About
The Harmony Program offers beginner instrumental classes in flute, clarinet, trombone, viola, and a second-year trumpet class. It also offers city-wide youth ensembles, including Youth Choir and Youth Symphony Orchestra, and community-based instruction that introduces students to playing, practicing, and performing. All instruments are provided to students for as long as they remain in the Harmony Program.
Programs
- Beginner Instrumental Classes — Grades 3rd-6th depending on instrument · Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays 4:00-5:30 PM; Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays 4:00-5:30 PM · Tuition-free. First-year classes offered in flute, clarinet, trombone, and viola, plus a second-year trumpet class. Applications for 2026-27 are closed.
- Ensembles — Grades K-12 depending on ensemble · Saturdays 9:00 AM-3:00 PM; Wednesdays 5:00-7:00 PM; Thursdays 4:30-6:30 PM · City-wide youth ensemble opportunities for all levels, 100% tuition free. Audition required for some ensembles. Students may be eligible for more than one ensemble in some cases.
- Community-Based Instruction — Grades K-8 · Introduces students to playing, practicing, and performing.
At a glance
- Ages: 5–18 years old
- Current session: Beginner Instrumental Classes 2026-27 (Oct 5–May 27, 2027); Ensembles 2026-27 (Oct 3–Oct 7, 2027)
- General schedule: Beginner instrumental classes meet on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays or Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 4:00-5:30 PM. Ensembles meet on Saturdays, with Youth Choir also meeting on Wednesdays and Youth Symphony Orchestra also having Thursday sectional rehearsals.
About the provider
The Harmony Program helps New York City children develop healthy habits and life skills through collective music-making, preparing them for long-term success. It operates with support from individuals, companies, foundations, and government agencies.
- Scholarship Opportunities — Supports audition preparation and tuition assistance for selective opportunities.
- Summer Camp — Mentioned as a program students receive priority access to through ensembles.
- Ensembles application deadline extended — Deadline for applications extended to Tuesday, September 8, 2026 at 5pm
The Harmony Program classes are tuition-free. Attendance is mandatory for all classes, rehearsals, and performances, with exceptions for unavoidable circumstances. Admission is based on audition results, ensemble placement, and available space. Applications that do not meet listed requirements will not be considered. Some ensembles require auditions. Can live outside NYC as long as punctual and attendance is good.
What families say
“learning music “helped [her] to be confident” and through it she “learned how to communicate better with other people.”” — Tamika
Last updated August 30, 2026.
Is this your business? There is no cost, but you will be asked to sign up or log in.