LISTEN - ZARIN MEHTA
Lieder ohne Worte, Op. 19, F. Mendelssohn
House of Ravel Student (Level 4)
Training,
Developing,
Managing
Young Artists
through a
comprehensive
five-level
curriculum
for students
in Chicago & beyond.
Theory instruction helps students understand the language of music and its elements mainly melody, harmony, rhythm and form. As a baseline for all students, NMS uses the Music Development Program from the Royal Conservatory of Music for students 18 and under. All students participate in theory from their first day at New Music School.
NMS Faculty Member Jeffrey Panko will lead Performance Class on Sunday September 13th, 2026 from 4:00-5:00PM. Students of all instrument types are welcome to attend, and you can sign up on your MyMusicStaff Calendar under “Find & Book.”
Performance Class takes place each month throughout the academic year. Students perform their pieces and receive feedback from faculty members and peers attending the class. Performance Class allows students to practice performance etiquette and gain additional performance experience.
NMS Faculty Member Jeffrey Panko will lead Performance Class on Sunday October 11th, 2026 from 4:00-5:00PM. Students of all instrument types are welcome to attend, and you can sign up on your MyMusicStaff Calendar under “Find & Book.”
Performance Class takes place each month throughout the academic year. Students perform their pieces and receive feedback from faculty members and peers attending the class. Performance Class allows students to practice performance etiquette and gain additional performance experience.
Join us for two Spooktacular Recitals on Sunday October 25th during the 900 Shops’ Trick-or-Treat event! New Music School students will delight and dazzle in our Concert Hall IN Recital at 2:00 and 3:00PM.
This event is free and open to the public. NMS students will be performing both spooky and non-spooky repertoire in costume. The atmosphere will be casual as we will keep the Concert Hall doors open to welcome Trick-or-Treaters and passersby to catch a glimpse of the performance.
New Music School will be hosting an Adult Student Halloween performance at Aster Hall in the 900 Shops.
This event is free and open to the public. NMS Adult Students will be performing Halloween themed selections.
NMS Faculty Member Jeffrey Panko will lead Performance Class on Sunday November 8th, 2026 from 4:00-5:00PM. Students of all instrument types are welcome to attend, and you can sign up on your MyMusicStaff Calendar under “Find & Book.”
Performance Class takes place each month throughout the academic year. Students perform their pieces and receive feedback from faculty members and peers attending the class. Performance Class allows students to practice performance etiquette and gain additional performance experience.
NMS DEPARTMENTAL RECITALS
New Music School Concert Hall
Free - Open to the Public
On Sunday November 15th, New Music School will be hosting our Departmental Recitals. Recitals featuring students from our Piano, String, Voice, and Woodwind studios will be taking place every hour on the hour from 11:00 to 5:00pm.
This event is free and open to the public. We ask out of respect to our performers that all audience members stay for the duration of the recital they’re attending. Our departmental recitals are a chance to observe the progress of our study body in a formal recital setting.
Join our adult students on December 4th at 7:00PM for Champagne Showcase!
The Champagne Showcase is open to all NMS adult students. Adults join together for an evening of performances, champagne, and lite fare.
Juries are an important part of the New Music School curriculum and provide an opportunity for students to demonstrate their musical growth.
Within their first year of study, each student completes a Placement Jury, where an NMS faculty panel determines their appropriate house placement. Once placed, students complete a Semester Jury at the end of each semester, performing the required technical exercises and repertoire before the faculty panel to assess their progress. Private teachers will prepare students for all jury requirements.
Your student’s warm-up and jury times will be emailed to you directly. Any jury inquires should be emailed to juries@newmusicschool.com.
Juries are an important part of the New Music School curriculum and provide an opportunity for students to demonstrate their musical growth.
Within their first year of study, each student completes a Placement Jury, where an NMS faculty panel determines their appropriate house placement. Once placed, students complete a Semester Jury at the end of each semester, performing the required technical exercises and repertoire before the faculty panel to assess their progress. Private teachers will prepare students for all jury requirements.
Your student’s warm-up and jury times will be emailed to you directly. Any jury inquires should be emailed to juries@newmusicschool.com.
