Brooklyn Conservatory of Music

The Brooklyn Conservatory of Music, previously known as the Brooklyn-Queens Conservatory of Music, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit community music school located in Brooklyn, New York City. Founded in 1897 by German-American immigrants, it initially operated as a classical European conservatory. Over time, it evolved into a comprehensive institution offering a wide range of musical instruction in genres such as American song, jazz, gospel singing, Latin jazz, and African drumming[3][4].

History

The conservatory was initially located at Franklin Avenue and Lefferts Place. In 1944, it relocated to its current site at 58 Seventh Avenue, Park Slope, Brooklyn. This historic building, originally constructed as a residence in 1881, has been a prominent landmark in the Park Slope Historic District[4].

Programs

The Brooklyn Conservatory of Music offers several programs aimed at enhancing musical education and community engagement:

• Community Music School: Provides private lessons, group classes, ensembles, and workshops for students of all ages. This school fosters a community environment where students can develop their musical skills in a supportive and diverse setting[1][3].

• Suzuki Program: Enhances children's musical skills using the Suzuki method, which emphasizes learning music in a nurturing environment akin to language acquisition. Instruments taught include violin, cello, bass, guitar, and piano[1][2].

• Music Therapy: Offers clinical music therapy to promote developmental and social-emotional growth. This program serves over 2,000 clients at the conservatory and more than 40 outreach sites across New York City[2][3].

• Music Partners: Responds to the need for music instruction in NYC public schools by providing programs like bucket drumming, early childhood music, and band classes. It serves nearly 4,000 students annually at multiple sites across Brooklyn, the Bronx, Manhattan, and Queens[1][3].

• Community Music Center: Located in Cypress Hills/East New York, it offers affordable music education, including private lessons and community programs for families living in the area[1][2].

Events and Community Engagement

The Brooklyn Conservatory of Music hosts over 200 events annually, including concerts, workshops, and festivals designed to educate, inspire, and foster community among New Yorkers[3][4]. These events serve as a platform for cultural exchange and celebration of diverse musical traditions.

Mission and Impact

The conservatory's mission is to transform lives and build community through music. It aims to ensure that every New Yorker, regardless of income or ability, has access to high-quality music instruction and therapy. This mission is achieved by offering programs at more than 80 sites across the five boroughs, reaching over 10,000 individuals annually[1][3].

Governance and Funding

The organization is governed by a diverse board of directors. Funding for its operations comes from a mix of earned revenue and donations from individual donors, corporations, foundations, and government entities[5].

[1] https://bkcm.org/about-bkcm/ [2] https://bkcm.org [3] http://www.bkcm.org [4] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brooklyn_Conservatory_of_Music [5] https://www.guidestar.org/profile/11-1532426