After-School Programs
During the school year, the Center offers an after-school arts program that focuses on teaching the fundamentals of instrumental music, dance and computer literacy, all of which is offered to students ranging in ages from 8 to 18.

Student attendance is from 3:30pm to 6:40pm on Mondays through Thursdays and from 8:30am to 12:30pm on Saturdays.

There is no charge to students for these lessons. Students selected for enrollment are provided with instruments for a nominal instrument rental fee, and will have the opportunity to take lessons in:

* Piano
* Violin/Viola/Cello
* Acoustic Bass/Guitar
* Percussion/Drums (Saturday Only)
* Woodwind and Brass
>> Trumpet
>> Clarinet
>> Trombone
>> Saxophone

* Music Theory
* Voice
* Dance
* Computer literacy
* Homework Assistance

During the summer, we will operate an expanded all-day program and will launch our production internship where older kids can learn technical skills in audio and lighting engineering as well as all other facets of production.

In addition, the Center is equipped with four practice rooms that allow young music students or other Village residents to sign up for times to practice in private, soundproof booths.

For more information on enrolling in classes, please call us at 504-940-3400 or e-mail us at emcm@ellismarsaliscenter.org.

Academic Enrichment
At the Center, we believe that intellectual and academic enrichment are key components of our mission. Music education can help students succeed in other academic subjects. Moreover, we believe that the unique range of musicians who live in Musicians' Village provides our young people with a great opportunity to talk to, study and write about the people who have made New Orleans such a cultural capital. Our music library and resource center will provide the computers and internet access that are so integral to contemporary learning.

Homework Assistance
After-school tutoring and homework assistance will be provided on weekday afternoons in order to ensure that our students are able to excel in school.

Community of Scholars / Oral History Collection
Key to Ellis Marsalis' vision of the Center is the development of writing and critical thinking skills among the young people who participate in our programming. The Community of Scholars will be a self-selected group of youngsters who will design and execute independent study projects. A key component of the research will be taped interviews with the musicians, artists, Mardi Gras Indians and Arts Administrators who are residents of the Village.

Cultural Enrichment

We will offer dance classes for children and teenagers in a variety of genres including Modern, Jazz, Creative Movement, Ballet and African dance. Ultimately, student dance performances will be accompanied by live music from the music students.