New York Music School Tours
Take centre stage in the city that never sleeps.
Alongside visiting some of New York's most iconic attractions, students can take a bite out of the Big Apple's music scene with opportunities to perform at unique venues, including the Intrepid Museum and St Paul's Chapel at Ground Zero. From world-famous landmarks to unforgettable cultural experiences, the city provides an inspiring backdrop for school music groups. Whether performing, sightseeing or exploring the diverse neighbourhoods that make New York unique, students can enjoy a tour packed with memorable moments.
Prices start from £1365pp
What can music students gain from visiting New York?
A visit to New York gives students the chance to step outside their everyday routine and experience one of the world's most exciting cities. From taking part in performances to exploring famous sights with their peers, every day brings new experiences. The tour can help students build confidence, develop independence and create memories that stay with them long after they return home.
What attractions can students visit during a music tour to New York?
Alongside music-focused activities, students can explore world-famous landmarks including Times Square, Central Park, the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building. Whether taking in the bright lights of Manhattan or enjoying the city's green spaces, there is plenty to discover. These visits add another dimension to the tour and help students experience New York's unique character.
Why is New York a great destination for music students?
As one of the world's most influential cultural centres, New York offers an exciting backdrop for a school music tour. Students can experience the city's vibrant atmosphere, discover its rich artistic heritage and soak up the energy that has inspired generations of performers. Combined with unforgettable sightseeing opportunities, it's a destination that leaves a lasting impression.
Price includes
- 4 nights’ room only accommodation
- Return flights & airport transfers in resort
- Organisation, venue hire & publicity for 3 concerts
- Services of a Concert Assistant in resort
- Extensive group travel insurance
- 1 in 10 free place ratio
Price shown is based on 40 paying passengers departing from a London airport and is subject to availability.
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Top performance venues
The Cathedral of St John the Divine
Groups can combine a 30-minute recital with a musically themed tour of the cathedral.
St Paul’s Chapel
Due to its close proximity to the Twin Towers site, and for the part it played in the rescue effort helping survivors of 9/11, this chapel is now recognised throughout the world as St Paul’s Chapel at Ground Zero. Choirs have the opportunity to give a one-hour lunchtime concert in this very special venue.
Retirement Homes
These community venues are always happy to open their doors to guest groups to perform as part of their social programme. Residents provide a guaranteed warm welcome.
Central Park
Bands and orchestras can play in the bandshell of this world-famous park.
Bryant Park
Regular concerts are held during spring and summer at this popular park, located on 42nd Street in the heart of the theatre district.
Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum
Perform at the impressive Intrepid! This is an American military and maritime history museum with a collection of museum ships in New York City. It is located at Pier 86 at 46th Street in the Hell's Kitchen neighborhood on the West Side of Manhattan.
Top visits
Broadway Instrumental Clinic
Arrive with prepared material of your choice to perform for a Broadway musician during a two-hour session. The Broadway musician will then guest conduct, give constructive feedback, and help your group perform to the best of their abilities. Your group will be able to ask questions about playing in a Broadway pit, training, and how one makes the journey from playing an instrument for fun to becoming a professional musician.
Stage School Performing Arts Workshop – Making Music
Learn techniques of vocal dynamics and acting through song while working with a musical director on a piece of Broadway music. Explore the art of marrying music and drama to effectively achieve great emotional impact. Then your students have the opportunity to perform the piece they have learned with a Broadway guest performer, followed by a Q&A session.
Stage School Workshops are delivered by qualified teaching artists (so you can get involved too) and can be tailored to your chosen show, as well as your curriculum requirements.
Wicked
The untold musical story of The Wizard of Oz’s Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good...before Dorothy dropped in. Wicked takes a fantasy journey through the unseen side of Oz, sharing a tale of unexpected friendship and love.
Broadway Shows
See a spectacular Broadway performance - entertainment at its greatest! Choose from shows such as Wicked, Chicago and The Lion King.
Stage School Theatre Workshop – Ensemble Experience
Your group will be provided with sheet music and work with a cast member (from a show you see) and a pianist to recreate a true Broadway rehearsal. Students will learn choreography, staging and music directly from the Broadway production they are seeing.
Stage School Workshops are delivered by qualified teaching artists (so you can get involved too) and can be tailored to your chosen show, as well as your curriculum requirements.
Wicked Experience – Behind the Emerald Curtain
Take a magical journey behind-the-scenes at smash hit musical, Wicked. Visit the exclusive ‘Behind the Emerald Curtain’ museum, including an intimate look at the Tony Award® winning sets and costumes, as well as some of the actual props and wigs from the show. The ultimate insider experience! Available Saturday mornings only.
