Our Mission
Inspiring minds and enriching our community through music education.
Neighborhood Music School believes that lives change through music education. Founded by Carrie Stone Freeman in 1914 as a part of the Settlement movement, NMS was known as the "Los Angeles Music Settlement." Freeman's gift of $1000 gave life to this learning center where affordable lessons enable children to develop musical talent and creativity. What began as a modest gift has developed into an artistic and educational home with an $900,000 operating budget, 350+ students, 27 teaching artists and 109 years of history and transformative development through music. We are proud to serve as an anchor to our community, a bridge to cultural exchange and opportunity, and an usher to the mentorship between teacher and student that is integral in music instruction and in life.
What We've Achieved
350+ Students of all ages.
Outreach Programming in the classroom, the community, and at NMS.
Early Childhood Music & Movement classes for youth ages 3-6. Tuition-Free!
27 teaching artists who are professional artists in the field to provide mentorship, assessment and development on a one-on-one basis.
6 performing ensembles and ensemble opportunities for advanced, collaborative group training.
Summer Music Programs for all ages.
Affordable and accessible one-on-one music instruction on a wide variety of instruments.
A Student Scholarship Program with 2 cycles per year.
A low-cost instrument rental program to ensure all students have quality instruments at home.
Cultural opportunities and introductions throughout Los Angeles.
Strategic partnerships with our Community Partners.
Giving Opportunities
There are many ways that you can contribute to the school. The following are other ways you can make a tax-deductible gift to the Neighborhood Music School today:
Create your own matching gift
Ask your company if they have a “Matching Gift” program. Many companies will match your gift to the Neighborhood Music School dollar-for-dollar. If yours will, please provide us the matching donation form from your Human Resources department, and we’ll take care of the rest!
Consider NMS in your estate planning
Sponsor a Neighborhood Music School Special Event
You or your company can sponsor a masterclass, concert series, or other special event at Neighborhood Music School!
In-kind contributions
In addition to monetary donations, NMS is also very grateful for donations of instruments, tickets to local performance events, and time of volunteers.
If you would like to speak to someone about giving opportunities, please call Karen Louis at (323) 268-0762.