Today we’d like to introduce you to Nick Jarrett.
Hi Nick, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Metropolitan Conservatory is a music school that offers one on one private music lessons as well as music classes in group settings. We were founded in 2014 by our friend and colleague, Natasha Kwapich. Natasha created this wonderful space for music and artistic expression but, in 2020, she decided to take a step back from her ownership roll and hand the reins to me and my colleague, Victor Penniman. Victor and I were both teaching private lessons and directing music ensembles at Metropolitan Conservatory at the time. We were excited to partner up and build on the foundational credibility of Metropolitan Conservatory. We believe in the creative potential of all people and have set about to create music education offerings that are high quality and accessible. Whether you are a beginning musician, an adult student hobbyist, or student preparing audition materials with aspirations of studying music at a university, there are opportunities for you at Metropolitan Conservatory.
Metropolitan Conservatory specializes in one-on-one private lessons and offers a variety of music education programs not available elsewhere in the metro area. Some of these unique educational opportunities include a viola da gamba consort, a chamber orchestra that performs annually at the KC Renaissance Festival, an annual multimedia presentation of music with silent movies, a Medieval music weekend workshop, and teacher facilitated student lead group classes. We believe this multi-faceted approach builds well rounded musicians who are bold, expressive, creative, and capable of leading in orchestras, choirs, and chamber ensembles. We also support other community organizations for rehearsal and performance space. In 2024, we created a long term partnership with Kansas City Youth Percussion Ensemble (KCYPE) and another percussion teacher, so they could have a long term space for their students.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Once Victor and I took ownership of Metropolitan Conservatory, it wasn’t long before the COVID pandemic hit. We had to quickly adjust our business model, especially with the pandemic in full swing. With Natasha’s initial support in ensuring current students were set up online, we were able to step in and continue to serve our client with virtually no interruption. We were able to offer online instruction for private lessons while moving our group classes outside in a masked, socially distanced setting. Of course this wasn’t ideal for conducting classes, but we were determined to find a way to safely and responsibly continue our music education mission in the community. Looking back, we think we still had some great sessions and performances, regardless of these challenges.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Metropolitan Conservatory is a music school that offers one on one private music lessons as well as music classes in group settings. Metropolitan Conservatory specializes in one-on-one private lessons and offers a variety of music education programs not available elsewhere in the metro area. *note this was copied from previous section in Our Story
I am a co-founder of a KC based non-profit, Music Across Borders; a member of the Kansas City Music Teachers Association, the Missouri Music Teachers Association, and the Music Teachers National Association. I am also a board member of the newEar Contemporary Chamber Ensemble, annually adjudicate for Mid-America Music Association’s Festival, and a contributor to the Gemini Project. I also frequently perform as a freelance musician.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
The Kansas City metro area has such a vibrant music scene! We, of course, have world class performers at the Kauffman Center and a historic jazz legacy centered at 18th and Vine that make Kansas City a destination for audiences. However, there is a lot going on outside of these more well-known places and many opportunities as an audience member and a performer. From community orchestras and choirs to ensembles that celebrate musical folk traditions as well as music by living composers, to pop-up/DIY concerts in the punk rock and hip-hop communities, there is something for everyone in this city.
It is still a challenge in this city to find accessible rehearsal, performance, and teaching space across the city. Typically music teachers have to drive away from their communities to teach or perform, and it creates a large access gap that is dependent on where you live.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.metropolitanconservatorykc.com/
- Instagram: mckc.11806
- Facebook: MetropolitanConservatoryKC