Empire State Building
Venture over a quarter of a mile skyward and observe as your group takes in the scale of the immense urban landscape which opens up before them. This is a great way for your students to gain artistic inspiration away from the hustle and bustle of the streets below. A particularly popular evening visit.
Landmark Cruise
Take in a spectacular view of Manhattan from the water, and pick out the many famous landmarks which dominate its skyline.
Top of the Rock™
Experience the best and most complete daytime view of New York City! Bring your sketchbook with you and you’ll be spoilt for choice over what to sketch. The unparalleled views of New York’s landmarks include Central Park, the Chrysler Building, Times Square, the Brooklyn Bridge and the Statue of Liberty – simply the most spectacular view in the city!
Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts
The new Lincoln Center Tour provides a behind-the-scenes perspective of the past and present of Lincoln Center. During 75-minute, weekday guided tours, guests will learn about Lincoln Center’s history; explore the iconic arts organisations that call Lincoln Center home, and experience the vibrant campus the way only artists and staff do. Every day is unique at Lincoln Center and so are the tours!
Radio City
The largest indoor theatre in the world, this prime spot in Midtown was turned into Radio City Music Hall during the years of the Depression. Radio City is now a leading hall for popular concerts, stage shows, special attractions and media events, including the Grammys, Tonys, and MTV Video Music Awards! More than 700 movies opened here, including the original King Kong.
Here, your group will learn about its history, listen to the ‘mighty Wurlitzer’ and enjoy ‘a masterpiece of American Modernist design’.
Jazz Legends House Tour
Embark on a journey through the history of jazz music on this exclusive and exciting tour. Travel to Queens and explore the legendary Addisleigh Park neighbourhood, home to many notable African Americans and jazz greats throughout history. View the homes of iconic figures such as Ella Fitzgerald, Lena Horne, Count Basie, and James Brown. Learn about the cultural legacy of jazz music in New York by viewing the St. Albans Congregational Church and the Addisleigh Park jazz mural.
Behind the Magic Tour at Disney’s New Amsterdam Theatre
Located in the heart of Broadway, The New Amsterdam Behind-the-Magic Tour is an amazing experience for students. Your group will discover the beautifully restored art and architecture of this landmark Broadway theatre built in 1903, once home to the legendary Ziegfeld Follies. Led by a Disney Tour Guide, groups can explore the history of Disney Theatrical Production’s on Broadway, view original props, costumes and set pieces and discover how classic Disney stories are brought to life on stage.
RiseNY - Part Museum. Part Ride.
RiseNY pairs museum-style galleries with an amusement park-quality ride.
Begin your adventure with an immersive film by an award-winning documentarian that transitions to an interactive self-guided walkthrough tracing tipping points in history that helped shape Music, Fashion, TV, Theater and more in each dedicated gallery:
- Discover the rise of Wall Street and The New York Stock Exchange in the Finance Gallery.
- Learn the history of mass media with Telsa’s Coil in the TV/Radio Gallery.
- Understand the law of physics through the Otis elevator brake in the Skyline Gallery.
- Visual, language and performing arts come to life in the Fashion, Music, Broadway and Film Galleries.
Then, board an extraordinary elevator experience that transports you to a spectacular virtual soaring ride! Feel the rush of wind in your hair as you “fly” over the world’s most stunning skyline.
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt
Explore three levels of mind-bending multi-sensory immersive experiences. With magnificent views over the Manhattan skyline, Summit takes the concept of an “observation deck” to entirely new heights.
Need something bespoke?
Our dedicated team are on hand and ready to plan your tailor-made tour.
Try our itinerary planning tool
Whether you already know what you’re looking for or need a spark of inspiration, our smart itinerary planning tool makes planning a school trip effortless. Just share your details, choose the visits that matter most, and our experts will shape the perfect trip for you.
Let’s make your trip planning experience even swifter.
On-tour support
Get even more from your trip with an NST Music Tour Manager! Call us for details.
On-tour support includes...
- Airport assistance during check-in, security and gate checks on your outbound flight from the UK
- Airport assistance when you arrive back at your UK airport when you book a coach transfer to take you home
- Services of a Tour Assistant
- Services of a Concert Assistant
Additional on-tour support available...
- Pre-booked meals at great group prices
Accommodation
Popular options in New York
Cambria Hotel
Experience the best of Chelsea at the Cambria Hotel. An excellent hotel with a gracious hub of hospitality in Manhattan, located in the heart of Chelsea. Groups are assured a comfortable stay.
