Business Details
31 Years
experience
Your Community Music School in Lebanon, NH
Established in 1995, Upper Valley Music Center has been a cornerstone of music education in the Upper Valley region for three decades. Our mission focuses on providing accessible, high-quality music instruction to individuals of all ages, from infants to seniors. With a faculty of professional musicians holding advanced degrees, we offer personalized lessons, group classes, and ensemble opportunities designed to nurture both technical skill and artistic expression. As a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, we prioritize community impact through initiatives like distributing over $40,000 annually in tuition assistance and partnering with 71 local organizations.Our programs extend beyond traditional education, fostering social connections through collaborative music-making in venues ranging from intimate living rooms to community events. We maintain a growing music library specializing in chamber and choral repertoire, reflecting our commitment to shared musical experiences. Through performances, workshops, and outreach, we strive to make music education inclusive and transformative for every participant.
Services
Individual Lessons
Group Classes
Ensemble Programs
Summer Camps
Music Theory Classes
Community Chorus
Suzuki Program
Faculty Concerts
Workshops
Music Library Access
Details
- Year established: 1995
Highlights and features
- We offer 30 years of experience in community music education
- Our faculty includes degreed professional musicians from the Upper Valley
- We provide over $40,000 annually in tuition assistance
- We partner with 71 organizations for community music outreach
- We maintain a specialized music library for collaborative learning
Services
Individual Lessons
Personalized one-on-one music instruction tailored to each student's goals and skill level. Our faculty of professional musicians provides specialized training on over 15 instruments and voice. Lessons accommodate all ages from beginners to advanced musicians seeking performance preparation or technical refinement.
Group Classes
Collaborative learning experiences for students of similar age and ability. Classes include music theory, history, and genre-specific instruction that complement individual lessons. Our Music Together program engages infants through preschoolers with caregiver participation in weekly musical activities.
Ensemble Programs
Performance-based group playing opportunities for all skill levels. Programs include the non-auditioned Upper Valley Symphony Orchestra, Community Chorus, and chamber music ensembles. These groups emphasize collaborative musicianship and public performance experience in a supportive environment.
Summer Camps
Intensive summer music education experiences combining skill development with performance preparation. Camps offer specialized instruction in specific genres, instruments, or musical styles with culminating showcase events. Programs cater to different age groups and experience levels throughout the summer months.
Tuition Assistance
Need-based financial support program ensuring music education accessibility for all families. Over $40,000 in assistance distributed annually through a confidential application process. Funds support lesson fees, program costs, and instrument access to maintain equitable participation opportunities across the community.
Questions
What age groups do you serve?
We offer programs for all ages from infants in our Music Together classes to seniors participating in community ensembles.
Do you offer financial assistance?
Yes, we distribute over $40,000 annually in tuition assistance through a confidential application process.
What instruments can I learn?
We offer instruction on strings, piano, voice, woodwinds, brass, percussion, and guitar with specialized programs for each.
Are there performance opportunities?
Yes, students participate in recitals, community events, and our faculty-led performance series throughout the year.
How do I register for classes?
Registration details and class schedules are available through our online registration system on the website.
Do you have summer programs?
We offer multiple summer camp options focusing on different instruments, genres, and skill levels each July and August.
Reviews (6)
Tom Norton
Jun 04, 2019
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The UVMC is a vibrant community music center, with dedicated faculty and very helpful staff, in downtown Lebanon. At most times of day, the building is full of joyful music, with a mix of student lessons, chamber music sessions, community chorus rehearsals, etc.
Patricia Norton
May 21, 2019
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I just want to point out that the single employee complained about in the low star reviews has been gone for several years now. The UVMC has had a stable, welcoming front office staff for over a year now (Nov 2018), and seems to be handling requests professionally and in a timely fashion. I am on faculty there, so I have a bias, but I don't believe out-of-date reviews should contribute so heavily to the score!
David B.
Oct 21, 2018
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Great way to get started learning an instrument. If you want to learn how to play an instrument while minimizing your financial outlay, the UVMC is an excellent resource. Private and group lessons are available for many stringed instruments. Coupled with Vermont Violins at the Powerhouse Mall in West Lebanon where you can rent to buy, it's a great way to get started with minimal risk. The only negative (in my experience) is that communication is not their strength. My instructor never responded to emails or returned phone calls. You may have to call UVMC every day before getting an answer but eventually, you'll break through.
Melanie McDonough
Apr 22, 2015
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The Upper Valley Music Center has offered the most amazing experience for my son who decided to begin playing the violin when he was 9-years-old. Since that time, we have been on a wonderful Suzuki journey with the most amazing instructors a parent could ever hope to have for their child. My son loves to play the violin and I attribute much of his enthusiasm to his experience at UVMC.
Deecie D.
Jan 29, 2015
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My mother was a piano teacher; we had three Cleveland Orchestra members living on our street; I studied piano from age 5 and had planned to make music a career; and I studied with two of the great pianists of our time. My expectation for quality music teaching is very high, and I believe down to my toes that we are all better people and a better community for having music in our lives. UVMC has the highest quality teaching and it brings music by our community out to our community.
The teaching is more than exceptional. The faculty is devoted and is always making an effort to improve their teaching as well as their own performance skills. As for community, it is UVMC which serves the general community of the Upper Valley with access for everyone no matter what age, what instrument, or what skill level. I have no hesitation in saying that if you are looking for music lessons for your child or want to take up an instrument as an adult, you should call them. If you want to be a professional musician/performing artist or just be able to play "Happy Birthday" at a family gathering, UVMC is the best place to go.
The teaching is more than exceptional. The faculty is devoted and is always making an effort to improve their teaching as well as their own performance skills. As for community, it is UVMC which serves the general community of the Upper Valley with access for everyone no matter what age, what instrument, or what skill level. I have no hesitation in saying that if you are looking for music lessons for your child or want to take up an instrument as an adult, you should call them. If you want to be a professional musician/performing artist or just be able to play "Happy Birthday" at a family gathering, UVMC is the best place to go.
Chan H.
Jan 01, 2015
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You get out what you put in at the Center; and the staff there have encouraged me to optimize my output. If you are interested in the long-term gains of serious ensemble music advancement, choral improvement, or performing at high level in a myriad of other challenging disciplines, these professional teachers can help you get there.
