Blue Balloon offers incredibly unique private and small group instrument lessons through songwriting. The highly talented and passionate teachers in our network have a fun, creative, and engaging approach to music lessons, and can tailor lessons to each student’s individual goals. Founded by former Saint Ann's teacher and “modern matriarch of music education” Rachel Lipson, Blue Balloon is widely regarded as one of the most sought after music schools in the country!
Not sure which instrument is best to get started on? We can help you choose!
Interested in an instrument not listed? No problem! Lessons are offered on most instruments - just drop us a line.
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PIANO
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GUITAR
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DRUMS
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UKULELE
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BASS GUITAR
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STRINGS
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VOICE
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OTHER
We get to know your family, the student’s interests and musical goals.
Next, we pair each student with one of the awesome teachers in our network that best fits your family’s needs.
Then, your teacher will develop their own tailored-made lesson plan just for you.
Now, it’s time to start! A teacher in our network will travel to your home (or meet you online for remote lessons).
ANYONE CAN BE A SONGWRITER!
Click on the age group you are interested in or scroll down to learn more about what we offer!
We also offer private playgroup singalongs, parties, summer camp and art classes!
OUR SONGWRITING FOR SMALL PEOPLE DIVISION AIMS TO FOSTER A LOVE OF SONGWRITING THROUGH INSTRUMENT INSTRUCTION IN STUDENTS AGES 3-9.
Students at Blue Balloon Songwriting for Small People learn to write, sing, play, & record their own compositions. Our students create fantastically smart, beautiful songs, while learning how to play an instrument.
Songwriting and creativity are typically the focus of the lessons regardless of the student’s level on a specific instrument. The student’s songs often become more complex and dynamic as they incorporate their continued knowledge of instrument performance and music theory into their creations.
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Kids have a lot more fun when they create their own music and are taught in a way that works for them individually. This is child-led and play-based learning, which encourages creative growth, self-expression, self-confidence, and means kids have a much more enjoyable experience during each lesson.
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Kids appreciate good music just as much as adults do. Think indie rock, acoustic, DIY, fun and creative tunes versus typical traditional nursery rhymes.
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Our students perform their own original songs at an annual “Spring Songwriting Showcase” held at City Winery NYC in Manhattan, The Bluebird Café in Nashville and online. Rather than having the usual “recital”, these kids have the unique experience of performing in public, plugged-in like pros! Our showcases are usually listed in the New York Times (no big deal) and are the highlight of our students' years.
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Depending on the teacher, parents can often expect to periodically receive emailed recordings and video clips of their budding songwriters, which become lifelong mementos (and give parents a sense of their child’s progress).
Many of our students choose to record in a real recording studio like a pro! Please let us know if this is a direction you’re interested in and we can help make all necessary arrangements.
OUR PITCH & PROPELLER DIVISION FOCUSES ON CREATIVE MUSICAL DEVELOPMENT FOR KIDS AGES 10+.
Our pitch and propeller division tailors lessons to the unique needs and goals of our pre-teen and teenage students. Write, sing, play, and record your own music, or learn to play songs you know and love! Teachers in our network are thoughtful and sensitive to the creative process of this age group and help kids (get off their phones!) and tap into their emotions and interests to find new ways to express themselves.
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Teens have something to say! Self expression through songwriting offers a creative outlet for difficult emotions. The result? A much more confident and mature young adult! Imagine your teen spending less time with a phone in their hands, but a musical instrument instead.
Students learn how to write their own songs, play an instrument, record music, prepare for auditions and play songs they love with a tailored curriculum centered around your teen’s favorite music.
We believe learning to play an instrument should always be FUN!
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Our students have many opportunities to perform their own original songs at various major music venues in NYC, Nashville and online. Rather than having the usual “recital”, these kids have the unique experience of performing in public, plugged-in like pros! Our showcases have frequently been listed by the New York Times (no big deal) and are the highlight of our students' years.
LESSONS FOR ADULTS LOOKING FOR A DIFFERENT APPROACH TO MUSIC INSTRUCTION
Some of our students learn an instrument through writing, playing, and recording their own compositions. For students who prefer to focus on learning an instrument without writing their own songs, teachers will tailor a curriculum around your favorite music. Learning how to play an instrument should always be fun!
Teachers in our network provide tailored, engaging lessons on your schedule. These awesome teachers can work with total beginners as well as those who are interested in taking their playing to the next level.
Got some more questions?
VIRTUAL AND IN-HOME LESSONS FOR SENIORS
Blue Balloon has a time-tested, creative, and unique approach to music education. Blue Balloon seniors have the opportunity to pick up an old instrument or try something new, become a songwriter or hone your skills, and create a unique bond with a talented musician and instructor, all while expressing yourself through the joy of music!
WE ARE HERE FOR YOU!
Teachers in our network offer in-person or EASY one click video chat sessions (for the tech savvy and not so tech savvy), along with immediate support from our community team for any technical questions or assistance. Students of all ages can work with an instructor and explore their musical side - virtually or in-person.
Got some more questions?
VIRTUAL LESSONS FOR KIDS AND ADULTS 3+
Just like private in-home lessons, students of all ages work with an instructor in our network to learn an instrument through writing their own songs. Blue Balloon virtual lessons aren’t your typical remote class - the teachers have found a unique way to make the virtual format fun, engaging, and effective, all over zoom!
Got some more questions?
Blue Balloon’s coveted summer camp program!
Students 5 and up collaboratively explore architecture, nature and the outdoors through fine arts, songwriting and music. Students without any prior musical experience are welcome! No instruments necessary.
Private pods and playgroups welcome!
Looking to start a new instrument or continue the momentum from the school year?
Unique, creative and engaging private and small group music lessons for kids and adults in-person and online. Students learn to play an instrument through writing their own songs - all summer long 💙
Got some more questions?
NOW OFFERING ART CLASSES!
Private in-home & virtual art classes.
check out more below!
OVERHEARD…
HAPPY PARENTS TALKING ABOUT BLUE BALLOON!
“I love watching my daughter flex her creative muscles by not only continuing her music education, but getting the foundation to create her own music.”
“We love Blue Balloon. Formative musical education that is joyful and centers original composition as well as music theory. Very meaningful to our family for years!”
“We love the entire Blue Balloon team! The admin team is super responsive and my daughter loves learning with our teacher! She is so much fun and also very in-tune with my kiddo!”
“The entire team is excellent from operations to instructors. As an educator who hires hundreds of teachers a year, I am VERY impressed!”
Check out original songs from our students!
Elias, "Silly Song”
