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.
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 lines. Bus service is
available on the M10 and M11 lines.
Riders on the #1 train 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 www.gharts.org
