Business Details
22 Years
experience
Your Premier Destination for Music Education in Walden, NY
Founded in 2004, we are a full-service music school dedicated to transforming the music industry through innovative education. Located in Walden, NY, our 10,000-square-foot facility features lesson rooms, rehearsal spaces, and a professional performance venue. Our team of Hudson Valley music professionals offers private lessons, group programs, internships, and masterclasses to hundreds of students weekly. We prioritize a community-driven approach, welcoming musicians of all skill levels to learn, create, and collaborate. Our philosophy centers on practical music-making, with curricula designed to foster individual growth from beginners to advanced learners. We provide access to quality instruments, sheet music, and educational resources while connecting students to industry professionals through mentorship networks.Our founders' deep roots in the Woodstock music scene and decades of combined experience ensure a unique blend of artistic passion and business expertise. We emphasize family involvement and peer collaboration to create a supportive environment that nurtures both musical and personal development. Our alumni have gained admission to top music programs nationwide, testament to our effective teaching methodologies. Through initiatives like The Den performance space and partnerships with local artists, we bridge education and professional music experiences.
Services
Private Lessons
Group Programs
Internships
Masterclasses
Summer Workshops
Music Production
Jazz Band
Performance Opportunities
Music Equipment Sales
Music Together Classes
Details
- Year established: 2004
Highlights and features
- We offer 20+ years of combined teaching experience from industry professionals
- Our curriculum combines technical mastery with creative expression
- We provide access to professional performance opportunities through The Den
- Our instructors maintain active careers in the music industry
- We offer personalized mentorship connecting students to music professionals
What people say
Top-notch instructors
Supportive community
Life-changing programs
Professional growth opportunities
Exceptional mentorship
Services
Private Music Lessons
Customized weekly lessons with consistent instructors focusing on technical development and personalized goals. Students receive tailored assignments and practice guidance while progressing at their own pace. Our instructors emphasize both skill acquisition and musical enjoyment.
Jazz Band Program
Youth jazz ensemble teaching improvisation, music theory, and ensemble playing. Participants learn jazz traditions from swing to fusion while developing performance skills through regular concerts. Led by experienced instructors with professional music backgrounds.
Music Production Classes
Hands-on training in music composition and digital production techniques. Students learn software applications and recording methods while creating original works. Instructors combine technical expertise with creative mentorship to develop production skills.
Music Together Classes
Research-based program for children birth-5 years focusing on musical development through play. Certified instructors use engaging activities to nurture innate musicality while fostering parent-child bonding through structured music education.
Performance Opportunities
Regular performance events including The Den open mic series and ensemble concerts. Students gain stage experience under professional conditions with quality sound systems and lighting. These events build confidence and practical performance skills in supportive environments.
People
Tim Porco
Co-Owner
Lifelong guitarist and entrepreneur with music retail experience. Combines business expertise with passion for music education. Previously worked at Alto Music and family business before co-founding NYSM in 2012.
Rosie Rion Porco
Co-Owner
Multi-instrumentalist with cello performance degree and entrepreneurship background. Former general manager at The Falcon venue. Mentored by Betty McDonald, she brings industry connections and teaching expertise to NYSM's leadership.
Danny Silversmith
Instructor
Jazz studies graduate teaching guitar and ukulele. Active performer in the Hudson Valley with band Shy Spy. Combines classical training with diverse genre experience to develop well-rounded musicians.
Casie Ramesh
Instructor
Certified Music Together instructor with K-12 teaching experience. Specializes in vocal pedagogy and beginner brass instruction. Pursuing master's degree in vocal pedagogy while teaching at NYSM since 2024.
Kyle Kopp
Instructor
Multi-instrumentalist educator with background in music production and performance. Teaches guitar, bass, drums, and piano using personalized approaches that balance technical skill with creative expression.
Questions
What age groups do you teach?
We offer programs for children as young as infancy through adults of all ages, with specialized instruction tailored to each developmental stage.
Do you offer performance opportunities?
Yes! Our Den performance space hosts monthly open mics and student recitals, with additional opportunities through ensembles and special events.
What instruments are available for study?
We teach all major instruments including guitar, piano, drums, voice, brass, woodwinds, and strings, plus music production and theory classes.
Are there group class options?
Yes, we offer Jazz Band, Music Together classes, summer workshops, and ensemble programs alongside private lessons for collaborative learning experiences.
Do you sell musical equipment?
We maintain a curated selection of quality instruments, accessories, and sheet music specifically suited for students and educators.
How are instructors selected?
Our faculty consists of professional musicians with teaching certifications and active performance careers, ensuring current industry knowledge and pedagogical expertise.
