Where Passion Meets Excellence—From the Very First Note
Expert Instructors
Personalized Approach
All Ages Welcome
Our team consists of accomplished musicians from top institutions. They bring a wealth of knowledge and passion to each lesson, helping students achieve their musical goals.
We focus on individual learning styles, creating customized lesson plans that inspire confidence and skill development in every student.
Whether a beginner or advanced, our studio caters to all levels, making music accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
About Manhattan Elite Studios
Learn from the Musicians Inspiring the Next Generation
At Manhattan Elite Studios, we believe the best teachers are those who continue to shape the music world themselves. Our instructors aren't just educators—they are award-winning composers, touring performers, recording artists, producers, and internationally recognized musicians who bring real-world experience into every lesson.
Our faculty includes graduates and educators affiliated with Berklee College of Music, The Juilliard School, and Manhattan School of Music, combining the artistic excellence of world-renowned conservatories with years of professional performance and teaching experience.
What truly sets us apart is our philosophy: we don't simply teach music—we mentor musicians. Every lesson is designed to inspire confidence, creativity, discipline, and a lifelong passion for music, whether a student dreams of performing on the world's greatest stages or simply wants to enjoy making music.
We proudly blend the precision and technical excellence of the European conservatory tradition with the creativity, versatility, and innovation of American contemporary music education. Students are encouraged to explore multiple genres, including classical, jazz, musical theatre, pop, film scoring, songwriting, composition, music production, and contemporary performance, creating well-rounded musicians prepared for today's musical landscape.
Our students perform in recitals, competitions, auditions, college programs, and concert venues, building the confidence and artistry to share their music with audiences around the world.
OUR FOUNDERS
Olga S. Popova (Schumacher)
Award-winning composer, pianist, and vocalist based in New York, with a global career spanning film, theatre, animation, and immersive media.
Her original music has been featured in productions selected by Cannes, USA Film Festival, and Shanghai’s Golden Dragon Awards, and praised across international press including NBC4, Fox40, and The Industry Times. As a film composer, she has collaborated with Emmy-nominated creatives, Cannes-winning directors, and Billboard-charting artists. As a musical theatre writer, she is the creator of Wayne’s Gun, a time-travel musical praised for its bold genre fusion and featured in media worldwide.
Most recently, Olga completed her Off-Broadway debut with Wayne’s Gun, bringing her original musical to the New York theatre stage. The production marked a major milestone in her journey as a composer and storyteller, blending cinematic orchestration, theatrical innovation, and immersive world-building. “Creating music is about building worlds that audiences can step into — worlds that move, inspire, and stay with them long after the final note.”
Olga’s recent scoring projects include the award-winning animated series Ginji, the short film I Want to Go There (recorded with the Russian National Symphonic Orchestra), and a collaboration with Nicorette x Spotify. She also contributed music to a Disney documentary about Dr. Jane Goodall, mentored by Emmy-nominated composer Ruth Mendelson.
She is the founder of the Excelsior Symphonic Orchestra, a global platform for new music that has performed in legendary venues such as Carnegie Hall, Crocus City Hall, and Vienna’s Hofburg Palace, reaching live audiences of over 10,000.
Sky Schumacher
Award-winning vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, producer, and music educator based in New York City, with a career spanning live performance, recording, musical theatre, and contemporary music. A graduate of Berklee College of Music, Sky is recognized for his versatility across rock, funk, soul, pop, R&B, folk, and theatrical genres, bringing a unique combination of musicianship, storytelling, and high-energy performance to every project.
With more than 15 years of experience as a performer, writer, and educator, Sky has toured across North America as a vocalist, bassist, guitarist, and frontman for multiple original and cover projects. His performance credits include festival appearances, club residencies, corporate events, private engagements, and showcases across cities including Boston, Atlanta, New York, Chicago, and Minneapolis. He has performed with groups including Sky and the Spirits, Gatch, The Wizard and the Wize, Orpheus & the Animal, New Nova, and PlotLines, while also developing his own original music as a songwriter, producer, and arranger.
Sky recently made his New York theatre debut as a writer, producer, and performer with Wayne’s Gun, an original steampunk time-travel musical created by Olga S. Popova. Serving as co-producer, co-lyricist, and portraying the role of Saturn, Sky helped bring the ambitious theatrical production to life during its Off-Broadway festival run. The production was recognized for its cinematic sound, genre-blending score, and innovative world-building, receiving coverage from NBC4, Fox40, The Industry Times, and international media outlets.
As a recording artist and producer, Sky has created music across rock, electronic, pop, funk, and musical theatre, with experience in songwriting, vocal production, arranging, live looping, playback systems, and digital audio production. He is proficient in Ableton Live, Logic Pro, live performance technology, and modern studio workflows, allowing him to bridge the worlds of live performance and contemporary production.
Beyond performing, Sky is a passionate music educator who has taught students of all ages in voice, guitar, bass, piano, drums, songwriting, music theory, and production. As an instructor with School of Rock and through international teaching initiatives, he has designed creative, inclusive programs that empower students to develop confidence, musicianship, and artistic identity.
His artistic achievements include Berklee College of Music scholarships, Georgia All-State Chorus recognition, Best Male Vocalist honors, and performances at major festivals and venues throughout the United States. Whether on stage, in the studio, or in the classroom, Sky brings a rare combination of technical excellence, creative vision, and collaborative leadership to every musical environment.
