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Greenwich House Music School
has been providing high quality, affordable music education to the people of New York City since 1905. The School has occupied its current location at 44 - 46 Barrow Street in historic Greenwich Village since 1914 and has played an
important part in the careers and lives of tens of thousands of students including John Cage, Harry Chapin, Henry Cowell, Edgar Varese and former New
York City mayor Ed Koch.
OUR HISTORY Greenwich House Music School The founder of Greenwich House, Mary Kingsbury Simkhovitch, recognized the need for cultural programs as part of the acculturation process for newly arrived immigrants. In 1905, she started a music program. The Music School benefited from the enthusiasm of the immigrants who brought with them a love of music rooted in the Western classical tradition. Violins, violas and cellos were part and parcel of their baggage. Initially located on Jones Street, the Music School hired may newly arrived musicians who taught the younger generation for 5 cents a lesson. In 1914, the Music School moved into a brownstone at 44 Barrow Street which rapidly became a center of musical life in Greenwich Village. Hundreds of students attended classes, faculty recitals and community concerts. They eagerly formed choruses and ensembles. By 1929, the school had grown enough to purchase the building next door at 46 Barrow Street. Luckily, renovation of the two buildings was completed before the stock market collapsed and the building was officially inaugurated in December of that year. The Music School, as we know it, was in place. Modeled after a European conservatory with its double-doored studios, small recital hall and enclosed courtyard, the building retains its charm to this day. Since its creation, Greenwich House Music School has provided affordable music lessons and musical events for students and audiences of all ages. A distinguished faculty teaches beginners as well as those who are returning to musical study either as an avocation or with professional aspirations. Today, we continue the tradition of providing a performance series for the community. In the Renee Weiler Concert Hall, you can hear classical music and opera as well as ethnic, jazz, contemporary and folk music. Student and faculty recitals occur regularly and can be attended free of charge. Special rates apply to senior citizens. In recent years, because of the need for art education in the public schools, Greenwich House Music School has stepped forward to help teachers and parents provide music education in several schools. Recently we have provided, with the help of the New York State Council on the Arts and private foundations, music support at PS3 in the Village and PS2 in Chinatown. We offer workshops for teachers and provide scholarships for deserving students to study at our facility. We offer scholarship assistance based on need and merit for continuing students. Once a year we host a benefit for scholarships as well as an Open House to introduce our programs to the community. There is an Advisory Committee for the Arts comprised of volunteers from our community as well as a Parent Committee. We are proud of our long-standing position in the cultural life of the Village. A meeting place for neighborhood groups, small orchestras and choruses come here for rehearsals, the School offers a focal point for these activities. We also present a professional series of concerts that feature contemporary composers and musicians, The North River Music Series. There is an annual series of master classes in piano, as well. It is with enthusiasm and pride that we plan our musical future, always bearing in mind the importance of our heritage. In 1949, Mary Simkhovitch, reflected on the importance of the Music School in implementing the philosophy of the settlement house. She wrote, "Music is a natural door to neighborhood understanding and welcome. We hoped to create a music center for interest, understanding, performance and joint musical effort which would set afire the lukewarm, hearten the eager, and produce the civilizing effect music uniquely conveys." The Music School stands committed to this vision as we approach our centennial celebration. It is the policy of Greenwich House Music School not to discriminate on the basis of race, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, gender, sexual orientation or physical handicap in its admission of students, educational programs, student activities and employment. DIRECTIONS The Music School is conveniently located one block west of the intersection of Bleecker Street and Seventh Avenue South on Barrow Street. It can be reached by the subway lines A, B, C, D, E, F, Q and 1 and 9 lines. Bus service is available on the M10 and M11 lines. Riders on the #1 or #9 trains should exit at the Christopher Street/Sheridan Square station (one stop below 14th Street going south or if traveling north one stop after Houston Street. Walk south, turn right onto Barrow Street which is directly after Bleecker Street. The Music School is located in the middle of the block. Riders on the A, B, C, D, E, F, and Q trains should exit at the West Fourth Street station. Proceed to West Fourth Street and walk three blocks west to Barrow Street. Cross Seventh Avenue to the other side of Barrow Street. FACULTY For a complete list of Music School faculty, please go to http://www.gharts.org/faculty2.html SCHOLARSHIPS In keeping with long-standing tradition, the Music school grants scholarship aid on the basis of both need and merit. Students are eligible for scholarship aid after having studied at the school for a full year. An application for scholarship aid must be filed with the Director by July 16 before the beginning of the school year. Notification is made before the first week of classes.
The Music School has Work/Study scholarships available in exchange for musical accompaniment and assistance with school activities such as concerts, benefits and light office work. Ask for information. |
