“When I’m playing music I can’t think about politics and what’s going on in the world. It’s very calming. Playing and listening to music are very healing and beneficial.” Several years ago, Ellen Landsberger heard about Lucy Moses School from a friend and stopped by to check it out. A recently-retired obstetrician, Ellen wanted to return…
Oliver Ramsdell is a fourth year camper at Lucy Moses School’s Summer Musical Theater Workshop. He says: “I really like acting with Wendy Gross Baker, my director. That’s really fun! I also like singing with John O’Neill because we get to learn [songs like] Stick It to the Man, and we also get to compose our own songs.” Oliver is…
Elliott Bluestein's life is strongly influenced by music. He started piano lessons when he was three, but knew he wanted to take music seriously when he began to compose at age seven. Elliott's favorite part of Special Music School is its community of supportive students and teachers, who surround him with rigor, positivity, and "inside jokes." The recent…
Carol Sifuentes is a recent graduate of Special Music School, where she majored in composition. She says: “SMS offers a one-of-a-kind education that creates a unique teen. We are performers, listeners, and open-minded community members. I’m glad I got to spend my youth in this environment." Carol began music lessons in the 3rd grade and started to compose soon…
The 2019 Kaufman Music Center International Youth Piano Competition will be held from June 18-23, 2019 in New York City. The Winners Showcase Concert Concert takes place in Merkin Hall on June 25, 2019. Application info will be posted in fall 2018. The deadline to apply is March 1, 2019. Open to young pianists up to age 18, the Kaufman Music Center International Youth…
Jay-Len McLean is a 10th grade saxophonist from Bedford-Stuyvesant. Music became a special part of his life when he began lessons at 11 years old. When he entered Special Music School in 9th grade, he made a serious commitment to his musical studies. Jay-Len is greatly influenced by the community at Special Music School, where his peers and teachers give him the support…
Congratulations to the Special Music School P.S. 859 Class of 2018 on a 100% graduation rate and a 100% college acceptance rate! 2018 Graduates will attend conservatories and universities including The Juilliard School, Columbia University, the New England Conservatory of Music, Oberlin College, Smith College, Cleveland Institute of Music, Brandeis University, McGill…
Dear Friends, It is with great pleasure that I am writing to announce that my successor has been appointed by Kaufman Music Center’s Board of Trustees. I am honored to have the opportunity to share this news with you. The Board has appointed Kate Sheeran as Kaufman Music Center’s new Executive Director. As an accomplished educator and arts administrator, a…
KATE SHEERAN, PROVOST AND DEAN OF THE SAN FRANCISCO CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC, SELECTED AS NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF KAUFMAN MUSIC CENTER IN NEW YORK Professional Hornist and Former Assistant Dean of Mannes School of Music Succeeding Lydia Kontos, Who Led One of City’s Most Acclaimed Cultural and Educational Organizations for Four Decades Following a nationwide search,…
Sirena Beard-Galati is an 11th grader at Special Music School, where she studies composition. She says: “Through practicing your craft you start to discover your voice. It’s very important for children and growing teenagers to be surrounded by music.” At a young age, Sirena was diagnosed with dyslexia. Through learning to become a songwriter, she has…
