Creative Aging
for older adults
NSM’s Creative Aging programs invite community members aged 60+ to sing, play, and explore music in a joyful, supportive environment. Our programs build friendships, spark connection, and welcome older adults into NSM’s lively multi-generational musical family.
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Please note that NSM does not yet have an accessible restroom. Our restroom is located on the 2nd floor (no elevator).
Harmony Circle (Choir)
Instructor: Ariauna Heck
Join Harmony Circle, a welcoming non-audition choir for older adults where every voice matters. Come as you are and sing together each week in a relaxed, supportive environment. We’ll begin with gentle vocal and physical warm-ups, explore familiar favorites in a variety of choral styles, and incorporate your song suggestions. The repertoire and character of the ensemble will be informed by the group. Focus on healthy singing, expressive performance, and the joy of connecting through music.
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​Mondays, 1:30–2:30pm
February 23, 2026–May 18, 2026 (12 weeks)
Tuition: $204
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How to Listen Like a Musician
Instructor: Peter Paetkau
A welcoming, hands-on class for adults who are curious about classical music—whether you’re new to the genre or want to deepen your listening skills. Through guided discussion and group activities, we’ll explore how music communicates, narrates, and conveys emotion.
One session will feature live musicians, providing an inside look at how chamber music is created and performed. Students will study selected pieces in advance and then hear them performed live in concert. Concert tickets are included in the class tuition.
This is a space for curiosity, discovery, and shared listening—where there are no wrong answers, only deeper awareness. No prior musical training is required—just open ears and a desire to experience music more fully.
Tuesdays, 2:00–3:00pm
March 31, 2026–May 12, 2026 (6 weeks)
Tuition: $120
Memory Café Sing-Alongs
NSM is excited to offer Memory Café Sing-Alongs, warm and welcoming events for those with memory loss or cognitive changes and their care partners. Enjoy an hour of familiar songs led by NSM faculty Joe Reid followed by refreshments and friendly conversation.​​​
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Free to attend and open to all, no diagnosis needed. Generously sponsored by Seniors Helping Seniors. Music, community, and treats await—come and sing along with us!
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RSVP by filling out our form below or calling (617) 492-8105. (Please note: NSM does not have an accessible bathroom; our bathroom is up one flight of stairs, and our building does not have an elevator.)​
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"My husband and I met in a local community chorus, The Mystic Chorale, more than 25 years ago, and we have enjoyed many rich years singing together until the progression of his Alzheimer's disease made it too difficult for him to be able to memorize the music. So it was with great delight that I saw the notice for, and brought my husband to, the New School's Memory Cafe Sing-Along last month. Once again, after so many lost years of singing, we were able to participate in the communal joy that music provides, accompanied by beautiful piano accompaniment, strong faculty voices, and a plethora of songs and lyrics from which to choose in the notebooks provided. Alzheimer's is such an isolating disease, one that ruptures relationships and severs once-shared pleasures, and for that hour, we were returned. I look forward to bringing my husband to many more sing-alongs at the New School and to sharing that joy together with others from the community."
—Memory Café Participant​
Wednesdays, 1:00–2:00pm
March 4, 2026
April 1, 2026
May 6, 2026
Tuition: FREE
Chamber Music Ensembles
Chamber Music Coordinator: Seychelle Dunn-Corbin
Open to adult musicians of any level, any instrument, and any genre, the chamber music program for adults allows students to grow their musical skills in a small ensemble setting. Coached by members of the NSM faculty, chamber groups have the opportunity to participate in master classes, workshops, and special events, all while exploring new repertoire and ensemble techniques in a social and relaxed atmosphere. Performance opportunities are also available for groups interested in recitals and concerts.
Monthly Chamber Jams
Chamber Music Coordinator: Seychelle Dunn-Corbin
Get ready to groove and jam with us on your instrument of choice. Each Chamber Jam session will feature music of amazing composers born that month. This informal evening is a chance to get acquainted with some new music and some new musicians. Music will be emailed in advance to registered participants, so no sightreading is required. Mark your calendars, grab your instruments, and let’s make some music together!
Sample Chamber Jam Repertoire:
Tartini: Trio Sonata in D minor, B.d2
Prokofiev: Quintet in G Minor Op.39
Rachmaninoff: Vocalise
Duke Ellington: Sentimental Mood & Take the “A” Train
Tailleferre: String Quartet
​Wednesdays, 7:00–8:30pm
February 25, 2026
March 25, 2026
April 29, 2026
May 27, 2026
Tuition: $19/session
*After you register, please fill out THIS brief questionnaire.* We’ll send you the sheet music two weeks in advance so you can prepare your part. ALL instruments are welcome.
Don’t see your instrument listed in the score? No worries! Feel free to learn any part that looks good to you or contact chambermusic@newschoolofmusic.org and we'll help you choose. Have a piece in mind? Email us a week before a session, and we’ll try to include it in the lineup.
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