Master strings by studying with the legends you want to become and contemporary powerhouses shaping the future of string music today. Our “artist-as-mentor” pedagogy means you can take private lessons from many professional musicians like, Rob Thomas or Christian Howes. Or take a private lesson with Sarah Caswell.
Improvisation is in our DNA and we provide the flexibility and opportunity to shape your training to fit who you want to become as a string player and play the music you want to play. Each semester, choose which ensemble you play in from among eighty options. You'll rehearse, record, and performing under the direction of our talented faculty, like members of The New School Studio Orchestra. Choose from ensembles like Thelonious Monk Ensemble, Herbie Hancock Ensemble, Super Trios Ensemble, Live Drum 'n' Bass Ensemble, The Art of the Rhythm Section, and Afro-Cuban Jazz Orchestra, and more.
Begin your career in the heart of New York City's jazz and music scene. Get exposed to contemporary music as it is being played-and have a chance to make it yourself. Recently, string players gigged at Zinc Bar, as well as The Morgan Library. Plus, we're the only school with a jazz club, The Stone, in our lobby.
Learn to think about art, life, collaboration, and creativity in new and unexpected ways-enriching who you are as a musician. Take classes across The New School, including courses in our design school, Parsons, and our liberal arts college, Lang. In one semester, you might work on mastering composition while also looking critically at how music and social justice intersect in the world today. Leave the New School a more well-rounded and prepared artist for the 21st century.