Founded in 1984, the Wharton Institute for the Performing Arts, located in Berkeley Heights, New Jersey and surrounding areas, is dedicated to providing the highest quality performing arts education. The institute comprises the Performing Arts School, New Jersey Youth Symphony, and Paterson Music Project. With a mission to inspire and connect with the communities they serve, they offer instrumental, vocal, dance, and musical theater instruction to students of varying ages and abilities in a supportive and inclusive environment.