Courtyard Midtown East
An excellent hotel with a good range of facilities, located in the heart of mid town Manhattan. Groups are assured a comfortable stay.
The Manhattan at Times Square Hotel
The Manhattan at Times Square is a comfortable hotel offering a good standard of accommodation in an excellent central location. The staff and management team are on hand to ensure that all guests enjoy a warm welcome and a pleasant stay.
West Side YMCA
This large youth hostel offers good value for money and excellent facilities in a nice location. Management staff have comprehensive knowledge of group requirements.
Cambria Hotel
Experience the best of Chelsea at the Cambria Hotel. An excellent hotel with a gracious hub of hospitality in Manhattan, located in the heart of Chelsea. Groups are assured a comfortable stay.
Courtyard Midtown East
An excellent hotel with a good range of facilities, located in the heart of mid town Manhattan. Groups are assured a comfortable stay.
The Manhattan at Times Square Hotel
The Manhattan at Times Square is a comfortable hotel offering a good standard of accommodation in an excellent central location. The staff and management team are on hand to ensure that all guests enjoy a warm welcome and a pleasant stay.
West Side YMCA
This large youth hostel offers good value for money and excellent facilities in a nice location. Management staff have comprehensive knowledge of group requirements.
Expert's comment
‘The ‘Big Apple’ has everything to offer music groups, from chorale groups to jazz bands. There is a varied range of venue types from the famous band shell in Central Park to various plazas, local schools and community centres. For groups with a more traditional programme there are a number of quality churches which welcome visiting performers and some actually encourage more diverse programmes.’
FAQs
Why is New York a leading destination for a school music tour?
New York offers music students an unforgettable combination of world-class performance venues, diverse musical influences and iconic cultural experiences. From Broadway to Central Park, students are immersed in one of the world's most influential creative cities. The city’s energy and rich eclectic musical heritage make it an inspiring destination for ensembles of all abilities.
What performance opportunities are available for school music groups in New York?
NST arranges and promotes three concerts, giving students the opportunity to perform for a range of audiences across the city. Venues can include parks, community spaces, schools and prominent public locations. These valuable performance experiences help build confidence, musicianship and ensemble cohesion.
How does the trip enhance students’ musical development?
Performing in New York exposes students to different musical styles, audiences and performance environments. The experience encourages students to develop their performance skills while broadening their understanding of music’s role within a global cultural centre. It also provides valuable motivation and inspiration that can be taken back into the classroom and rehearsal space.
What is included in the NST New York music tour package?
The package includes return flights, overseas airport transfers, four nights’ accommodation and the organisation, venue hire and promotion of three concerts. Extensive travel insurance and a generous 1 in 10 free place ratio are also included. NST handles the key arrangements, helping teachers plan with confidence.
What support do teachers receive during the tour?
NST provides exceptional support throughout the trip, including an NST Music Tour Manager, Tour Assistant and Concert Assistant. Additional airport assistance and on-tour guidance help ensure everything runs smoothly from departure to return. This expert support allows teachers to focus on their students and performances.
Can the New York music tour be tailored to our group?
Yes, every New York music tour can be tailored to suit your ensemble, learning objectives and performance ambitions. NST can incorporate additional musical experiences, sightseeing opportunities and cultural visits to create a programme that meets the specific needs of your group.
Giving you full support throughout
Before your tour
- Dedicated NST expert from day one
- Responsive, flexible communication - Teams, phone, or email
- Same-day quotes
- Trips tailored to your budget, with transparent pricing
- Straightforward planning - we handle the details
- Step-by-step risk assessment guidance
- Free accommodation for group leader preview visits
- Curriculum-driven, enriching experiences across 100s of locations
- Unrivalled local knowledge & expertise
Whilst you're away
- Our travel app keeps all your info in one place
- On-tour support from our reps on the ground
- Support & assistance from our specialists
- 24/7 helpline and support
- Extensive group travel insurance
- Group-friendly accommodation
- Free educational resources
On your return
- Priority rebooking services
- Loyalty reward scheme for valued customers
- You say, we act - we're committed to continuously improving our tours
Speak to one of our school travel experts
Our team of school travel experts have unrivalled destination knowledge and experience so they can help to bring your tour ideas to life and might even suggest options you hadn’t already thought of too!
So get in touch today and we'll help to create a bespoke, budget-friendly tour itinerary to meet your specific learning requirements.
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