and I continue to take lessons at NMS with Elaine. She is patient, loves teaching and playing and she is a consummate professional. I attribute much of my rediscovery of the joys of playing music to Elaine and the opportunity to study with her at NMS.
Bee Scorpio
Jan 29, 2015
When my family had moved back to New-Haven my son wanted to continue to play violin. The school he was attending in New-Haven didn't offer string instruments. He was recommended for the Instrumental Impact program. He received 1/2 hour lessons once a week from a wonderful violin teacher Mark. The only issue I have is because my child is in this Impact program he Cannot change his instrument "EVER".
I think this is absurd! why force a child to continue with an instrument when he wants to venture and try other options. My son is discouraged now and doesn't want to continue with the program. Music was a very big part of his daily routine and I feel bad that I cant afford to pay for the piano lessons that he wants. He told me not worry about. I did leave a message with the director Mr. Bloom and someone from the office called me and told that there was nothing Mr. Bloom could do about it.
I really wish my sons school had a music program because it is a very important part of his life as it is for all children. So, sadly my son will not be apart of this program anymore. I urge parents to make sure they know all the information and ask more questions when enrolling your child in a program at NMS Impact program. I wish I had known this before he enrolled 3 yrs ago so he wouldn't have to be discouraged now. As a parent, when a child has a positive interest, you try to do everything you can to encourage and support that interest. Its very hard when the Odds are against you!
I think this is absurd! why force a child to continue with an instrument when he wants to venture and try other options. My son is discouraged now and doesn't want to continue with the program. Music was a very big part of his daily routine and I feel bad that I cant afford to pay for the piano lessons that he wants. He told me not worry about. I did leave a message with the director Mr. Bloom and someone from the office called me and told that there was nothing Mr. Bloom could do about it.
I really wish my sons school had a music program because it is a very important part of his life as it is for all children. So, sadly my son will not be apart of this program anymore. I urge parents to make sure they know all the information and ask more questions when enrolling your child in a program at NMS Impact program. I wish I had known this before he enrolled 3 yrs ago so he wouldn't have to be discouraged now. As a parent, when a child has a positive interest, you try to do everything you can to encourage and support that interest. Its very hard when the Odds are against you!
Julius LaVaughn Stone Jr
Mar 20, 2014
Julie P.
Aug 18, 2013
My 11 year old son has been taking lessons at NMS for two years. Every minute I spent at the NMS with him is another minute that makes me love this place more. The teachers at NMS have made an enormous difference in my son's life and have really given him the chance to be somebody. He has truly cone into his own there and I adore this school because of it. Thank you, NMS!
F. J.
Apr 03, 2013
I was motivated to learn the piano, but my experience with the school was bad. They have this system of "trial lesson", which they charge 40 dollars for 30 minutes. I went to the trial lesson. It was a total waste of time. The teacher was about 15 minutes late. Then he finally showed up, and chatted with me about everything except my piano experience or future plans.
He told me to bring a piece next time and that was it. I guess there might be good teachers in the school, but its reputation is going to be ruined by some teacher. Most studios do not charge for trial lessons. And I think if you do charge, then it has to be worthwhile for the customer, not something like what they offered. Be careful of considering this school. If you could find a responsible and capable teacher, then do not come to this profit-driven place.
He told me to bring a piece next time and that was it. I guess there might be good teachers in the school, but its reputation is going to be ruined by some teacher. Most studios do not charge for trial lessons. And I think if you do charge, then it has to be worthwhile for the customer, not something like what they offered. Be careful of considering this school. If you could find a responsible and capable teacher, then do not come to this profit-driven place.
Terri Y.
Aug 01, 2012
The Neighborhood Music School is an impressive place, that I wish I knew about earlier. Their mission is to help people of all ages and backgrounds learn music, everyone from small children to seniors. There's even a class just for seniors! You don't have to be a kid or aiming for Carnegie Hall. I don't know as much about this, but they also appear to be a community meeting place for musicians.
They organize a lot of ensembles. The Yale community doesn't seem to be aware of the organization, even though a lot of people would benefit from an alternative to Yale ensembles. I took the beginning adult group singing class with Ingeborg. Including myself, there were 6 students, ranging from 20s-60s. I can only give the teacher my highest recommendation.
She is an energetic, engaging teacher who has the utmost regard and care for her students. I've had 8 years of piano lessons and know some classical music, and from talking to her, I could tell she really knew her stuff. She had even heard of this obscure Broadway musical that I was sure she wouldn't know. Her explanations of vocal technique were clear and easy to follow even if you didn't have any music background.