CLASSES
CHILDREN
PIANO (ALL-LEVELS)
Whether you’re a complete beginner or an advanced pianist, our piano lessons are designed to help you grow, express yourself, and enjoy making music. Our experienced teachers specialize in a variety of styles, including classical, jazz, pop, rock, film music, and musical theatre, allowing students to learn the music they love while building strong technique and confidence.
DRUMS (ALL LEVELS)
Whether you’re learning your first rhythm or developing advanced performance skills, our drum lessons help students build confidence, coordination, and a strong musical foundation. Our experienced teachers specialize in a variety of styles, including rock, pop, jazz, funk, and contemporary music, helping students develop technique, timing, groove, and creativity. Each lesson is tailored to the student’s goals — from learning favorite songs to improving musicianship and preparing for live performance.
ACOUSTIC GUITAR (ALL LEVELS)
Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced player looking to grow, our acoustic guitar lessons are designed to inspire creativity and build lasting skills. Our teachers specialize in a wide range of styles, including folk, pop, rock, singer-songwriter, classical, and more. Students learn chords, technique, rhythm, fingerstyle, songwriting, and performance skills while exploring the music they love and developing their own unique sound.
VIOLIN (ALL LEVELS)
Whether you’re holding a violin for the first time or looking to refine your technique, our violin lessons are designed to help students develop confidence, musical expression, and a strong foundation. Our experienced teachers specialize in a variety of styles, including classical, folk, pop, and contemporary music. Students learn proper technique, music reading, ear training, and performance skills while building a lifelong appreciation for the instrument.
WOODWINDS & BRASS (ALL LEVELS)
From beginner musicians discovering their first notes to advanced players preparing for performances, our woodwind and brass lessons are tailored to each student’s goals and interests. Our teachers specialize in instruments including flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, and more, with experience across classical, jazz, pop, film music, and contemporary styles. Students develop technique, breath control, musicianship, and confidence while exploring the music they love.
EARLY CHILDHOOD MUSIC (AGES 0–3)
Our early childhood music classes introduce young children to the joy of music through singing, movement, rhythm, and creative play. Designed for babies, toddlers, and their caregivers, these classes encourage listening skills, coordination, imagination, and early musical development in a fun and nurturing environment. Through interactive activities with instruments, songs, and movement, children begin building a natural connection with music from their very first years.
COMPOSITION & IMPROVISATION
Explore the creative side of music through composition and improvisation lessons designed to help students develop their own musical voice. Whether creating original pieces, improvising melodies, or experimenting with harmony and rhythm, students learn the tools to turn their ideas into music. Our teachers guide students through songwriting, musical structure, creativity, and expression across a variety of styles, from classical and film music to jazz, pop, and contemporary genres.
VOICE (ALL LEVELS)
Whether you’re discovering your voice for the first time or preparing for professional performance, our voice lessons are designed to help students develop confidence, technique, and artistic expression. Our experienced teachers specialize in a variety of styles, including classical, pop, rock, jazz, musical theatre, and contemporary music. Students learn vocal technique, breath support, ear training, performance skills, and healthy singing habits while building their own unique voice.
MUSIC THEORY (ALL LEVELS)
A strong understanding of music theory helps students become more confident and creative musicians. Our lessons are designed for beginners, advanced students, and anyone looking to deepen their musical knowledge. Students explore reading music, harmony, rhythm, ear training, composition, analysis, and practical skills that support their playing, singing, and songwriting across a variety of musical styles
ADULTS
ADULT PIANO (ALL LEVELS)
Whether you’re returning to piano after years away or starting for the first time, our adult piano lessons are designed around your goals, interests, and pace. Our experienced teachers specialize in a variety of styles, including classical, jazz, pop, rock, film music, and musical theatre. Build technique, learn your favorite songs, develop music reading skills, and enjoy the creative experience of making music at any stage of life.
ADULT DRUMS (ALL LEVELS)
From learning your first grooves to developing advanced technique, our adult drum lessons are designed to help you build confidence, coordination, and musicality. Explore styles including rock, funk, jazz, pop, and contemporary music while improving rhythm, timing, fills, and creative expression. Whether you’re playing for fun or preparing to perform, our teachers help you grow at your own pace.
ADULT VOICE (ALL LEVELS)
Whether you’re singing for personal enjoyment, building confidence, or preparing for performance, our adult voice lessons help you develop your unique sound. Our teachers specialize in styles including pop, rock, jazz, classical, and musical theatre, focusing on vocal technique, breath support, interpretation, and healthy singing habits. Discover the joy of singing while building confidence and artistic expression.
ADULT COMPOSITION & SONGWRITING (ALL LEVELS)
Bring your musical ideas to life through personalized composition and songwriting lessons. Whether you want to write songs, create instrumental pieces, explore film music, or develop your own artistic voice, our teachers guide you through melody, harmony, structure, lyrics, arranging, and creative process. Designed for beginners and experienced musicians alike, these lessons help you turn inspiration into finished music.
ADULT GUITAR (ACOUSTIC & ELECTRIC)
Whether you’re picking up a guitar for the first time or looking to expand your skills, our adult guitar lessons are tailored to your musical goals. Learn acoustic and electric guitar techniques across styles including rock, blues, pop, folk, jazz, and more. Students develop chords, rhythm, lead playing, improvisation, songwriting, and performance skills while learning the music they love.
MUSIC PRODUCTION & HOME RECORDING (ALL LEVELS)
Learn how to create, record, and produce your own music from the comfort of your home studio. Students explore digital audio workstations, recording techniques, mixing, sound design, and production skills used in today’s music industry. Whether you’re a songwriter, instrumentalist, vocalist, or complete beginner, these lessons help you bring your musical ideas to life.