Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Transforming Lives Through Arts Education Since 1968
Founded in 1968, Newark School of the Arts has dedicated over five decades to transforming lives through accessible, high-quality arts education. Our mission centers on providing sequential training in performing and visual arts to individuals of all ages, abilities, and financial backgrounds. With a faculty of accomplished artists and educators, we offer rigorous programs in music, dance, drama, and visual arts, emphasizing technical excellence and creative expression.Our partnerships with institutions like NJPAC and Carnegie Hall extend our impact, while community outreach ensures inclusivity. Accredited by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts as a Major Presenting and Service Organization, we combine affordability with professional mentorship to nurture lifelong learners and future arts leaders.
Services
Music Lessons
Dance Classes
Drama Workshops
Visual Arts Programs
Conservatory Prep
Early Childhood Classes
Group Ensembles
Scholarship Auditions
Special Needs Programs
Summer Camps
Details
- Year established: 1968
Highlights and features
- Over 55 years of excellence in arts education.
- Faculty of accomplished artists and educators.
- Affordable programs for all ages and skill levels.
- Community partnerships with NJPAC and Carnegie Hall.
- Inclusive programs for individuals with special needs.
Associations and certifications
- New Jersey State Council on the Arts
Services
Private Music Lessons
Individualized training in over 20 instruments, voice, and composition. Lessons range from 30 to 60 minutes weekly, with curriculum tailored to student goals. Faculty include Grammy award-winning artists and Juilliard-trained instructors. Theory and ensemble participation included at no extra cost.
Dance Classes
Ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, and contemporary instruction for ages 3+. Classes emphasize proper technique, musicality, and performance skills. Dress code and placement assessments ensure appropriate skill-level progression. Saturday sessions held at partner locations.
Conservatory Programs
Saturday-based pre-college training for advanced students up to 18. Includes private lessons, theory, history, and chamber music. Partnerships with NJPAC provide performance opportunities and masterclasses with industry professionals.
Early Childhood Programs
Music and movement classes for ages 3-7. Focus on rhythmic development, basic notation, and creative expression through play. Parent participation optional in introductory courses.
Special Needs Programs
Adapted instruction for individuals with disabilities. Certified instructors integrate students into standard programs with accommodations. Subsidized tuition available through state arts council funding.
People
Nadine Herman
Music Director, Voice
Juilliard-trained soprano with international performance experience. Specializes in vocal technique and mentorship, with students accepted to top conservatories. Grammy award-winning recording artist and educator since 2014.
Leslie Lucy
Dance Department Chair
Professional dancer with Broadway and international credits. Teaches hip-hop and early childhood dance. Former back-up dancer for Jodeci and on MTV's The Grind. Certified Biodanza facilitator.
Uton Onyejekwe
Drama Department Chair
Teaching artist with 15 years of experience. Off-Broadway performer and composer. Specializes in youth theater education and musical direction. Collaborated with Dave Malloy and Rachel Chavkin.
Ray Horner Jr.
Visual Arts Faculty
MFA holder with exhibitions in national and international collections. Adjunct professor at Kean University. Teaches advanced techniques in sculpture, digital photography, and 2D/3D design.
Antoinette Montague
Voice Instructor
Grammy-nominated jazz vocalist and educator. Hosts WHCR Jazz radio show. Teaches vocal health and performance techniques. Founder of Jazz Woman to the Rescue Foundation.
Questions
What age groups does NSA serve?
We offer programs for children as young as 3 months through senior citizens, with specialized curricula for all developmental stages.
Are scholarships available?
Merit scholarships provide free lesson extensions. Financial aid based on household income covers up to 40% of tuition costs.
Do you offer online classes?
Hybrid in-person/virtual options available for most programs. Class links provided upon registration.
What performance opportunities exist?
Students participate in semester recitals, NJPAC events, and community showcases. Conservatory students perform at Carnegie Hall annually.
How are instructors qualified?
Faculty hold advanced degrees from institutions like Juilliard and Berklee. Average teaching experience exceeds 15 years.
Is special needs accommodation available?
Yes. Individualized instruction with certified educators. Subsidized tuition available through state funding.
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