Brooklyn Music School
Brooklyn Music School is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community music and performing arts education organization in Brooklyn, NY, founded in 1909, serving children and adults through private lessons, group classes, ensembles, music therapy, and outreach programs that reach 5,000+ children annually.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1909
- HeadquartersBrooklyn, United States
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Brooklyn Music School does
Brooklyn Music School (BMS) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community music and performing arts education organization headquartered in Fort Greene, Brooklyn, at 126 St Felix Street. Founded in 1909 as the Brooklyn Music School Settlement, BMS operates the historic 250-seat Spanish-style Playhouse theater, completed in 1926, along with classrooms, practice rooms, and a dance studio. The organization serves children from age 2 through adulthood, plus working families and partner organizations, via private instruction across piano, guitar, voice, violin, wind instruments, drums, percussion, and theater, using traditional pedagogical approaches including the Suzuki method for strings.
Core products include Private Lessons, Early Childhood classes, the Arts Reaching Youth after-school enrichment program for ages 5-11, Youth and Adult Classes and Ensembles (orchestra, jazz band, rock band, choir, chamber, funk fusion, vocal jazz), Music Therapy and Adaptive Instruction by board-certified therapists and Licensed Creative Arts Therapists, Summer Camps (Summer Institute for ages 5-8, Summer Intensives for ages 9-12, Summer Jazz Workshop for ages 12-18, Teen Week Battle of the Bands for ages 13-17), and a BMS Mentor Program for high school students. Supporting offerings include Playhouse Theater Rentals, Studio Rentals, and Instrument Rentals, with Financial Aid ranging from 5% to 30% and scholarships funded by The Pinkerton Foundation and D'Addario Foundation.
The business model blends earned tuition and fee-for-service programs (subscription-based private lessons billed on a 35-week annual calendar, weekly summer camps at $725/week, and pay-as-you-go facility and instrument rentals) with contributed revenue from charitable donations and foundation grants. Go-to-market mixes direct self-service registration through the website and phone/email channels with a distributed B2B channel via nine Brooklyn school partnerships (PS 20, PS 9, PS 133, PS 282, PS 456, Community Roots, Downtown Elementary, IES, Compass Charter) that provide after-school pickup, plus an Outreach Program deploying 25 professional artist-educators to deliver customized programming at schools, community centers, and senior centers serving over 5,000 children annually. Pricing includes a 30-minute lesson tier at $76, 45-minute at $100, and 60-minute at $116, with sibling, senior, and pay-in-full discounts layered on top.
Brooklyn Music School firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Brooklyn Music School
- Legal name
- Brooklyn Music School
- Website
- https://brooklynmusicschool.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1909
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Short description
- Brooklyn Music School is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community music and performing arts education organization in Brooklyn, NY, founded in 1909, serving children and adults through private lessons, group classes, ensembles, music therapy, and outreach programs that reach 5,000+ children annually.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Brooklyn Music School industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Music Education
- NAICS
- Fine Arts Schools (61161), Fine Arts Schools (611610)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Music Schools & Conservatory Prep (Pre-College) (EDAMANAE)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Private Music Lessons (Instrumental) (EDAMANAA), Group Music Classes & Ensembles (Band, Orchestra, Choir) (EDAMANAC), Music Camps (Band, Choir, Instrument Intensive) (EDAMALAJ), Early Childhood Music Education (Ages 0–7) (EDAMANAD), Music (Instruments, Voice, Music Theory) (EDAAAGAC)
Keywords
Where Brooklyn Music School is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Brooklyn
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Brooklyn Music School business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Others
Revenue model
- Private Lessons Tuition: Annual 35-week private lesson program in all major instruments. Students pay per lesson or annually. 30-minute lessons at $76, 45-minute at $100, 60-minute at $116.
- Group Classes and Ensembles: Group classes and ensembles for youth and adults including orchestras, jazz bands, rock bands, choirs, and theater programs. Pricing varies by program type.
- Summer Camps: Summer programming including Summer Institute (ages 5-8), Summer Intensives (ages 9-12), Summer Jazz Workshop (ages 12-18), and Teen Week Battle of the Bands (ages 13-17). Week-long programs at $725/week.
- Studio and Theater Rentals: Rental spaces for practice, rehearsals, readings, recitals, and performances. Practice rooms at $20/hr, classrooms at $25/hr, band rooms at $30-40/hr, dance studio and MacDowell room at $40/hr. Theater rentals starting at $425/hr.
