Business Details
22 Years
experience
Expert Music Lessons in Walden, NY
Founded in 2004, New York School of Music has been dedicated to transforming lives through music education. Our 10,000-square-foot facility in Walden, NY, staffed by Hudson Valley music professionals, offers private lessons, group programs, internships, and masterclasses for musicians of all ages. We emphasize a community-driven approach, fostering creativity and collaboration while providing access to performance spaces, rehearsal rooms, and a supportive network of peers and mentors. Our philosophy centers on learning by making music, ensuring individualized attention and opportunities for growth.With a focus on both technical skill development and artistic expression, we prepare students for diverse musical paths, from hobbyists to industry professionals. Our team combines decades of experience in performance, education, and music business, maintaining strong ties to the Hudson Valley arts scene and beyond. We prioritize family involvement and holistic development, creating a culture of encouragement that extends beyond the classroom. As a locally owned institution, we remain committed to accessible, high-quality music education that adapts to evolving industry needs.
Services
Private Music Lessons
Group Ensemble Classes
Music Together Programs
Jazz Band Instruction
Music Production Classes
Summer Rock Camps
Instrument Rentals
Performance Workshops
Music Theory Seminars
Career Development Mentorship
Details
- Year established: 2004
Highlights and features
- We offer 20+ years of combined teaching experience from professional Hudson Valley musicians
- Our performance-focused curriculum includes access to professional-grade venues like The Den
- We provide personalized learning paths from beginner to pre-professional levels
- Our instructors maintain active careers in the music industry while teaching
- We guarantee family engagement through performance attendance and practice support
What people say
Fostering a love of playing
Building ability and character
Credit goes to your team
Such a positive influence
So grateful we found this gem
Services
Private Music Lessons
Customized weekly lessons with dedicated instructors focusing on technical mastery and musical expression. Students receive personalized feedback and practice guidance tailored to their goals. Our structured curriculum balances skill development with creative exploration, preparing learners for both casual enjoyment and professional pursuits.
Group Ensemble Classes
Interactive group sessions fostering musical collaboration and peer learning. Participants develop ensemble skills while exploring diverse genres and performance techniques. These classes emphasize teamwork, stage presence, and real-world performance experience in a supportive environment.
Music Together Programs
Research-based music and movement classes for children birth through age five. Designed to nurture innate musicality through playful, developmentally appropriate activities. Parents actively participate in these engaging sessions that build foundational music skills through fun, interactive experiences.
Jazz Band Instruction
Specialized training in jazz traditions, improvisation, and ensemble playing for musicians aged 14+. Students learn swing to fusion styles while developing performance skills through regular concerts. The program combines technical instruction with real-world ensemble experience.
Music Production Classes
Hands-on instruction in modern music production techniques and software. Students learn composition, recording, and production fundamentals using industry-standard tools. The curriculum bridges creative expression with technical proficiency in digital music creation.
People
Tim Porco
Co-Owner
Guitar specialist with entrepreneurial background, combining business expertise and performance experience. Former Alto Music sales professional who revitalized the school's operations after acquiring it in 2012.
Rosie Rion Porco
Co-Owner
Multi-instrumentalist with cello specialization, bringing extensive venue management and music education experience. Former General Manager of The Falcon, she focuses on community building and industry connections.
Amy Cutter
Voice Instructor
Vocal coach with dual expertise in musical performance and anatomy, offering unique insights into vocal health. Combines 20+ years of massage therapy experience with stage performance knowledge to develop holistic vocal techniques.
Kristin Dockery
Piano Instructor
Classical piano specialist with SUNY New Paltz credentials, teaching students of all ages. Brings 15+ years of experience in adjudicated competitions and church music leadership to personalized piano instruction.
Kyle Kopp
Multi-Instrument Instructor
Versatile educator teaching guitar, bass, drums, and piano with background in recording engineering. Focuses on personalized, relationship-based instruction while maintaining active performance and production careers.
Questions
What age groups do you teach?
We offer programs for all ages, including Music Together classes for children birth-5, youth programs, and adult lessons.
Do you offer performance opportunities?
Yes! The Den provides monthly open mic nights and our students participate in regular recitals and special events.
What instruments can I learn?
We offer instruction in piano, guitar, drums, voice, brass, woodwinds, strings, and more with specialized instructors.
Are there group class options?
Yes, we offer ensemble classes, summer rock camps, and specialty programs like Jazz Band and Music Production.
How do lessons work for beginners?
New students receive weekly 30-minute sessions focusing on fundamentals, with practice guidance and progressive skill development tailored to their pace.
Do you sell musical equipment?
We offer a curated selection of quality instruments, accessories, and lesson materials for student convenience.
Reviews (4)
Bonita Applecrumb
Jun 05, 2018
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Love Tim and Rosie! The staff here are a terrific bunch. My son loves taking his bass lessons here, and I see a lot of improvement from when he first started. Definitely worth the investment.
Jeanne Tompkins
May 19, 2017
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I highly recommend this school My son has attended Rock Camps and has taken private instruction. The instructors are excellent and work well with the students at all levels. Most recently, we needed to prepare our son for a college audition. He was applying to a special program that required a jazz guitar audition. As a classic rock musician, he needed some guidance. Donna Hall, the owner of the school, matched our son up with an instructor and got him ready for the audition. His performance was a success and I cannot thank the school enough.
David Kohn
Apr 02, 2016
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I have been very happy with the New York School of Music. Their experienced (and patient) instructors and very supportive owner are what makes their programs and lessons so strong. We are very fortunate that the school provides a vehicle for both my son and daughter to expand their musical knowledge beyond what our public school provides. My kids especially like the Rock Camp program over the summer (this summer marks my son's 6th year and my daughter's 3rd year at Rock Camp). Having very supportive Rock Camp mentors and musical campers, allows my kids to shine when they hit the stage as a live act at the end of the program. An experience they would not otherwise get.
The school's programs have certainly elevated my children's playing capabilities and in particular their confidence! I recommend the school for lessons, Rock Camp and the other programs they offer like their conservatory. And when my son breaks a drum stick or needs to pick up sax reeds or sheet music, we can get it at their store as well.
The school's programs have certainly elevated my children's playing capabilities and in particular their confidence! I recommend the school for lessons, Rock Camp and the other programs they offer like their conservatory. And when my son breaks a drum stick or needs to pick up sax reeds or sheet music, we can get it at their store as well.
Paul Hose
Jan 17, 2015
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The people at New York School of Music are passionate and enthusiastic to say the least! The facilities are magnificent - new, fresh and clean. Donna is a friend of mine and I am always impressed by her commitment to her customers, her staff and the community that she works and lives in. Walden has a champion and it's called New York School of Music! I would recommend anyone with hesitation.
