About the school

World-class teachers. Open to every kid.

The New School of Music, Austin is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community music school. We connect world-class professional musicians with students of all ages, and we scholarship up to 50% of our total enrollment for underserved children, pre-K through 12th grade.

When you enroll in a New School of Music class, you are also helping to provide music scholarships to underserved children in the community. We have provided over 7,000 lessons to more than 300 scholarship recipients, with scholarship value exceeding $245,000.

We teach in two ways: co-located in greater Austin public, charter, and private schools, and at St. Martin’s Lutheran Church (606 W 15th St, Austin, TX 78701). Richard Spencer, MBA, MME, is Executive Director; Paula Spencer is Co-Founder.

Our mission

To serve the community by sharing the gift of music, through connecting world-class professional musicians with students of all ages, in a lifelong study and enjoyment of music – while teaching valuable life lessons, and helping provide exceptional music instruction to underserved youth.

New School of Music students and faculty performing

Since 1982

A long Austin story

The New School of Music, Austin was established in 1982 by Richard and Paula Spencer after they relocated from the Boston and New York City areas. Richard had been performing and touring with Chico Hamilton, an NEA Jazz Master, before the family decided to settle in Austin and create the first community music school in Austin.

The school grew quickly, expanding to 20+ teachers and 200+ students. Notable jazz artists conducted seminars at the school, including Larry Coryell, Gene Ramey, Dave Liebman, Bill Evans (sax), John Scofield, Lee Konitz, and Bobby Shew. The organization partnered with community institutions including UT, ACC, and the Music Umbrella to enhance Austin’s music education landscape.

Richard Spencer pursued an MBA from UT and other business interests, leading the Spencers to sell the school. It continued under new ownership but faced challenges during the late-1980s recession and eventually closed. In 2013, the previous owners graciously permitted the Spencers to reacquire the school name rights, and the organization relaunched as a nonprofit to serve the community.

The New School of Music, Austin is unaffiliated with The New School in New York City (formerly The New School for Social Research), which operates the Mannes School of Music and The New School of Jazz conservatories.

Leadership