I almost cracked up laughing at how hard she worked to convince the students that vocal technique is fun. But it worked. Almost everyone wanted to continue the class in the fall. If you're an adult wanting to learn piano or voice for the first time, it's hard to imagine a better teacher than Ingeborg.
They organize a lot of ensembles. The Yale community doesn't seem to be aware of the organization, even though a lot of people would benefit from an alternative to Yale ensembles. I took the beginning adult group singing class with Ingeborg. Including myself, there were 6 students, ranging from 20s-60s. I can only give the teacher my highest recommendation.
She is an energetic, engaging teacher who has the utmost regard and care for her students. I've had 8 years of piano lessons and know some classical music, and from talking to her, I could tell she really knew her stuff. She had even heard of this obscure Broadway musical that I was sure she wouldn't know. Her explanations of vocal technique were clear and easy to follow even if you didn't have any music background.
I almost cracked up laughing at how hard she worked to convince the students that vocal technique is fun. But it worked. Almost everyone wanted to continue the class in the fall. If you're an adult wanting to learn piano or voice for the first time, it's hard to imagine a better teacher than Ingeborg.
Terri Y.
Jul 31, 2012
The Neighborhood Music School is an impressive place, that I wish I knew about earlier. Their mission is to help people of all ages and backgrounds learn music, everyone from small children to seniors. There's even a class just for seniors! You don't have to be a kid or aiming for Carnegie Hall. I don't know as much about this, but they also appear to be a community meeting place for musicians.
They organize a lot of ensembles. The Yale community doesn't seem to be aware of the organization, even though a lot of people would benefit from an alternative to Yale ensembles.
They organize a lot of ensembles. The Yale community doesn't seem to be aware of the organization, even though a lot of people would benefit from an alternative to Yale ensembles.
Maria B.
Apr 05, 2011
My child has learned that it is necessary to bring something to do because we nearly always have to wait for the piano teacher for each lesson. She seems to have a schedule that is convenient for her and she does not acknowledge the minutes we lose. The lessons do not overlap the next lesson in order to make up for the lost time and we are not offered another time where the minutes that really add up are made up.
It also seems that maybe the administration does not receive a report from her to at least credit us for the difference. The loss has been our time, lack of chance for further artistic development, and expense while also not a good lesson for a child who takes music seriously. This is unprofessional. I have voiced my concern and have not seen any change.
I am now looking at other schools and will even choose to drive further away. This is not good for kids if they lose this chance for further development and they feel the teacher just does not care about them that she can be late almost each time to teach piano. I also feel concerned that my child is learning that maybe it is acceptable to be professionally late. We are always on time and have an exceptional attendance record.
It also seems that maybe the administration does not receive a report from her to at least credit us for the difference. The loss has been our time, lack of chance for further artistic development, and expense while also not a good lesson for a child who takes music seriously. This is unprofessional. I have voiced my concern and have not seen any change.
I am now looking at other schools and will even choose to drive further away. This is not good for kids if they lose this chance for further development and they feel the teacher just does not care about them that she can be late almost each time to teach piano. I also feel concerned that my child is learning that maybe it is acceptable to be professionally late. We are always on time and have an exceptional attendance record.
George R.
Jan 08, 2011
The Neighborhood Music School is a great asset to the community for music and dance instruction. While the focus is on kids, there's room for adults as well. The NMS provides comprehensive lessons from early childhood up through the most advanced levels. The instruction is generally good to excellent, but as with many things its important to focus on the right fit between the teacher and the student. One real positive about NMS is that they have many teachers from which to choose and all of them are skilled in their subjects.
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George R.
Jan 08, 2011
The Neighborhood Music School is a great asset to the community for music and dance instruction. While the focus is on kids, there's room for adults as well. The NMS provides comprehensive lessons from early childhood up through the most advanced levels. The instruction is generally good to excellent, but as with many things its important to focus on the right fit between the teacher and the student.
One real positive about NMS is that they have many teachers from which to choose and all of them are skilled in their subjects. Equally important is the atmosphere, which is overall very friendly and student focused. Of course, the work can be challenging, but the instructors are genuinely interested in their students and modulate the work to the appropriate level.
One real positive about NMS is that they have many teachers from which to choose and all of them are skilled in their subjects. Equally important is the atmosphere, which is overall very friendly and student focused. Of course, the work can be challenging, but the instructors are genuinely interested in their students and modulate the work to the appropriate level.