Performers are invited to perform in a Showcase Recital after demonstrating outstanding growth and performance at their semester jury.
This event is free and open to the public. We ask out of respect to our performers that all audience members stay for the duration of the recital.
Theory instruction helps students understand the language of music and its elements mainly melody, harmony, rhythm and form. As a baseline for all students, NMS uses the Music Development Program from the Royal Conservatory of Music for students 18 and under. All students participate in theory from their first day at New Music School.
NMS will hold Jury Make-up Day on January 17, 2027 from 4:00-5:00PM. This opportunity is for students who have scheduling conflicts with the Standard Jury Days. Please reach out to juries@newmusicschool.com with a request for your child to participate in this event.
If all jury students are accommodated and we still have space, we will open Performance Class spots for students to take a performance practice opportunity. Please reach out to our admin at join@newmusicschool.com if you’d like to be kept on a waitlist for this option.
NMS Faculty Member Jeffrey Panko will lead Performance Class on Sunday February 7th, 2027 from 4:00-5:00PM. Students of all instrument types are welcome to attend, and you can sign up on your MyMusicStaff Calendar under “Find & Book.”
Performance Class takes place each month throughout the academic year. Students perform their pieces and receive feedback from faculty members and peers attending the class. Performance Class allows students to practice performance etiquette and gain additional performance experience.
NMS Faculty Member Jeffrey Panko will lead Performance Class on Sunday March 7th, 2027 from 4:00-5:00PM. Students of all instrument types are welcome to attend, and you can sign up on your MyMusicStaff Calendar under “Find & Book.”
Performance Class takes place each month throughout the academic year. Students perform their pieces and receive feedback from faculty members and peers attending the class. Performance Class allows students to practice performance etiquette and gain additional performance experience.
NMS Faculty Member Jeffrey Panko will lead Performance Class on Sunday April 11th, 2027 from 4:00-5:00PM. Students of all instrument types are welcome to attend, and you can sign up on your MyMusicStaff Calendar under “Find & Book.”
Performance Class takes place each month throughout the academic year. Students perform their pieces and receive feedback from faculty members and peers attending the class. Performance Class allows students to practice performance etiquette and gain additional performance experience.
Juries are an important part of the New Music School curriculum and provide an opportunity for students to demonstrate their musical growth.
Within their first year of study, each student completes a Placement Jury, where an NMS faculty panel determines their appropriate house placement. Once placed, students complete a Semester Jury at the end of each semester, performing the required technical exercises and repertoire before the faculty panel to assess their progress. Private teachers will prepare students for all jury requirements.
Your student’s warm-up and jury times will be emailed to you directly. Any jury inquires should be emailed to juries@newmusicschool.com.
Juries are an important part of the New Music School curriculum and provide an opportunity for students to demonstrate their musical growth.
Within their first year of study, each student completes a Placement Jury, where an NMS faculty panel determines their appropriate house placement. Once placed, students complete a Semester Jury at the end of each semester, performing the required technical exercises and repertoire before the faculty panel to assess their progress. Private teachers will prepare students for all jury requirements.
Your student’s warm-up and jury times will be emailed to you directly. Any jury inquires should be emailed to juries@newmusicschool.com.
NMS Faculty Member Jeffrey Panko will lead Performance Class on Sunday May 2nd, 2027 from 4:00-5:00PM. Students of all instrument types are welcome to attend, and you can sign up on your MyMusicStaff Calendar under “Find & Book.”
Performance Class takes place each month throughout the academic year. Students perform their pieces and receive feedback from faculty members and peers attending the class. Performance Class allows students to practice performance etiquette and gain additional performance experience.
NMS ALL SCHOOL RECITAL
Location TBD
Free - Open to the Public
On Sunday May 16th, New Music School will be hosting an All School Recital. Recitals featuring students from our Piano, String, Voice, and Woodwind studios will be taking place every hour on the hour from 11:00 to 5:00pm.
This event is free and open to the public. We ask out of respect to our performers that all audience members stay for the duration of the recital they’re attending. Our all school recital is a chance to observe the progress of our entire study body in a formal recital setting.