- Instrument Rentals: Monthly instrument rentals for students at various price points: violins, guitars, brass, woodwinds at $35/month; cellos, saxophones, euphonium at $50/month; bassoon at $70/month.
- Outreach Programs: Customized music, dance, and performance programs for partner schools and organizations. Classes start at $100 per instructional hour with custom pricing based on organizational needs.
- Donations and Grants: As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, BMS receives charitable donations from individuals and foundations. Scholarship funding provided by The Pinkerton Foundation and D'Addario Foundation.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Annual | 30-minute private lessons - $76 per lesson / $2,736 annually |
| Subscription | Annual | 45-minute private lessons - $100 per lesson / $3,600 annually |
| Subscription | Annual | 60-minute private lessons - $116 per lesson / $4,176 annually |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Practice Room - $20/hour (one person) or $23/hour (two or more) |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Classroom - $25/hour (one person) or $30/hour (two or more) |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Band Room - $30/hour (daytime) or $40/hour (evening) |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Dance Studio / MacDowell Room - $40/hour |
| Subscription | Monthly | String instruments (Violin/Viola) - $35/month |
| Subscription | Monthly | Cello - $50/month |
| Subscription | Monthly | Woodwinds (Flute/Clarinet) - $35/month |
| Subscription | Monthly | Brass (Trumpet/Trombone) - $35/month |
| Subscription | Monthly | Saxophones - $50/month |
| Subscription | Monthly | Acoustic Guitar - $35/month; Electric Guitar - $50/month |
| Subscription | Monthly | Percussion (Snare/Bell Kit) - $35/month |
| Subscription | Pay-as-you-go | Theater Rental Basic Package - $425/hour + $100 marley fee |
| Subscription | Pay-as-you-go | Orchestra Pit Package - $500/hour |
| Subscription | Pay-as-you-go | Stage Package - $550/hour |
| Subscription | Multi-year contract | Summer Intensives (Ages 9-12) - $725/week |
| Subscription | Multi-year contract | Summer Jazz Workshop (Ages 12-18) - $725 |
| Subscription | Multi-year contract | Teen Week Battle of the Bands (Ages 13-17) - $900 |
| Subscription | Multi-year contract | Summer Institute (Ages 5-8) - Multiple week options available |
| Subscription | Pay-as-you-go | Clinical Music Therapy - 30 min $96/session; 45 min $128/session |
| Subscription | Pay-as-you-go | Adaptive Instruction - 30 min $84/session; 45 min $99/session |
| Other | Annual | Financial Aid - 5% to 30% tuition assistance |
| Subscription | Multi-year contract | Outreach Programs - Starting at $100/instructional hour |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels6 records
Brooklyn Music School product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Brooklyn Music School is a non-profit community music and performing arts education institution delivering private and group music instruction, ensemble training, summer camps, early childhood classes, music therapy, and outreach programming for all ages. It also rents its historic 250-seat Playhouse theater, studios, and instruments to the community.
Product overview
Brooklyn Music School is a community music and performing arts education organization offering a comprehensive portfolio of programs and services. Core offerings include Private Lessons (instrumental and vocal instruction for all ages), structured youth programming (Arts Reaching Youth after-school, Summer camps including Summer Institute ages 5-8, Summer Intensives ages 9-12, Summer Jazz Workshop, and Teen Week Battle of the Bands), Adult Classes and Ensembles, Early Childhood classes, and Music Therapy services. The organization operates a robust Outreach Program bringing performing arts education to schools and community centers. Supporting infrastructure includes a 250-seat Playhouse Theater for performances and rentals, Instrument and Studio Rentals, Financial Aid, and a Mentor Program for high school students. The school serves as both a direct service provider and a community arts hub in Brooklyn.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Private Lessons One-on-one tailored music instruction for piano, guitar, drums, strings, voice, wind instruments, and more, for students of all ages and experience levels on a 35-week annual schedule.
- Arts Reaching Youth (ARY) After-School Program Afterschool enrichment program for students ages 5-11 offering music, theater, and dance classes including Suzuki Violin, Group Piano, Hip Hop/Breaking, Drum Kids, and Musical Theatre, with school pickup from partner Brooklyn schools.
