Jerzy Stryjniak at the piano acknowledging guests applauding at NYCM's 25th Anniversary Gala

Celebrating 25 Years25th Anniversary Gala · Consulate General of Poland in New York · 2023

Upper East Side Since 1998

From first notes
to the concert stage.

Join us for a life of music.

Private lessons for children, teens, and adults. Beginners get a patient, thorough start. Advanced students prepare for competitions, exams, and conservatory auditions.

Book a Trial Lesson Explore NYCM

Free 30-minute trial lesson $50 refundable deposit

Advanced study

Competition preparation
Conservatory and arts-school auditions
RCM, ABRSM, and NYSSMA examinations

Dr. Stryjniak’s Studio →

One student, one teacher

Music at every stage.

Every student has their own teacher. Lessons follow your experience, interests, and goals, and the office pairs you with a teacher who fits.

Lessons and Instruments

Piano · Voice · Strings · Guitar · Brass · Composition

All instruments

Early ChildhoodSmall group classesChildrenPrivate lessonsTeensPrivate lessonsAdultsPrivate lessons

A young child concentrating while playing the violin — Ask the office about current PreK arrangements.

A playful beginning.

Singing, rhythm, movement, and first instruments, in small groups.

For ages 2 to 5. Ask the office about current classes and availability.

Thinking about private lessons instead? The office can help.

Ask About Early Childhood

Young musicians gathered around a Steinway grand piano at an NYCM recital — Young musicians at an NYCM recital

Room to explore, and a real foundation.

Lessons move at your child’s pace and suit their age and attention span. Children learn rhythm, reading, listening, and technique, and enjoy it along the way.

When they’re ready, they play in our recitals.

Explore Lessons for Children

A teenage pianist performing at Weill Recital Hall — A moment on stage at an NYCM recital

Play for fun, or aim high.

Some teens play for the pleasure of it. Others have big goals. Either way, lessons build technique, repertoire, and confidence on stage.

Some prepare for ABRSM exams, competitions, or arts-school and conservatory auditions.

Explore Lessons for Teens

An adult pianist performing at an NYCM concert at Steinway Hall — Adult musicians are part of NYCM’s performance community

Begin, return, or go further.

Complete beginners, people coming back after years away, college students, and advanced players all study here. Lessons fit your background, the music you want to play, and how much time you have to practice.

Roughly a third of the students who have learned at NYCM are adults.

Explore Lessons for Adults

New at NYCM · Ensembles are forming

Make music together.

NYCM is starting chamber music, jazz, and vocal groups, open to our students and to anyone else who wants to play or sing with others.

You don’t need to take lessons at NYCM to join.

Two flutists performing beside a Steinway grand on the stage of Weill Recital Hall — A flute duo at our 25th Anniversary Concert, Weill Recital Hall, 2023

Chamber Music

Play in a small group and learn to listen, balance, and make musical decisions together.

Jazz Ensembles

Play, listen, and improvise with other musicians, coached by faculty with jazz experience.

Vocal Ensembles

Sing with others and work on blend, harmony, and phrasing.

We group people by level, instrument or voice, and schedule. NYCM arranges the coach and rehearsal times, with sessions planned at the Hungarian House, depending on availability. We can’t promise everyone a place.

Express Interest Or call the office

Tell us your instrument or voice, your level, and when you’re free.

A musical life
beyond the lesson.

Students play in recitals through the year, for family, friends, and each other. NYCM rents larger venues such as Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center for its milestone concerts, and also holds recitals at Steinway Hall.

Explore Performances Recital Galleries

A pianist in a black dress performing on the Steinway at Weill Recital Hall — **25th Anniversary Concert** Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall · November 5, 2023

The people behind NYCM

A family-run
conservatory since 1998.

Concert pianist Dr. Jerzy Stryjniak and musicologist Joanna Stryjniak founded NYCM, and the family still runs it. Every student studies one on one with their own teacher.