Join our adult students on June 4th at 7:00PM for Champagne Showcase!
The Champagne Showcase is open to all NMS adult students. Adults join together for an evening of performances, champagne, and lite fare.
NMS Faculty Member Jeffrey Panko will lead Performance Class on Sunday June 13th, 2027 from 4:00-5:00PM. Students of all instrument types are welcome to attend, and you can sign up on your MyMusicStaff Calendar under “Find & Book.”
Performance Class takes place each month throughout the academic year. Students perform their pieces and receive feedback from faculty members and peers attending the class. Performance Class allows students to practice performance etiquette and gain additional performance experience.
“Over the course of my many visits to New Music School, I witnessed students at a level that was truly inspiring. I believe New Music School provides the right environment to cultivate talent and allows students to reach their fullest potential.”
Antonio Pompa-Baldi
Concert Pianist & Artistic Advisor
Lang Lang International Music Foundation
Head of Piano, Cleveland Institute of Music
NMS Faculty— Introducing Clarissa Bevilacqua, Violin Faculty
“Clarissa Bevilacqua... a new star is rising on the violin scene.” Bachtrack
LISTEN
Violin Sonata No. 3 in D Minor, E. Ysaÿe
Violin Faculty, Young Artist Level
Credit: ConcertLab 2026
ABOUT New Music School
-
About Us
Mentored by Chicago Symphony Orchestra musicians, renowned collegiate professors, and other world-class faculty, our students participate in a robust five-level curriculum, combining private study, chamber music, and theory/ear training.
Continue —> -
Students' Curriculum
Level 1 - House of Bach
BeginningLevels 2-3 - House of Mozart/Beethoven
College PreparatoryLevel 4 - House of Ravel
Undergraduate School ExpectationsLevel 5 - House of Glass
Graduate School Expectations
Artist Development & Management
Continue —> -
The Journey
Our program challenges and grows with students; whether they are picking up an instrument for the first time or are looking to enter the most prestigious music conservatories in the world. Lessons are offered in piano, violin, viola, cello, voice, guitar, and flute. New Music School offers lessons for all ages, early childhood, and adults. Lessons occur at 900 N Michigan Ave Level 6 in Chicago; onsite or online.
“We are delighted to welcome Brian Beach to New Music School as our new Director of Operations.
A musician, educator, and arts leader with more than 20 years of experience, Brian has dedicated his career to helping young artists reach their full potential. His thoughtful leadership, collaborative spirit, and passion for music education have made a lasting impact on students and institutions throughout Chicago. As he joins the New Music School community, Brian will help guide the operations and strategic initiatives that support our mission and the continued growth of our students. We are excited for this next chapter and look forward to all that we will accomplish together.”
Francisco Ybarra
Founder, New Music School
Pianist Daniel Razminia (15), student of Jeffrey Panko and Mary Sauer, was accepted to compete in the Toronto International Piano Competition. 140 applicants world wide applied for admission to the competition, and we are so proud of Daniel for being selected for the opportunity!
Daniel Razminia, 15, is a sophomore at Hinsdale Central High School in Hinsdale, Illinois, and an aspiring concert pianist. He began his classical piano studies in 2022 with Jeffrey Panko at the New Music School in Chicago and currently studies with Jeffrey Panko and Mary Sauer, Principal Keyboardist Emeritus of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. He has also participated in masterclasses with Stephen Osborne, Alan Chow, and Antonio Pompa-Baldi.
In 2023, Daniel performed the first movement of Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 1 under the direction of Conner Gray Covington. The following year, he attended the Todi International Music Masters Festival in Italy, where he performed in both solo recitals and with orchestra. He also presented a debut recital on the Friends of the Windows Concert Series at Quigley Chapel in Chicago.
Daniel has earned top prizes in several competitions, including CAMTA, American Protégé, and SBC, and has performed at Carnegie Hall. Outside of music, he is actively involved in robotics and enjoys playing tennis.