- Adult Classes and Ensembles Group classes and ensembles for adults including Jazz Band, Rock Band, Funk Fusion, Vocal Jazz Ensemble, Chamber Ensemble, World Percussion, and Piano and Musicianship classes.
- Early Childhood Classes Music and movement classes for young children including Music Explorers (ages 2 to under 5) introducing basic musical concepts through songs, movement, and instrument play.
- Youth Ensembles Ensemble offerings for youth including String Orchestras, Woodwind Ensembles, Rock Bands, Jazz Ensembles, and Youth Choir providing collaborative performance opportunities.
- Summer Intensives Immersive week-long music and dance courses for ages 9-12 in Music Production & Songwriting, Orchestra, Jazz, Musical Theatre, Rock Band, and Dance.
- Summer Institute Six-week summer program for children ages 5-8 introducing music and dance through Piano & Musicianship, Dance, World Percussion, Acting, and more.
- Summer Jazz Workshop Week-long intensive for intermediate musicians aged 12-18 focusing on jazz improvisation, small group playing, and ensemble skills, led by BMS Jazz Department head Jeff Newell.
- Teen Week: Battle of the Bands Summer program for ages 13-17 where high school students form rock bands, write original songs, and compete in a final showcase performance in the BMS Playhouse.
- Music Therapy Clinical music therapy services provided by board-certified therapists and Licensed Creative Arts Therapists addressing physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs, including Private Clinical Music Therapy and Adaptive Instruction.
- BMS Outreach Program Customized music, dance, and performance programs bringing BMS faculty and programming to schools, after-school programs, senior centers, and community centers, serving over 5,000 children annually.
- Playhouse Theater Rental Historic 250-seat Spanish-style theater rental for performances and productions, including stage house, auditorium, lobby, dressing rooms, and basic lighting and sound package.
- Studio Rentals Rental spaces for practice, rehearsals, readings, recitals, and performances including Practice Rooms, Classrooms, Band Rooms, MacDowell Room, and Dance Studio.
- Instrument Rentals Monthly instrument rentals for students including woodwinds, brass, strings, guitars, and percussion at rates ranging from $35 to $70 per month.
Quantifiable outcome
- BMS Outreach serves over 5,000 children annually
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Brooklyn Music School
Customer profileNamed customers12 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
Brooklyn Music School technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Brooklyn Music School partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
14 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.
- CircleminorCircle served as Lead Sponsor for the Playhouse Centennial Celebration event.
- 651 Artscore651 Arts received the Excellence in Community Impact Award at the Centennial Celebration. 651 Arts is a visionary organization dedicated to celebrating and amplifying Black arts and culture, with a mission rooted in inclusivity, cultural preservation, and artistic excellence.
- BRICminorBRIC hosted the after-party for the Playhouse Centennial Celebration, with celebration continuing at BRIC venue following the main event.
- Brooklyn Chamber of CommerceminorBrooklyn Chamber of Commerce was acknowledged as a Balcony Sponsor for the Playhouse Centennial Celebration. The Chamber previously led the campaign to build the Playhouse theater in 1919.
- PS 20corePS 20 is a partner school providing bus pickup for BMS afterschool programming (Arts Reaching Youth).
- PS 9corePS 9 is a partner school providing bus pickup for BMS afterschool programming (Arts Reaching Youth).
- PS 133corePS 133 is a partner school providing walking pickup for BMS afterschool programming (Arts Reaching Youth).
- PS 282corePS 282 is a partner school providing walking pickup for BMS afterschool programming (Arts Reaching Youth).
- PS 456corePS 456 is a partner school providing walking pickup for BMS afterschool programming (Arts Reaching Youth).
- Community RootscoreCommunity Roots is a partner charter school providing walking pickup for BMS afterschool programming (Arts Reaching Youth).
- Downtown ElementarycoreDowntown Elementary is a partner school providing bus pickup for BMS afterschool programming (Arts Reaching Youth).
- IES (International Elementary School)coreIES is a partner school providing bus pickup for BMS afterschool programming (Arts Reaching Youth).
- Compass ChartercoreCompass Charter is a partner charter school providing walking pickup for BMS afterschool programming (Arts Reaching Youth).
- Woodhull Medical and Mental Health CenterminorBMS Music Therapy Department Chair Nir Sadovnik serves as a Creative Arts Therapy supervisor at Woodhull Medical and Mental Health Center in Brooklyn.
