Music School Concerts

Not up for forking over $80+ per ticket for decent seats to see the NY Philharmonic, or $30 each plus drink minimums for a measly hour-long set at the Blue Note? Frankly, 99% of the time neither am I! Fortunately, there's plenty of the finest music to go around for those on a budget.

NYC attracts many of the most talented music students in the world. Top notch classical, jazz, and experimental music can be heard for FREE or very little coin at the conservatories. The Juilliard School, for example, gives orchestral, small ensemble, and solo performances regularly at popular Lincoln Center venues like Alice Tully Hall, the Juilliard Theater, even Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola. The Manhattan School of Music, further up the west side in Morningside Heights, also has fine classical groups and fantastic jazz ensembles. If you're thinking downtown, there are great jazz programs to catch from NYU and The New School down in Greenwich Village. There are free (or very cheap) concerts of every conceivable variety that are open to the public and happening every day at these area universities and conservatories. Check 'em out.