Discover the Power of Music at Nevada School of the Arts
Congratulations to Our Honor Orchestra Students!
Nevada School of the Arts congratulates our outstanding students and their teachers for being selected to the 2025 Honor Orchestra!
Robin Reinarz – Liam, Connor, Blake, Catherine, Ian, Catherine
Mary Straub – Hanna, Lucas, Ethan, Stella, Rose, Ella
Scott Jackson – Anne Margret, Anahi
We are so proud of your hard work and musical achievement!
50 Years of High Quality Music Education
At Nevada School of the Arts, we believe extraordinary music education transforms lives. Our celebrated faculty are more than teachers: they are accomplished performers with degrees from the nation’s top music schools, including Juilliard, San Francisco Conservatory, Northwestern University, and Cincinnati Conservatory. With decades of professional performing and teaching experience, they bring the highest level of artistry and mentorship to every lesson.
Our students’ achievements speak for themselves. From winning Las Vegas’s most competitive music competitions to earning scholarships at world-class universities such as Harvard, New England Conservatory, Juilliard, and the Cincinnati Conservatory, NSA students consistently rise to the top. Many alumni go on to inspiring careers in the nation’s leading orchestras, including the St. Louis Symphony, New World Symphony, Pittsburgh Symphony, and the Las Vegas Philharmonic. Others shine on Broadway in productions like Hamilton, The Lion King, and West Side Story. Alumni have also performed with world-renowned artists such as Adele, Josh Groban, and Lady Gaga.
What sets NSA apart is the unique access we provide. Our students regularly participate in masterclasses with visiting artists performing with the Las Vegas Philharmonic as well as distinguished university professors from across the country. These opportunities allow young musicians not only to learn from today’s masters but also to meet potential future teachers and mentors, creating an unparalleled advantage that no other school in Las Vegas can offer.
At NSA, your child will not just take music lessons, they will join a legacy of excellence, inspiration, and limitless possibility.
We currently offer: Violin Lessons, Voice Lessons, Cello Lessons, Piano Lessons, Masterclasses, Singing Lessons, and More...
Violin Lessons, Voice Lessons, Cello Lessons, Piano Lessons, Masterclasses, Singing Lessons, and More...
Why Choose Nevada School of the Arts for Music Lessons?
Celebrated Faculty: Teachers with advanced degrees from top schools such as Juilliard, San Francisco Conservatory, Northwestern University, and Cincinnati Conservatory.
Proven Student Success: Alumni regularly win Las Vegas’s most competitive music competitions and earn scholarships to elite universities and conservatories.
Prestigious Career Paths: Former students now perform with leading orchestras (St. Louis Symphony, New World Symphony, Pittsburgh Symphony, Las Vegas Philharmonic), Broadway shows (Hamilton, The Lion King, West Side Story), and world-famous artists (Adele, Josh Groban, Lady Gaga).
Exclusive Opportunities: Access to masterclasses with visiting Las Vegas Philharmonic musicians and distinguished professors from top universities across the country.
Community of Excellence: A tradition of artistry, mentorship, and inspiration that no other music school in Las Vegas can provide.
- Scholarship Opportunities: Students may earn merit scholarships for outstanding achievement and can also qualify for financial aid, making high-quality music education accessible to all.
FEATURED PROGRAMS
FEATURED FACULTY
Mary Straub - Violin
For more than 30 years, Mary Straub has been a cornerstone of the Las Vegas string community, inspiring generations of young musicians. Her students have earned top prizes in competitions including the Las Vegas Philharmonic Concerto Competition, Silver State, MTNA State and Regional, and Legacy. Many have continued their studies at leading institutions such as Juilliard, New England Conservatory, Harvard, and the University of Texas, often on full scholarships. Known for her dedication and artistry, Mary has built a proven track record of guiding students to excellence in performance, education, and professional music careers.
Robin Reinarz - Cello
For more than two decades, Robin Reinarz has been a leading force in Las Vegas’s music community as both performer and teacher. An original member of the Las Vegas Philharmonic, she served as principal cellist for its first eight years and continues as assistant principal. Robin has transformed the lives of thousands of students, placing them in major cello orchestral positions and top universities and conservatories. Known for her dedication, artistry, and discipline, she has built a legacy of excellence that continues to inspire the next generation of musicians.
