La FAQ

The American School of Modern Music is designed for musicians of all styles who wish to acquire the skills and versatility necessary to become professional musicians in contemporary music and jazz. All music styles are covered at the school: jazz, gospel, groove, rhythm’n’blues, soul, funk, rock, French chanson, hip hop, electronic music, world music, classical music, etc.

There are different programs and courses within the school, catering to various profiles and audiences. We invite you to consult the “Programs” section of our website for more information. The professional program is designed to provide students with the educational content and work methods necessary to reach a professional level. In addition to the hours spent at school, students will have weekly assignments in all subjects, need to practice their main instrument, compose, arrange, and develop their musical ear, among other tasks. The American School of Modern Music is recognized as a place of life and opportunities, conducive to creating a professional network. In addition to events organized by the school, such as weekly jam sessions, concerts, and masterclasses, students will also have the opportunity to attend concerts by their teachers and peers, and to set up their own projects with other musicians from the school.

The 2024/2025 open house days will be announced at the end of the year. We invite you to follow our events on Instagram, Facebook, or simply in the “News/Events” section of the website.

The professional program is designed as a comprehensive training. The school has always aimed to send some of its students to the United States and to the largest international universities to represent the school for over 40 years. We prepare students who wish to audition for these major schools. Third-year students have the required level to be accepted; the challenge is to prepare them to obtain scholarships.

There are several international schools that can provide our students with additional training, an experience abroad, and an international network. The American School is not affiliated with any particular school; we guide our students towards the schools that best match their projects and needs, including:

•Manhattan School

•New School of New York

•Juilliard

•Berklee College of Music

•Princeton University

•HEMU of Lausanne

•CNSM of Paris

These are some of the institutions where our students have recently obtained scholarships.

The school has always had a significant number of foreign students. After completing the audition process, the school issues foreign students a certificate of enrollment, which allows them to apply for a visa at the French embassy in their home country. Processing times may vary from one country to another, so we advise foreign students to audition before June through online auditions. European students do not need a visa to study at the school.

The American School offers out-of-cycle or “à la carte” courses, allowing individuals to benefit from our programs through evening or weekend classes. Instrument lessons, theory, group practice, workshops—these courses are open to all and at all levels.

Most of our programs are reserved for adults, except for exemptions granted after an individual interview regarding the student’s personal project. The school also offers courses tailored for children and teenagers, which take place on Saturdays during the day.

The school is recognized by the state as a “datadocked” training organization, meaning we meet the quality criteria of the best French training organizations. Our training programs can be funded by Pôle Emploi, AFDAS or your Compte Formation.