Piano keys echo through the halls, as the hum of violins weave through the air and the rhythmic tapping of drumsticks fills the room.
Founded in 1924 by Augustus Zanzig, the Brookline Music School(BMS) has evolved into a place where music is more than just an art. Rather, art is a way to connect, grow and share. Whether through private lessons, community performances or a group ensemble, BMS remains a place where every student is encouraged to step out of their comfort zone and let their passion for music shine.
Valerie Curd, the Director of Development and Marketing, said that BMS’s key focus is creating an exceptional experience for each student. She said that this includes providing performance opportunities and fostering strong community engagement for students, ensuring that students of all different grades and experiences have the resources to improve.
“We offer programming for all ages, from infants all the way up to our elderly students who are really happy to still play music,” Curd said. “We have a really robust adult program. Not just private lessons, but also chamber music, jazz and rock ensembles.”
Curd said that enrollment has been challenging as it can be difficult to predict which programs will attract the most students each year. However, she also said that the end of the pandemic sparked a surge of enthusiasm, with many people eager to return to learning and engaging in arts.
“I feel like I’ve seen that [enthusiasm] in the last couple years that I’ve worked here. Just a bunch of people who want to try new things and be creative,” Curd said. “And it’s great to see our group programs build again after what seemed like a very quiet period.”
Anthea Kechley, a flute teacher at BMS for a decade, said she has developed a keen understanding of her students’ individual needs and learning styles.
She said that she begins her daily lessons with warm-ups to focus on technique, then sets specific goals, like improving dynamics or refining sound production. This process helps students create the best possible sound.
“Having a good technical foundation on the instrument leads to students being able to have that agency as an artist in the long run,” Kechley said.
Kechley said that each student has their own manner of learning.
“So there’s almost a different style with each student, and you have to take time, in some cases several months, just to get to know what the best learning styles are of each student,” Kechley said.
Serena King, a sixth grader at Lincoln School, enjoys the benefits of her private flute lessons.
“It’s really nice that I get to have lessons because it allows me to [dive] into deeper things than the group ensemble,” King said. “It’s more private and you can work on issues that are only solely on you that other instruments won’t be concerned about.”
King said that she can feel hesitant and confused when first introduced to new techniques at BMS, as it can seem unfamiliar and challenging. But after dedicating time to practice and lessons, she said she realized it wasn’t as difficult as she thought.
“After I practiced by myself, even just after one lesson, I found, ‘Oh, it’s not that hard. It’s actually better when you do that,’” King said.
Curd said that the BMS welcomes students of all levels and backgrounds. She encourages anyone interested in studying there to be prepared to step out of their comfort zone, especially when it comes to performing.
“There’s a lot of opportunities to take what you’ve learned in the classroom and bring it to the stage and share with everyone,” Curd said. “I think a huge, huge part of music study is sharing what you’ve learned and sharing a passion.”
