We've been doing this for 60 years!
Will you help us make it 60 more?
Bloomingdale's Mission for 60 Years
Since 1964, the mission of the Bloomingdale School of Music has been to provide access to quality music education to all who seek it. Over the years, we’ve awarded millions of dollars in scholarships and financial aid, served over 35,000 public school students, and presented countless hours of free community programming.
Your donation connects students from all backgrounds through music.
Bloomingdale's Mission for 60 Years
Since 1964, the mission of the Bloomingdale School of Music has been to provide access to quality music education to all who seek it. Over the years, we’ve awarded millions of dollars in scholarships and financial aid, served over 35,000 public school students, and presented countless hours of free community programming.
Why is music access important?
Music education is incredibly beneficial to students of all ages. Studying music has a positive impact on everything from motor and math skills, to self-confidence, creativity, and emotional development. Despite all of these benefits, music classes continue to be cut from school curriculums, institutional arts funding is in sharp decline, and the increased cost of living puts music education out of reach for so many families in our community.
That’s where we come in!
Bloomingdale is as committed as ever to bridging gaps in music education, creating opportunities for all, and fostering the next generation of musicians. Just look at what we have planned for this year!
- $320,000 in Scholarships and Financial Aid
- 300+ School Partnership Students
- 60+ Free Community Concerts and Events
We can’t do any of this without you!
Your support makes this all possible.
Donate Today!
We can't do any of this without you!
We can't do any of this without you.
Your support makes this all possible.
Donate Today!
LOOKING BACK TO LOOK FORWARD
We asked alumni from the early years of our school to share their own Bloomingdale experiences and their thoughts on Bloomingdale’s place in the world today. Click on the links below to hear these compelling stories from alumni who have gone on to do their own work making a difference in young people’s lives.
1960'S
Lauren Cherry was a student at Bloomingdale in the 1960s and her mother, Ruth, had a large part in developing the school with David Greer. She has since become an artist who lives in NYC, and continues to hold the memories of her days at Bloomingdale in her heart.
1970'S
Kati Koerner was a student at Bloomingdale in the 1970s and her children have also studied at Bloomingdale. Professionally, she’s the Director of Education at Lincoln Center Theater, a role she’s held for over 20 years. She reflects on how much impact one could have when becoming a donor.
1980'S
Danielle R. Moss Cox was a student at Bloomingdale in the 1980s and her mother also studied at the school. Professionally, she leads Oliver Scholars, an organization focused on helping Black and Brown students gain access to prep schools and elite colleges.
Tap the graph below to see Bloomingdale’s history and future endeavors with the help of supporters like you.
A MESSAGE FROM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ERIKA ATKINS
“As Bloomingdale’s first Executive Director of color, leading this institution into its 60th year is an honor. Our mission goes beyond just teaching music—we’re creating a space that celebrates diversity, fosters inclusion, and breaks down the barriers that too often keep people apart. We connect people of different backgrounds, ages, and experiences through music.” – Erika Atkins
For 60 years, Bloomingdale has bridged communities through music,
bringing people of all backgrounds together.
For 60 years, Bloomingdale has bridged communities through music, bringing people of all backgrounds together.
1964 - 1984
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1984 - 2004
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2004 - 2024
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ROADMAP2027: OUR STRATEGIC PLAN
Explore our ROADMAP2027 plan to see how we’re expanding access, adapting our programs, and fostering a more inclusive musical community.
Our Devoted Partners in Access to Music Education
Thanks to the hard work and commitment of our partners, we are able to continuously strive to make a positive impact on the lives of music lovers everywhere.
- Bay and Paul Foundations
- Baisley-Powell Elebash
- Berwen Contractors
- Booth Ferris
- City Council Discretionary Funding
- Classical Singing and New York In June
- Columbia Community Service
- Con-Edison Arts and Culture Grants
- City Council Discretionary Council member Brewer
- City Council Discretionary Council member Abreau
- D’Addario Foundation
- Edwin Caplin Foundation
- Federal Government – CARES ACT
- Find Your Light Foundation
- Hyde and Watson Foundation
- Jarvis and Constance Doctorow Family Foundation
- Libby Holman Foundation
- Louis Armstrong Educational Foundation
- Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation
- Morris and Alma Schapiro Fund
- Network for Good
- New York Community Trust
- New York Preservation Society
- New York State Assembly Member Daniel O’Donnell
- New York State Council of Arts
- Pinkerton Foundation
- The Ella Fitzgerald Charitable Foundation
- The Scripps Family Fund for Education and the Arts
- Youth Inc.
PAST ANNUAL REPORTS
323 West 108th Street
New York, NY 10025
212.663.6021
Bloomingdale School of Music is a 501C3 non-profit organization EIN: 13-2562192.
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