Beginner Instrumental Classes 2026-27

Applications for the Harmony Program’s 2026-27 beginner instrumental classes are open from June 18th–August 28th.

The Harmony Program offers intensive beginner instrumental classes at three locations in Manhattan. These beginner-level classes provide two years of instruction designed to prepare students for participation in the Harmony Program Ensemble Network, our annual Summer Camp, and public performance opportunities. For the 2026–27 school year, the Harmony Program will offer first-year classes in flute, clarinet, trombone, and viola, as well as a second-year trumpet class.

WOODWINDS

Flute Group Class

Grades: 3rd-5th
Experience: none required

  • Start date: October 6, 2026
  • End date: May 27, 2027 (subject to change)
  • Schedule: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays 4:00-5:30PM
  • Location: Michiko Studios, 15 W 39th St 7th-8th Floor, New York, NY 10018

Clarinet Group Class

Grades: 3rd-5th
Experience: none required

  • Start date: October 6, 2026
  • End date: May 27, 2027 (subject to change)
  • Schedule: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays 4:00-5:30PM
  • Location: Michiko Studios, 15 W 39th St 7th-8th Floor, New York, NY 10018

BRASS

Trombone Group Class

Grades: 4th-6th
Experience: none required

  • Start date: October 5, 2026
  • End date: May 27, 2027 (subject to change)
  • Schedule: Mondays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays 4:00-5:30PM
  • Location: St. Paul & St. Andrew UMC, 263 W 86th St, New York, NY 10024

Trumpet Group Class

Grades: 3rd-6th
Experience: 1–2 years

  • Start date: October 5, 2026
  • End date: May 27, 2027 (subject to change)
  • Schedule: Mondays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays 4:00-5:30PM
  • Location: St. Paul & St. Andrew UMC, 263 W 86th St, New York, NY 10024

STRINGS

Viola Group Class

Grades: 3rd-5th
Experience: none required

  • Grades: 3rd-5th
  • Start date: October 6, 2026
  • End date: May 27, 2027 (subject to change)
  • Schedule: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays 4:00-5:30PM
  • Location: All Angels Church, 251 W 80th St, New York, NY 10024

APPLICATION PROCESS

Please review all requirements before submitting an application.

 

June 18, 2026 – Application opens

August 19, 20, 24, 2026 – Instrument demonstration days

August 28, 2026 – Application closes (some classes may remain open until full)

September 4, 2026 – Acceptance letters sent out

September 14, 2026 – Registration forms due

Late September 2026 – Orientation (various days)

The Harmony Program may conduct interviews as part of the application process between August 19th-September 3rd.

Instrument Demonstration Days

Instrument demonstration days are offered to provide additional assistance in selecting the right instrument for your child. RSVP in the application.

  • Dates: August 19, 20, 24
  • Time: 4:00-5:30 PM
  • Location: Midtown, Manhattan (Location TBD)

Learn more about each instrument by watching these demonstration videos!

2026-27 Academic Calendar

Week of October 5, 2026: First week of classes

October 12, 2026: Indigenous Peoples’ Day (no classes)

November 3, 2026: Election Day (no classes)

November 11, 2026: Veteran’s Day (no classes)

November 23–27, 2026: Thanksgiving Break (no classes)

December 21, 2026–January 1, 2027: Winter Break (no classes)

January 18, 2027: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day (no classes)

February 15–19, 2027: Mid-Winter Recess (no classes)

March 9, 2027: Eid al-Fitr (no classes)

March 26, 2027: Good Friday (no classes)

April 22–30, 2027: Spring Recess (no classes)

May 17, 2027: Eid al-Adha (no classes)

May 27, 2027: Last day of classes (subject to change)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there tuition?

  • The Harmony Program classes are tuition-free.

Can I apply for more than one instrument?

  • Yes! In the application, you are allowed to select your top two choices. Your child will only be accepted into one class; we will make our best effort to accommodate student preferences.

Do I need to buy an instrument?

  • All instruments are provided to students for as long as they remain in the Harmony Program.

Is there storage available for larger instruments?

  • The trombone class will have the option to leave instruments at St. Paul & St. Andrew during the week. Bringing instruments home on the weekends is strongly suggested.
  • Students will be required to take smaller instruments home after each class (e.g. flute, clarinet, and viola).

Do I have to attend all the rehearsals?

  • Attendance is mandatory for all classes, rehearsals, and performances. Exceptions may be made in the event of unavoidable circumstances.

Will there be performances?

  • Yes, each group class will perform publicly at least twice a year. Performances may take place outside of regularly scheduled classes and at different locations. A performance schedule will be provided in late September.


ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS?

Please email programs@harmonyprogram.org with any questions and for information not provided above.