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Brooklyn Music School competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- School of Rock: National franchise with multiple Brooklyn/Manhattan locations offering group-based rock, pop, and performance instruction for kids and adults. Competes most directly with BMS's rock band ensembles and Battle of the Bands, but at a different price point and brand.
- 92Y School of Music: Established NYC cultural institution with a music school offering private lessons, ensembles, and early childhood programs as part of a larger community center. Overlaps in programming but operates within a much broader cultural and educational portfolio.
- Carnegie Hall / Weill Music Institute: Operates extensive music education programs including the NYO-USA, LinkUp K-12 school partnerships, and professional development. While focused on programs rather than ongoing lessons, it competes for institutional NYC music education funding and family mindshare.
Direct peers
- Neighborhood Music School: New Haven, CT-based community music school founded in 1911 (one of the oldest in the country) with private lessons, ensembles, and outreach. Highly comparable Settlement-style community music school model, though serving a different metro.
- Bloomingdale School of Music: Upper West Side community music school founded in 1964 offering private and group instruction across instruments and voice, with a strong music therapy program and outreach to NYC public schools. Directly comparable in mission, programming mix, and NYC community-school positioning.
- Brooklyn Conservatory of Music (BCM): Park Slope-based community music school offering private lessons, group classes, early childhood, and Suzuki programs. Closest geographic peer to BMS within Brooklyn, directly competing for the same families in adjacent neighborhoods.
- Kaufman Music Center: Hell's Kitchen-based nonprofit operating the special Music School (private lessons, group classes, early childhood) and Merkin Concert Hall. Comparable in offering comprehensive music education with a performance venue, though it serves Manhattan rather than Brooklyn.
- Third Street Music School Settlement: Founded in 1894 in Manhattan's East Village, Third Street is one of the oldest community music schools in the US and the closest direct peer to BMS, offering private lessons, group classes, early childhood, and outreach to underserved communities. Both share the 'Settlement' heritage and nonprofit model.
Emerging players
- Usdan Center for the Creative & Performing Arts: Long Island-based summer arts camp offering intensive programming in music, dance, theater, and visual arts. Comparable to BMS's summer intensive and jazz workshop programs but seasonal-only and outside NYC.
- New York City Children's Theater / TADA! Youth Theater: NYC-based youth performing arts organization offering theater and musical theater training for children. Partial overlap with BMS's Musical Theatre program but specializes in theater rather than music and serves a different segment of youth arts education.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Brooklyn Music School social profiles
Digital presenceBrooklyn Music School financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Brooklyn Music School leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles5 records
Brooklyn Music School funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Brooklyn Music School M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Brooklyn Music School
What does Brooklyn Music School do?
Brooklyn Music School is a non-profit community music and performing arts education institution delivering private and group music instruction, ensemble training, summer camps, early childhood classes, music therapy, and outreach programming for all ages. It also rents its historic 250-seat Playhouse theater, studios, and instruments to the community.
Is Brooklyn Music School a public or private company?
Brooklyn Music School is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Brooklyn Music School founded?
Brooklyn Music School was founded in 1909. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is Brooklyn Music School based?
Brooklyn Music School is headquartered in Brooklyn, United States, in the North America region.
How does Brooklyn Music School make money?
Seven revenue lines are on record. Private Lessons Tuition is the primary driver. The others are group Classes and Ensembles, summer Camps, studio and Theater Rentals, instrument Rentals, outreach Programs and donations and Grants.
Who are Brooklyn Music School's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are School of Rock, 92Y School of Music and Carnegie Hall / Weill Music Institute. Direct peers are Neighborhood Music School, Bloomingdale School of Music, Brooklyn Conservatory of Music (BCM), Kaufman Music Center and Third Street Music School Settlement. Emerging players are Usdan Center for the Creative & Performing Arts and New York City Children's Theater / TADA! Youth Theater.
Does Brooklyn Music School have an API?
No public API is recorded for Brooklyn Music School.
What industry is Brooklyn Music School in?
Brooklyn Music School's product category is Music Education. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAMANAE, Music Schools & Conservatory Prep (Pre-College), with a secondary code of EDAMANAA, Private Music Lessons (Instrumental). Its NAICS code is 61161 and its SIC code is 8200.