Cindy Lee
Cindy Lee is the Director of Piano Studies and Gifted Young Artist Program at Nevada School of the Arts. A prizewinner of the Korean News Daily Competition and Royal Sound of Music International Competition, she has performed at Carnegie Hall, KBS Hall, and the Seoul Arts Center, and appeared as a soloist with major orchestras in Korea.
An accomplished pianist, teacher, and writer, Cindy has served on the faculties of Manhattan School of Music, UNLV, and leading conservatories in Korea, and authored the textbook Accompanying Literature for Pianists. She was inducted into the Steinway & Sons Teacher Hall of Fame in 2023 and has received multiple Outstanding Teacher Awards from international competitions.
Her students have won numerous national and international prizes, and she is active as a festival artist, competition judge, and board member of LVMTA and NMTA. She is also the Founder and Artistic Director of the concert series Music of Women Composers and Celebration of American Composers.
Clara Lee - Piano
Pianist Clara Lee is celebrated for her artistry, technical brilliance, and passion for chamber music. A featured artist with Lincoln Center Stage, she has performed around the world for thousands of listeners, bringing masterworks to life with both elegance and power. Clara’s international career includes appearances at festivals in Italy and the United States, and she has collaborated with distinguished musicians in recitals and masterclasses. Now based in Henderson, she shares her love of music with students as a member of the Nevada School of the Arts piano faculty while continuing to perform widely as a collaborative artist.
Omar Shelly - Viola
Las Vegas native and violist Omar Shelly has built a dynamic career as both performer and educator. After earning degrees from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and the University of Michigan, he became a founding member of The Orchestra Now, performing at Carnegie Hall and other major venues in New York. He later returned home, joining the Las Vegas Philharmonic and collaborating with many of the city’s leading ensembles. Dedicated to the next generation of musicians, Omar is an active teacher and mentor, inspiring students through artistry, leadership, and his strong connection to the Las Vegas community.
Elisa Fiorillo
Vocalist Elisa Fiorillo brings world-class expertise and artistic passion to Nevada School of the Arts. She launched her career by winning Star Search at 15 and went on to international success with the hit “Who Found Who,” produced by Jellybean Benitez. A longtime collaborator with Prince and member of his New Power Generation, she has toured the globe and performed with artists from Josh Groban to Andrea Bocelli. Elisa is equally dedicated as a teacher: her students have been featured on American Idol and Las Vegas’ Composer Showcase, carrying forward her legacy of excellence in performance and mentorship.
How Registration Works
1. Welcome Email
After you register for a semester of lessons, our executive administrator will send you a welcome email and connect you with the appropriate program director.
2. Placement and Teacher Assignment
The director will review your registration and match you with the right teacher. For more advanced students, the director may schedule a short meeting to understand the student’s ability and learning style before assigning an instructor.
3. Scheduling Lessons
Once a teacher is assigned, the instructor will contact you directly to arrange a consistent weekly lesson time.
Trial Lessons
If you’d like to experience NSA before committing to a full semester, trial lessons are available.
THE NEVADA SCHOOL OF THE ARTS IMPACT
NSA IS LOCATED AT
THE HISTORIC FIFTH STREET SCHOOL
A Cultural Oasis in the Heart of Downtown
The school, built in 1936, is a rare example of Mission-style architecture. The single-story building consists of a series of concrete wings connected by tile roofed arcades. Originally housing one of Clark County's first elementary schools, it was recently renovated for use as a cultural oasis in the heart of downtown.
“K. is currently a junior in high school at the Las Vegas Academy of the Arts and a Piano major at NSA. His love for piano started when he was in 6th grade. That was his toughest year. You see, K. has autism, ADHD, and was later diagnosed as being twice exceptional. From day one since he set foot in school, he became a constant visitor to the principal’s office.
From years of trying to figure out what can help with his behavior, his therapist pointed us to music. He initially started with viola, he was a fast learner, but that wasn’t his cup of tea. As fate would have it, his then viola teacher also had a piano in her house. K. requested to play with it one day and ever since then, he never stopped. His fears and anxiety all disappear once he starts playing the piano. It became his most effective therapy and outlet. His happy place. This once angry, impatient, and defiant young boy has transformed into a calm, polite and compassionate teenager.
He was able to accomplish being a beginner pianist to advance in a matter of 2 years. He hopes to someday grace the concert halls of Juilliard and play his favorite classical music.”