Special Music School's 20th Anniversary

Did you know that Special Music School is celebrating its 20th anniversary?

In September 1996, the School opened with 30 students in Kindergarten and first grade. Today, SMS educates over 300 students in Kindergarten through 12th grade, and its first-ever senior class will graduate in June 2017.

Throughout two decades, Special Music School has maintained a commitment to leveling the playing field for young musicians. The SMS music program is offered at no cost to families, and as a result, musically-gifted students from all walks of life are able to participate. As a result, the SMS community represents the diversity of New York City. For more information, click here.

Special Music School is making a profound impact on students’ lives. SMS students are winning music competitions and achieving top scores on state tests – and the experience of studying here makes a lifelong impact. Alumnus Luis Diaz (who is now studying at New England Conservatory) says: “What I gained and what I felt at Special Music School—that wonder, that desire, that curiosity, and that sense of abandon and childlike passion—has acted as the catalyst for everything that I’ve become today.”

Kaufman Music Center looks forward to celebrating the 2016-17 year with a series of events celebrating Special Music School’s legacy and future: 

Upcoming events include:

Graduation and a Celebration of Special Music School’s first Senior Class
June 21, 2017

Past Events Included:

A Celebration of Special Music School’s 20th Anniversary
September 8, 2016

A Musical Evening with Juilliard String Quartet
Private concert with proceeds benefitting Special Music School
November 16, 2016

SMS Homecoming Concert
We invite SMS alumni and students to return to the Merkin Concert Hall stage
for an evening of music and camaraderie
January 8, 2017

A Musical Evening with violinist Kelly Hall-Tompkins
Private concert with proceeds benefitting Special Music School
April 27, 2017

Kaufman Music Center’s Annual Gala
Honoring Joshua Bell
A Benefit for Kaufman Music Center’s Fund for Music Education
May 22, 2017

Please check this web site often for updates about additional events and fundraising initiatives. We look forward to sharing more information as it becomes available!

Want to make a gift to Special Music School?

Please do! Your support of the school and this important milestone will help us fund our over $2.5 million annual investment in our student's music curriculums. You can give online here, or by contacting the Development Office at development@kaufmanmusiccenter.org or 212 501 3350.

 

Kaufman Music Center Development Department

Tel: 212 501 3350
development@kaufmanmusiccenter.org
129 W. 67th Street
New York, NY 10023

Get News from Us

Sign Up