New York City is driven by arts and culture, and it’s safe to say that music is a paramount part of our storied, diverse metropolis. After all, music is far more than an arrangement of sound or what may play on the radio — it’s a means of connection, expression and empowerment. This is precisely why the institutions that uphold the art form deserve to be celebrated, and today, the time has come to highlight the beloved Bloomingdale School of Music on its milestone 60th anniversary.
Originally founded in 1964 by late church organist David Greer in the basement of the West End Presbyterian Church, Bloomingdale provided affordable voice and piano lessons for neighborhood children in order to foster musical growth regardless of financial status. An immediate success, Bloomingdale soon found expansion was necessary — and six years post-inception, the historic five-story brownstone at 323 West 108th Street became home.
To this day, Bloomingdale operates from the same location, providing students with a range of learning options including private lessons, group classes for all ages, music ensembles and advanced training for aspiring musicians. Their commitment to the original mission of music education for all remains strong.
As music classes are continuously cut from school curriculums, Bloomingdale has responded by distributing $2.4 million in need-based scholarships over the past decade, collaborating with New York City public schools to serve over 35,000 students, and providing countless complimentary community programming offerings. Additionally, their Music Access Project (MAP), a three year, pre-college scholarship program that prepares talented and deserving students for acceptance into a higher learning institutions, has sent over 99% of graduates into a conservatory, college or university.
Simply put, Bloomingdale covers all the bases — with lessons and classes for more than twenty instruments across multiple genres (think classical, jazz, Broadway and even pop), there’s something for every student passionate about music. And now, there’s a way for us to give back: the annual Spring Benefit at the iconic Lincoln Center Library for the Performing Arts on Tuesday, April 1. The 60th anniversary celebration (dubbed Generations) will toast Bloomingdale’s impact over the past six decades, kicking off with a cocktail hour and dinner, both culminating in a rousing concert.
Single ticket options ($80-$240) include Cocktail Hour and Show or Buffet Dinner and Show. Sponsorships ($600-$10,000) for up to 10 people are also available (more info is available here). The evening will also honor Board President Ken Michaels, a lifelong Upper West Sider who has been involved with Bloomingdale since the 1970s (when he studied clarinet!) and who is deeply committed to broadening music access in the community.
Though Bloomingdale’s legacy of giving is long recognized within the area, they are just getting started.
“As we celebrate our 60 years, we’re thrilled with all we have accomplished and poised to realize the full potential of Bloomingdale, as a leading voice of music experiences and music education in our Upper West Side neighborhood, entire city and beyond,” Erika Atkins, Bloomingdale’s Executive Director, stated in a press release.
Music education has benefits many aren’t aware of, from a positive influence on motor and math skills, to growing self-confidence and boosting creativity and emotional development. It’s more important than ever to maintain these principles, and Bloomingdale’s robust series of classes, ensembles and lessons can make this a reality. Learn more about their specific spring offerings and schedule here, and see what’s happening this summer at Bloomingdale here.
Bloomingdale prides itself on being a diverse, multi-generational community — and Upper West Siders are certainly grateful for its continued perseverance and adaptation over the years. Interested in attending Generations: Bloomingdale School of Music’s 60th Anniversary Spring Gala? Visit the website here. If you’re not in town but still want to support the organization, a donation of $5 or more grants you access to watch the festivities live.
