Music Resources
impactful music organizations in new jersey
Based in Montclair, NJ, Jazz House Kids is the only community arts organization in New Jersey (and now New York City) exclusively dedicated to educating children through jazz. Jazz House heads a variety of programs to ensure every musician, no matter the age, has access to music, education, mentoring, and apprenticeship. Some of their programs include the Give an Instrument, Build a Musician Program providing students in under-resourced schools with new instruments; the Chica Power Residency Program focusing on creating a rich musical environment for girls 12-18; and the Jazz House Summer Workshop, where students from all over the world receive top-notch instruction to develop a greater sense of knowledge of jazz fundamentals and performances.
Since 1979, the New Jersey Youth Symphony (NJYS) has offered auditioned orchestral and jazz education for students grades 3-12 throughout New Jersey. Composed of 15 ensembles ranging from jazz bands to quartets, orchestras, or symphonies, NJYS allows its musicians to achieve musical excellence through rigorous music exposure and concerts including the Kennedy Center in Washington DC, NJPAC in Newark, and Carnegie Hall. NJYS is part of a bigger nonprofit organization, Wharton Arts, which supports many other music-related programs including the Paterson Music Project, the Performing Arts School, and the New Jersey Youth Chorus, which all improve access to music education and opportunities in areas around New Jersey.
Additional resources to forward your own learning
Coursera offers a variety of free online music courses for people of all skill levels, and they are taught by professors and faculty from prestigious universities around the world. Whether you're interested in learning music theory, improving instrumental or vocal skills, exploring music production, or studying music history, there is always something for everyone.
Musictheory.net is a free website with lessons, exercises, and tools to help you learn the basics of music theory, from reading notes to more complex topics like harmonic analysis and hearing chords by ear. It is a great place for beginners to get a taste of music theory and explore how it can apply to a piano.
