Try Something New!

Neighborhood Music School (NMS) invites individuals and families throughout Greater New Haven to its annual Spring Open House on Sunday, January 26, from 12 - 3 p.m. at 100 Audubon St. in New Haven.

The free event includes an "instrument petting zoo," where children can try playing real musical instruments, assisted by older students and teachers. There will be special interactive activities at the Open House, including Project Discovery, where kids and adults can play recorders and rhythm instruments together, a "drop-in" drum circle for all ages and a kids' Discover Modern Dance class where participants explore the elements of dance. Kids will use their skills for hopping, skipping, jumping and galloping with and without music.

There will be other free "drop-in" classes, including dance and early childhood music and movement, which explores rhythm, motor, aural and social skills for children six and under. For those interested in private music lessons, there will be placement consultations and free mini-lessons at the event for children ages five and up. Financial aid information will be available as well.

"We want people of all ages and experience levels to feel welcome at NMS. There's no audition required to take lessons here, and many people are pleasantly surprised to learn about our dance and drama programs," said Larry Zukof, NMS executive director.  "We have highly experienced faculty members and there are many opportunities to play music with other students. You may find yourself wanting to learn more than one instrument at a time!"

Open House
Interactive activities include:
12:15 p.m.   Project Discovery - Learn how to play the recorder!
1 p.m.           Afro-Caribbean drumming?for all
1:45 p.m.     Discover Modern Dance
No music or dance experience needed!

Early childhood classes:
12:30 p.m.   Making Music (age 12-24 months)
1 p.m.          Music in Motion (age 3-5)
1:30 p.m.     Yoga Musical Adventures (age 3-5)
2 p.m.           Music in Motion (age 2-3)
Dance classes:
12:30 p.m.   Creative dance (age 4-5)
1 p.m.          Modern dance (age 6-12)
1:30 p.m.     Ballet (age 6-12)
2 p.m.          Tap (age 6-12)
2:30 p.m.     Hip-hop (age 6-12)
No dance experience needed!

Spring private lessons, classes and ensembles begin the week of Monday, Feb. 3.

Neighborhood Music School, established in 1911, is one of the 10 largest community arts schools in the country. NMS offers private music lessons on more than 30 instruments; group music classes; classical, rock and jazz ensembles; and a Suzuki program. The school's dance program offers classes for adults and children in ballet, modern, tap, jazz, hip-hop and yoga.
NMS also offers a state-licensed, arts-based preschool for two, three and four year olds.

For more information please call Neighborhood Music School at 203-624-5189 or visit neighborhoodmusicschool.org.