Brooklyn Music School Company Profile

Background

Mission and Vision

Founded in 1909 as the Brooklyn Music School Settlement, the Brooklyn Music School (BMS) is dedicated to making high-quality music and performing arts education accessible to individuals of all backgrounds and resources. The school's mission is to provide approachable and affordable musical instruction, create frequent performance opportunities for students, represent a diverse range of musical traditions, and offer a welcoming space for families and individuals to explore new talents and build lasting friendships.

Facilities

BMS operates a historic four-story building in the Fort Greene neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York. The facility includes twenty-four classrooms, three dance studios, and a professional 266-seat Spanish-style theater, serving as a hub for music and performing arts education in the community.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

Accessible Education: Ensuring that music and performing arts instruction is available to a wide range of students, regardless of their socioeconomic status.

Performance Opportunities: Providing students with frequent chances to perform, thereby enhancing their skills and confidence.

Cultural Representation: Embracing and teaching a variety of musical traditions, including European, African, Middle Eastern, and American, to reflect Brooklyn's diverse cultural landscape.

Community Engagement: Creating a warm and inclusive environment where individuals and families can discover new talents and form meaningful connections.

Programs and Services

Private Lessons: Offering personalized instruction in various instruments and vocal training for all ages and skill levels.

Group Classes: Conducting classes that cover a range of musical genres and disciplines, fostering collaborative learning experiences.

After-School Programs: Providing the "Arts Reaching Youth" (ARY) program, which includes music, dance, theater classes, homework support, and healthy snacks for children aged 5-11.

Outreach Initiatives: Extending music and dance education to schools, senior centers, and community organizations across New York City, serving approximately 8,000 students and seniors annually.

Financials and Funding

Revenue and Employee Data

Estimated Annual Revenue: Approximately $35 million.

Number of Employees: 86, with a 10% growth in employee count over the past year.

Funding and Financial Aid

BMS is committed to making musical instruction affordable by providing financial aid to families and children, ensuring that resources do not hinder access to quality education.

Leadership Team

Interim Executive Director

Brian Adamczyk: Currently serving as the Interim Executive Director, overseeing the strategic and operational aspects of BMS.

Board of Directors

Shelby Green: Co-Chair, affiliated with Pace University Law School.

Peter Bordes: Co-Chair, associated with oneQube.

Elizabeth Schmidt: Board Member, connected with Whittle School & Studios.

Jordan Tamagni: Board Member, linked to UNICEF.

John Flores: Board Member, representing RBC.

Hadas Shahar: Board Member, from Google.

Charles Swartz: Board Member, affiliated with NYU.

Crocker Coulson: Board Member.

Drew Bernstein: Board Member, associated with Marcum.

Zach Kouwe: Board Member, from Dukas Linden Public Relations.

Jacqueline Parker: Board Member, connected with Ballard Spahr, LLP; Pace University.

Brian Pope: Board Member, representing Royal Bank of Canada Capital Markets.

Daniela Bauer: Board Member, from Maimonides Children | Infant's Hospital of Brooklyn.

Angela Howard: Board Member, affiliated with Covenant House International.

François Leininger: Board Member, from François Leininger, LLC.

Maria Pham: Board Member, representing MUFG Union Bank, N.A.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The community music education sector in New York City is vibrant and competitive, with several institutions offering diverse programs to cater to the city's multicultural population.

Key Competitors

Brooklyn Conservatory of Music: Established in 1897, it offers private lessons, group classes, Suzuki programs, and music therapy, serving a wide age range from infants to seniors.

Third Street Music School Settlement: Founded in 1894, it is the longest-running community music school in the U.S., providing music and dance instruction, a music-infused preschool, and partnerships with public schools.

Greenwich House Music School: Established in 1905, it offers instruction in various instruments, early childhood classes, and hosts concerts, emphasizing community engagement.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

BMS has engaged in partnerships to enhance its offerings and facilities. Notably, the school sold its air rights to the Gotham Organization, a real estate developer planning to construct a 24-story tower adjacent to BMS's existing building. This development aims to provide a spacious new home for the school on the ground floor, addressing the limitations of the current facility.

Operational Insights

Community Engagement

BMS's outreach programs serve approximately 8,000 students and seniors annually, bringing music and dance education to schools, senior centers, and community organizations across New York City.

Facility Expansion

The partnership with the Gotham Organization is set to provide BMS with a new, larger facility, enabling the school to expand its programs and accommodate more students.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Facility Development

The planned expansion through the partnership with the Gotham Organization presents an opportunity for BMS to enhance its facilities, offering improved spaces for instruction and performance.

Program Expansion

With the new facility, BMS can introduce additional programs and classes, catering to a broader audience and furthering its mission of accessible music education.

Community Outreach

BMS aims to strengthen its outreach initiatives, reaching more underserved communities and providing quality music education to a diverse population.