Congratulations to Constantine Wang (13) for being one of three winners of the Gold Award in the 2026 Singapore Raffles International Music Festival Competition Youth Category Piano Solo Online Competition. Constantine is a student of Winston Choi and Jeffrey Panko at New Music School. He has recently won First Prize in the Junior Category of the American Protégé International Piano & Strings Competition 2026 and will be performing in Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall in June. Additionally, as the winner of the GOLD HANDS of the Carles and Sofia Piano Competition, he has been invited to perform in Spain this summer. He also recently performed in the Intermediate Piano Master Class with Nancy O’Neill Breth at the 2026 MTNA National Conference.
Congratulations to Beatrice Valenzuela @beatricelavioloniste for winning the 2026 ISMTA E-Competition Non-Piano Junior Division.
Mika Matsuyama (16), student of Jeffrey Panko, and coached by Sean Bennett, was awarded 1st Place in the Senior Division of the 2026 NSMTA Karen Tobias Piano Competition.
Congratulations to Leo Ma for winning the 2026 Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras Concerto Competition for the Philharmonic Orchestra! Leo Ma @leo.ma.12 is a 13-year-old violinist from Chicago, currently studying with Professor Minghuan Xu @allthings.strings at New Music School.
Constantine Wang (13), student of Winston Choi, won First Prize in the Junior Category of the American Protégé International Piano & Strings Competition 2026. He will be performing in Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall in June. Additionally, as the winner of the GOLD HANDS of the Carles and Sofia Piano Competition, he has been invited to perform in Spain this summer. He also recently performed in the Intermediate Piano Master Class with Nancy O’Neill Breth at the 2026 MTNA National Conference.
Congratulations Ken Gallwas @ken.gallwas for winning the DePaul National Concerto Competition for Young Performers. Ken performed Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 3 in C minor, III. Rondo. Allegro-Presto with the Oistrakh Symphony of Chicago on March 23, 2026 . Ken studies with Mary Sauer and Jeffrey Panko at NMS and is in the House of Ravel (Level 4 - Undergraduate Expectations).
Mika Matsuyama (16), student of Jeffrey Panko, Mary Sauer, and Sean Bennett, was awarded second prize in the American Protege competition and will perform in the coming months at Carnegie Hall. Mika also received Honorable Mention placement at the Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra Stanger Concerto Competition.
Congratulations to Mika Matsuyama for receiving an Honorable Mention with Distinction at the 2026 DePaul National Concerto Competition. Mika is a House of Ravel (Level IV - Undergraduate Expectations) student, studying with artist faculty Jeffrey Panko & Mary Sauer, & artist development faculty Sean Bennett.
Many NMS students received Honors at the 2026 Chicago Area Music Teacher’s Association Sonata Festival.
Congratulations to Beatrice Valenzuela for making it to the Semifinals at the 2026 Sphinx Competition. Beatrice will compete Thursday AM. We are all wishing her the best of luck!!
Beatrice is a student of Desirée Ruhstrat & Timothy Hager at New Music School and is in the House of Beethoven (Level 3-College Preparatory).
Congratulations to Sebastían Jiménez for receiving a Gold Medal at the Sonatina Competition Northwest Suburban Music Teachers Association in October 2025.
Sebastían is a student of Clinton Velman in the House of Bach (I) at NMS.
Congratulations to NMS pianist Joseph Gallwas for winning the ISMTA North Competition 2025 Senior II Division in October. Joe studies with Mary Sauer, Jeffrey Panko and Sean Bennett at New Music School in Chicago and is in the House of Ravel (Level 4 - Undergraduate Expectations).
KEN GALLWAS, FIRST PLACE
ROCKFORD SYMPHONY YOUTH ORCHESTRA CONCERTO COMPETITION
Congratulations to Ken for winning the RSYO Concerto Competition performing Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 3 in C minor, Op. 37, III. Rondo. Allegro-Presto. Ken studies with Mary Sauer and Jeffrey Panko at New Music School.
IN Masterclass with Steven Osborne - NMS pianist Mika Matsuyama has been invited to perform in a Masterclass with pianist Steven Osborne at the Grant Park Music Festival. Mika will be performing Chopin’s 2nd Scherzo. Mika is a student of Jeffrey Panko at New Music School.
