Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Music Lessons & Community Programs in Los Angeles
Founded in 1914, Neighborhood Music School has dedicated over a century to transforming lives through accessible, high-quality music education. Our mission centers on providing low-cost, one-on-one instruction in a diverse range of instruments, fostering personal growth, academic success, and self-confidence through musical literacy. Located in a historic Victorian house in Boyle Heights, Los Angeles, we serve as a cultural hub, offering community-building events, performance opportunities, and outreach programs that bridge generational and cultural divides. Our teaching artistsmany of whom hold advanced degrees and maintain active careersmentor students of all ages, emphasizing inclusivity, creativity, and lifelong learning.We prioritize equity, ensuring financial barriers do not hinder access to music education through scholarships and flexible enrollment. Our programs extend beyond the classroom, including monthly recitals, summer intensives, and partnerships with local organizations to amplify community engagement. With a legacy rooted in social impact, we continue to evolve while honoring our founding principles of accessibility, mentorship, and artistic excellence.
Services
Piano Lessons
Violin Instruction
Voice Training
Guitar Classes
Cello Lessons
Trumpet Instruction
Flute Classes
Ukulele Lessons
Ensemble Programs
Summer Intensives
Details
- Year established: 1914
Highlights and features
- We have over a century of experience in accessible music education.
- Our teaching artists hold advanced degrees from top institutions.
- We offer scholarships for students facing financial barriers.
- Students gain confidence through monthly performance opportunities.
- We provide culturally relevant outreach programs in Boyle Heights.
What people say
Incredible teachers
Affordable rates
Confidence-building performances
Welcoming community
Scholarship opportunities
Services
Private Music Lessons
Personalized weekly lessons in 14+ instruments, including piano, violin, and voice. Sessions range from 30 to 60 minutes, tailored to individual skill levels. Students develop technical proficiency and musical expression through customized curricula.
Ensemble Programs
Collaborative music groups including Latin Jazz Band and String Ensemble. Participants receive weekly coaching and perform at community events. No tuition fees for these advanced training opportunities.
Summer Intensives
Week-long daytime programs focusing on specific genres like percussion or music theater. Designed for skill development through immersive practice and creative exploration for all experience levels.
Community Outreach
Free workshops and performances at partner locations like schools and parks. Introduces music concepts to underserved populations and creates pathways for ongoing engagement with our programs.
Scholarship Programs
Need-based tuition assistance ensuring access to music education. Applications undergo annual review with flexible documentation requirements to support students facing economic challenges.
People
Matthew Angel
Classical Strings Teacher
East LA native and NMS alumnus teaching violin/viola. Holds LACC degree and studied under LA Opera musicians. Organized youth orchestras to keep local students engaged through classical music.
Natalia Hudson
Piano Instructor
Internationally recognized pianist with degrees from USC and College of Charleston. Teaches in English and Spanish, focusing on healing power of music through performance and pedagogy.
Matthew Hernandez
Outreach Teacher
Boyle Heights saxophonist and bandleader of Timba Tumbao. Combines performance experience with community engagement, leading Latin Jazz Band at Art in the Park programs.
Rafael Liebich
Piano Faculty
Brazilian-American pianist with DMA from USC. Balances teaching with advocacy for contemporary music and diversity in performance practices across his Los Angeles-based roles.
Caster Teoh
Trumpet Instructor
Principal Trumpet at Dream Orchestra LA. Teaches award-winning students while performing with international orchestras. Holds doctorate from USC Thornton School of Music since 2015.
Questions
What instruments can I study at Neighborhood Music School?
We offer private instruction in piano, violin, viola, cello, guitar, trumpet, flute, clarinet, saxophone, ukulele, voice, and more. New instruments can be added upon request.
Are there performance opportunities for students?
Yes! Students participate in monthly Showtime performances, four annual recitals, and community events. Ensemble programs also offer regular performance experiences.
Do you offer financial assistance?
We provide need-based scholarships and sliding scale tuition. Over 60% of our students receive some form of financial support to ensure accessible music education.
What are your summer program options?
Week-long intensives run June-July in topics like Latin Rhythms, Music Theater, and Percussion. Programs operate 10am-2pm Monday-Friday with first-come enrollment.
Is there parking available?
Limited on-site parking exists for students and teachers during lesson times. Additional street parking is available in the Boyle Heights neighborhood.
