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AFTERSCHOOL & saturday classes
Where Music,
Art & Confidence
Come to Life
music & arts classes
How We Make Creativity Affordable
Every child deserves the chance to learn, create, and grow. Watch this short video to explore how financial assistance, membership and sibling discounts, package savings, and interest-free payment plans make music and arts affordable for your family.
A COMMUNITY Built on Real Results
30 Years of Creativity, Community and Impact
For over three decades, families have trusted the Institute to give children a place to learn, create, perform, and belong. What started with a belief in the power of the arts has grown into a community reaching hundreds of young people every year.
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Happy Parents Each Year!
No hidden fees
Affordable Options for Every Creative Journey
From one class a week to fuller creative schedules, our pricing gives families the flexibility to choose the level of learning, exploration, and commitment that works best for them.
One Group Class a Week
Enrolling in our 12 Week program
$200 / 12 sessions
Membership plan pricing
Two Group Classes a Week
Enrolling in our 12 Week program
$280 / 12 sessions
Membership plan pricing
One Private Lesson a Week
Enrolling in ou 12 Week program
$375 / 12 sessions
Membership plan pricing
THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE PROGRESS
More than 50 teaching-artists
Our instructors are more than teachers—they’re working artists, musicians, and mentors who bring real-world experience into every class. Here are three wonderful examples of the artists behind the learning.
Josef Ellis
PERCUSSION & MUSIC INSTRUCTOR
Mr. Josef is an accomplished percussionist and music educator. He performs throughout the tri-state area and brings that professional experience into helping young musicians grow with confidence, skill, and creativity.
Meli Dejesus
DANCE & GLO GIRLS CLUB INSTRUCTOR
Ms. Meli is a dancer and community leader who uses movement and the arts to inspire and empower young women. Through our Glo Girls Club, she helps build confidence, self-expression, creativity, connection, and a strong sense of community.
Carolina Moratti
cooking INSTRUCTOR
Chef Carolina is a community leader, entrepreneur, and trained Peruvian chef with deep roots in Latin American food traditions. She brings her experience in food, advocacy, and community building to empower the next generation.
music & arts classes
Find the Way You Learn Best
We offer three ways to learn: Group Classes, Troupe Programs, and Private Lessons. Families can enroll in either 12-week or 24-week programs, depending on the experience that best fits their child.
CLASSES START OCTOBER 27, 2026
Group Classes
Your child will learn, create, and grow alongside other young artists in a welcoming, high‒energy environment led by practicing artists.
  • 50+ art forms to explore
  • No experience needed
  • Supportive instruction where every child is seen
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Young Chefs
Troupe Classes
Our five Troupe programs are designed for students ready to go deeper—building commitment and meaningful connections with peers who share their interests.
  • Advanced instruction and mentorship
  • Deeper skill development
  • More collaboration and commitment with peers and instructors
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Harmony Band
Private Lessons
Private lessons offer more focused instruction, deeper technique, and personalized growth for students ready to build their skills.
  • 6 art forms to choose from
  • Personalized goals and instruction
  • Dedicated one-on-one attention
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Acting
Why We’re Different
Growth Through Art
Music and art are the tools, but who your child becomes is the purpose. Through creativity, practice, and performance, children build confidence, discipline, resilience, and the courage to express themselves. Those are the skills they carry into school, relationships, and every challenge ahead.
Use the arrows to learn what makes us unique!
More Than Lessons
We don’t just teach children how to perform. We help them discover what they’re capable of.
Every Child Seen
Children thrive when they feel known, supported, and encouraged. Our instructors nurture the individual behind the talent.
Confidence Built Here
Every rehearsal, performance, and creative challenge gives children another reason to believe in themselves.
Community Matters
Children learn alongside mentors and peers who encourage them, challenge them, and make them feel they belong.
Skill That Last
What children practice here reaches far beyond the stage: focus, perseverance, teamwork, self-expression, and courage.
testimonials
What Our Families Are Saying
Hear from the parents and students who have experienced the confidence, creativity, connection, and growth that happen at the Institute.
The Institute brought out a passion my daughter didn't know she had.
"One of the biggest surprises has been watching my oldest rediscover her love for music. Years ago, I enrolled her in violin and piano lessons, but she wasn’t interested. After being exposed to music through the Institute, she’s now asking to try both instruments again on her own. That excitement and willingness to learn means everything to me because it’s coming from genuine passion instead of pressure."
Dominique
Mom of two students ages 12 and 9
When I drop my kids off at the Institute, I know they are in good hands.
"The staff consistently demonstrate exceptional care, dedication and personalized attention to all children and families. It is clear that every child is valued and supported. The staff’s encouragement has helped my girls grow in their confidence in expressing themselves and in performing. As a parent, I am grateful and appreciative knowing my children are spending their time in such an uplifting environment. The Institute has become a community for my family."
Nelly
Mom of two students, ages 9 and 8
My daughter's confidence—socially and artistically—has soared.
"I couldn’t be more grateful for the positive impact the Institute's programs have had on my children's lives. My daughter’s participation in the cooking class has been nothing short of transformative. She has developed a genuine passion for the culinary arts, mastering a variety of cooking techniques that she proudly showcases at home. It’s heartwarming to see her not only grow as a chef but also as a confident young woman enjoying meaningful connections with her peers."
Emanuel
Dad of two students, ages 16 and 15
Got questions?
The Questions Parents Ask Us Most Before Signing Up
What age groups do you serve?
How do we choose the right class or instrument?
Do you offer Financial Assistance or any discounts?
My child is very shy / very energetic — will this work for them?
Do you provide accomodations for special needs students?
How do you keep students safe?
What happens if we join after the season has already started?
Are performances required?
CONTACT US
The First Step to Creativity
Visit us, meet our instructors, explore the space, and get a feel for the program before enrolling. It’s a simple way to see the community, ask questions, and find the right fit for your child.
COME FIND US
Easy to Reach Online or in Person
Have a question before enrolling? Don't hesitate to reach out!
Find Us
780 Salem Avenue,
Elizabeth, NJ 07208
Phone Number
(908) 469-1211
Email Address
fricalde@instituteofmusic.org
Fabrizio Ricalde ‒ Director of Marketing