Business Details
Your Performing Arts Education Hub in Northern New Jersey
Wharton Arts is a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to providing accessible, high-quality performing arts education to students of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. Founded on the belief that music and the arts foster personal growth and community inclusivity, we operate four core programs: the New Jersey Youth Symphony, Paterson Music Project, Performing Arts School, and New Jersey Youth Chorus. Our mission emphasizes equity, offering free, subsidized, and fee-for-service programs to ensure financial barriers do not limit access. With a faculty of over 50 experienced educators and partnerships across Northern New Jersey, we serve nearly 2,000 students annually, empowering them through creative expression and performance opportunities.Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our students' achievements, including national competition wins and performances at prestigious venues like Carnegie Hall. We prioritize inclusivity, welcoming neurodivergent students and fostering a supportive environment where every individual's unique learning style is celebrated. Through community collaborations and donor support, we continue to expand our reach, ensuring transformative arts education remains accessible to all.
Services
New Jersey Youth Symphony
Paterson Music Project
Performing Arts School
New Jersey Youth Chorus
Highlights and features
- Serving nearly 2,000 students annually across Northern New Jersey
- Offers free and subsidized programs for financial accessibility
- Faculty includes conservatory graduates from top institutions
- Inclusive environment welcoming neurodivergent students
- Partnerships with organizations like Bloomberg Philanthropies
Services
New Jersey Youth Symphony
Auditioned orchestral and jazz education for students grades 3-12. Offers string orchestras, full symphony orchestras, jazz ensembles, and percussion groups. Focuses on rigorous repertoire and ensemble skills in a supportive environment.
Paterson Music Project
Private lessons and ensemble education for Paterson students grades 1-12. Provides tuition-free programs with affordable registration fees, emphasizing equity in music education through school partnerships.
Performing Arts School
Offers private and group classes in instruments, voice, theater, and drama for ages 4+. Includes masterclasses, workshops, and performance opportunities for children, teens, and adults.
New Jersey Youth Chorus
Auditioned choral ensembles for students grades 3-12. Focuses on vocal training, choral repertoire, and performance experiences while fostering personal growth and musical appreciation.
Questions
What programs does Wharton Arts offer?
We offer four core programs: New Jersey Youth Symphony, Paterson Music Project, Performing Arts School, and New Jersey Youth Chorus, covering music, theater, and choral education.
Are financial assistance options available?
Yes, we provide need-based scholarships, tuition assistance, and sibling discounts. Over 25% of students receive free or subsidized programming.
How do I register for programs?
Create an account on our website, select your desired program, complete the registration form, and checkout. Auditions may be required for some ensembles.
What age groups are served?
Programs cater to students ages 4 and up, including adults. Private lessons and group classes are available for all skill levels.
Is Wharton Arts accessible for neurodivergent students?
Yes, we maintain an inclusive environment with specialized support for neurodivergent students, ensuring all learners can participate fully in our programs.
Videos
Reviews (3)
Mike D.
Apr 29, 2018
Report
Very good for instrument lessons and music in general. Would not recommend the drama area though. Daughter took many times and same students get top spots every show. Understand if this was Broadway but for 6- 9 years old in NJ, would have been nice to see her get to do more then a few lines over a few years. Not just the money spent but a whole semester of rehearsals to do a few lines.
Went back to instrument lessons
Went back to instrument lessons
Phil H.
Dec 15, 2011
Report
This place is way too great, the staff is knowledgeable and pedigred. there are so many programs, too many to count.
i have lived all across the u.s. and this center is truly a find. it is a non profit, so they really do rely on the donations, and the fees of the classes.
this is definetly worth a check out. if you have kids or want to learn to play something yourself, it has a really great down-home feel. something i find to be unique.
i have lived all across the u.s. and this center is truly a find. it is a non profit, so they really do rely on the donations, and the fees of the classes.
this is definetly worth a check out. if you have kids or want to learn to play something yourself, it has a really great down-home feel. something i find to be unique.
Salena M.
Feb 28, 2011
Report
A great center that teaches kids all sorts of instruments, vocals, comics and acting. They also have music movement classes for the little ones starting at 6 months old.---similar I guess to Music Together. You can take a trial class but you have to pay for that session.
Admin service is friendly and down to earth. There's a nice waiting area (a living room feel) where kids or adults can watch from a very large screen tv. Most of the time the TV is off and the parents are checking their phones or reading. There's also a library where you can sit and wait - a quiet area unlike
Admin service is friendly and down to earth. There's a nice waiting area (a living room feel) where kids or adults can watch from a very large screen tv. Most of the time the TV is off and the parents are checking their phones or reading. There's also a library where you can sit and wait - a quiet area unlike
