Wharton Arts

Wharton Arts offers a Performing Arts School with instrumental and vocal instruction, musical theater, drama, private lessons, group classes, ensembles, master classes, and workshops. It also offers the New Jersey Youth Symphony with auditioned orchestral and jazz ensemble education, including string orchestras, full symphony orchestras, jazz orchestra, big band, wind, and percussion ensembles, as well as the New Jersey Youth Chorus, Paterson Music Project, private lessons, introductory lessons, and lifelong learning courses for adults.

Programs

• Performing Arts School — ages 4 and up; children, teens, and adults of all skill levels · Instrumental and vocal instruction, musical theater, drama, other performing arts courses, private lessons, group classes, ensembles, master classes, and workshops.
• New Jersey Youth Symphony — students grades 3-12 · Auditioned orchestral and jazz ensemble education; includes string orchestras, full symphony orchestras, jazz orchestra, big band, wind, and percussion ensembles.
• Paterson Music Project — students grades 1-12 in Paterson schools · Tuition-free afterschool music programming; instrumental sectionals, private lessons, and performances.
• New Jersey Youth Chorus — students grades 3-12 · Auditioned choral ensemble program.
• Lifelong Learning Courses for Adults — adults · Courses for adults.

At a glance

• Ages: 4–18 years old
• Facility hours: Performing Arts School: Monday-Thursday 10 AM-7:30 PM; Friday 10 AM-7 PM; Saturday 8:30 AM-5 PM. New Jersey Youth Symphony: Monday-Thursday 12-8 PM; Sunday 12-6 PM. Paterson Music Project: Monday-Thursday 10 AM-3 PM; Friday and Saturday hours by appointment only. New Jersey Youth Chorus: Monday-Thursday 12-8 PM; Sunday 12-6 PM.

About the provider

Wharton Arts is New Jersey’s largest independent non-profit performing arts education center, serving nearly 2,000 students. NJYS started in 1979, PMP launched its first site in January 2013, and NJYC is celebrating nearly 35 years of musical excellence. Wharton Arts offers free, subsidized, and fee-for-service programs based on student eligibility, and over 25% of youth musicians receive free programming, scholarships, and financial aid.

• Private Lessons — all ages and abilities · In-person and online private music lessons in both instruments and voice.
• Introductory Lessons — new students or current students wanting to learn a secondary instrument · Four significantly discounted intro lessons.

Wharton Arts offers free, subsidized, and fee-for-service programs based on student eligibility. Accessibility accommodations are available by contacting Adrienne Ostrander at least two weeks prior to a scheduled visit.

Last updated October 21, 2026.