About Kaufman Center
Kaufman Center: New York’s creative home for listeners, learners and performers.
Kaufman Center is one of New York City's most vibrant cultural organizations, combining the finest in music education for all ages with world class performance in the acoustically superior Merkin Concert Hall. Founded in 1952 as a community school for pre-conservatory music training, today's Kaufman Center provides entertainment, education and inspiration for more than 75,000 New Yorkers every year.
Kaufman Center is made up of three unique divisions, housed together in a landmark building recently renovated by Robert A.M. Stern: Merkin Concert Hall, Lucy Moses School and the Special Music School (P.S. 859).
Merkin Concert Hall
Merkin Concert Hall is renowned for its innovative and diverse programming—from world premieres and experimental works by up-and-coming composers to jazz and classical concerts to Broadway classics and family musical revues. During the 2010-11 season we’ll celebrate the 10th anniversary of Broadway Close Up and welcome back other favorites like Tuesday Matinees, Family Matinees, New York Festival of Song and New Sounds Live hosted by WNYC’s John Schaefer. This winter, the new Ecstatic Music Festival will bring together more than 150 composers, songwriters and performers who are re-defining contemporary music.
Lucy Moses School
New York’s largest community arts school serves all ages, backgrounds and skill levels. Whether you’re an accomplished musician, an absolute beginner or returning to an old passion, you’ll find classes and lessons in music, dance and theater at Lucy Moses School to fit your schedule and level of experience.
Special Music School (P.S. 859)
Kaufman Center's Special Music School is the only K-8 public school in New York for musically-gifted children—and a leading music education innovator. A unique public/private partnership between Kaufman Center and the New York City Department of Education, the school combines intensive instrumental instruction with a rigorous academic program.
Kaufman Center welcomes a diverse community of New Yorkers—and brings music training directly to the city's neighborhoods and schools. Through its Suzuki program, Kaufman Center provides violin scholarships for students at Harlem's P.S. 161. At Frank Sinatra High School, Kaufman Center provides funding for private lessons with LMS faculty. Our faculty are frequently in the city's schools for residencies in music, theater and Dalcroze.
Kaufman Center is one of the great 