We are a community of professional musicians who believe students learn best when teachers are supported, invested, and connected to the community they serve.
Mission Statement
At New Orleans Cooperative Music School, we help students build a lasting relationship with music through engaging, thoughtful instruction. We meet students where they are, from young beginners to more experienced players, while staying connected to the broader music community in New Orleans.
We are owned and operated by working musicians. We offer private lessons, group classes, performances, and opportunities to play with others, supporting students at every stage—from those just getting started to those pursuing music more seriously.
Why we Started
The New Orleans Cooperative Music School began with a simple idea: music education should feel connected, inspiring, and built around the people who make it possible.
Before starting the school, many of our teachers worked at private studios across the city. We gained valuable experience, but we also saw opportunities to do things differently—creating more engaging programming, building stronger relationships with students, and fostering a deeper connection to the incredible music community that makes New Orleans so special.
A small group of us started meeting weekly, asking a simple question: What would a music school look like if it were truly built around students and teachers? Those conversations became a plan, and that plan became this school.
From the beginning, we’ve focused on creating an environment where lessons are just the starting point. Our programming is designed to be engaging and collaborative, giving students opportunities to play, create, and grow in ways that go beyond one-on-one instruction. We also prioritize connecting students to the broader musical world around them—through partnerships, performances, and real community engagement.
Today, that original vision continues to guide everything we do. By building a school shaped by working musicians, we’re able to stay responsive, creative, and invested in every student’s experience.
What a cooperative is
A cooperative is a type of business owned and operated by the people who work in it. Instead of being run solely by outside owners or administrators, the people doing the day-to-day work have a direct role in shaping how the organization operates.
At our school, this means the teachers help make decisions about programs, curriculum, and the overall direction of the school.
For families, this creates a more stable and supportive learning environment. Teachers who are invested in the school are more likely to stay long-term, which allows students to build lasting relationships and make consistent progress over time.
Because teachers are involved in how the school runs, lessons and programs can be more thoughtful and adaptable. Rather than following a rigid system, the school can evolve based on what actually works best for students.
This structure also leads to a higher level of care and accountability. When the people teaching your child have a real stake in the school, that investment shows up in the quality of instruction and the overall experience.
In short, a cooperative aligns the success of the school with the people teaching your child—and that leads to a more consistent, personal, and high-quality music education.