Congratulations to Raegan (6) and Kingston Lau (4) for placing 1st on Solo and 2nd as a duet at the Illinois Music Association competition. They will perform on the Winners Recital tomorrow in Lombard at the DuPage Concert Hall.
Raegan and Kingston study with Clinton Velman at New Music School.
Gavin Chiam, student of Jeffrey Panko, was a Third Place winner (13 - 18) at the American Protégé International Concerto Competition, and was awarded a performance in Carnegie Hall early this summer.
IN Masterclass with Imani Winds - the NMS Piano Trio featuring Tongbai Deng (piano), Kevin Hernandez (cello), and Gabby Joew (flute), were invited to participate in a Masterclass at Grant Park Music Festival. The Trio performed Weber’s Piano Trio for Flute, Cello and Piano, Op 63. I. Allegro Moderato, and were coached through the work by Grammy Winning Chamber Music Ensemble, Imani Winds. The NMS Piano Trio was coached by Steve Yepez, flute faculty at New Music School.
Congratulations to Constantine Wang who received a Gold Award in the Singapore Raffles International Music Festival Competition! After placing in the top four, he has been invited to perform in the Grand Prix for the Junior B Division. Additionally, he is a semi-finalist in the up-coming Carmel Klavier International Piano Competition and was recently a finalist in the Chicago International Music Festival.
Congratulations to Genoa Sinno, student of Jeffrey Panko, who was a Third Place winner (12 & under) at the American Protégé International Concerto Competition. She has been awarded a performance in Carnegie Hall early this summer.
Tong-Bai Deng, student of Winston Choi, was named the winner of Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra’s 2025 Stanger Young Artist Competition. The announcement was made live at the conclusion of the Rising Stars of Stanger concert after he performed Sergei Prokofiev’s Piano Concerto No. 2, Movement IV. Congratulations, Tong-Bai!
Congratulations to NMS pianist Tong-Bai Deng for being selected as one of the Finalists for the 2025 Crain-Mailing Foundation CSO Young Artists Competition! Tong-Bai Deng is a student of Winston Choi and Sean Bennett at New Music School in Chicago.
At the YAC finals, he will perform Prokofiev’s Piano Concerto No. 2 in G Minor, IV. Allegro tempestoso.
Congratulations to NMS pianist Joseph Gallwas for being selected as one of the Finalists for the 2025 Crain-Mailing Foundation CSO Young Artists Competition! Joseph Gallwas is a student of Mary Sauer, Jeffrey Panko and Sean Bennett at New Music School in Chicago.
At the YAC finals, he will perform Prokofiev’s Piano Concerto No. 3 in C Major, I. Andante-Allegro.
Congratulations to the Gallwas Twins for winning the 2025 Ohio International Piano Duet & Duo Competition Senior Division First Prize.
Congratulations to NMS House of Ravel student Joseph Gallwas for winning the 2025 Young Artist Auditions with the Dupage Symphony Orchestra. Joe will perform March 16th at 3PM with the orchestra. Tickets at link in bio.
Performing: Prokofiev Piano Concerto No 3 in C Major, Op. 26: 1, Andante - Allegro
We are thrilled for NMS violinist Olivia Fazio, student of Timothy Hager, to have received Honorable Mention in the MYAC Junior Orchestra Division of the 2024/2025 O’Malley Foundation National Concerto Competition (formerly Walgreens).
Congratulations to NMS pianist Joseph Gallwas for winning the Open Senior Division of the 2025 O’Malley Foundation National Concerto Competition (formerly Walgreens).
NMS Student Joseph Gallwas, pianist, has been named a Semi-Finalist for the 2025 International Young Artist Concerto Competition.
Performing: Prokofiev Piano Concerto No 3 in C Major, Op. 26: 1, Andante – Allegro
NMS Students Joe and Ken Gallwas aka Gallwas Twins perform LIVE on WFMT Introductions 98.7 this Saturday at 11AM. Listen live on the radio or via link in Bio. Program includes Mozart, Piazolla, Guastavino and Bach.
Both Joe and Ken are House of Ravel students at New Music School and study with Jeff Panko, Mary Sauer and a student of our Artist Development program with Sean Bennett.