I recently read the article in the NY times regarding Juilliard’s budget cuts for it’s “Music Advancement Program,” one of the “look to” programs for allowing underprivileged youth to learn an instrument. (link) I had a visceral reaction to the story as someone who is not only and alumnus of the school, but also attended on a full scholarship! I feel the value of being exposed to great ensembles, teachers and opportunities and, as such, I cannot believe this program is shutting down next season… even if only for “a while.” The Juilliard School has shaped youth and influenced the arts for generation’s and in my opinion, has an obligation to take as many risks as humanly possible to keep programs like “Music Advancement” open. Juilliard should be a place of profound sharing.
Juilliard’s prestigious name has echoed throughout the world of music over many generations. It is appropriate to say that many foundations, schools, etc. look to Juilliard as an example of integrity and creativity both in artistic and humanitarian contributions. The NY times article refers to Juilliard’s “Music Training Program” as a national model, as a national model. What kind of model shuts its doors in a time of crisis?
This program needs $400,000 to stay open. No one has even mentioned the fact that Juilliard is under going a $100,000,000 (that’s one hundred million!!!) renovation. $17,000,000 million of those dollars came from the city of New York. And yet, no one can find money to keep 50 kids going to music lessons? The youth who will shape tomorrow get cut at the expense of 44,000 square feet and more accessibility to Lincoln Center?
Something is terribly wrong with this situation. I cannot just sit around and watch things like this happen. Has it occurred to anyone that all of the money from Juilliard’s renovation would be able to support 250 “Music Advancement Programs” and make it possible for 12,500 children to have music lessons available. I attended Juilliard and never had a problem finding space or walking one block to Lincoln Center. Where are the priorities?
Charles when he did PR for Bergdorf Goodman, was involved in the planning of the celebration of Lincoln Center’s 50th Anniversary. He wants to know how much money has been cut from that budget? He also bets the answer is “not enough.”
In my eyes, the platform of the conversation should be, “how do we make it happen,” not “just cut it and pray it re-emerges.” If anything, the NY Times article should be about how Juilliard can find a way to keep this program alive and thriving. They could potentially find the funding through one donor, it’s certainly happened in the past, they could potentially bring in the funding virally, by brainstorming creative solutions, using the internet. Ron Paul raised more money in the third quarter of his campaign than any president in history by using the internet. President Barack Obama raised more many than any president before him… using the internet!
Things are tight for everyone these days, but with a 100 million dollar renovation to a building that previously had a gorgeous aesthetic, priorities seem to be skewed.
Programs like this are a must! Music shapes youth in incredible ways. Juilliard has a particular way of touching lives. “The Soloist” and “August Rush” both take place at Juilliard and spread messages of hope and fortitude. Where are those when we need them the most.
Institutions looking toward “the yard” for determination, ambition and sacrifice may be disappointed, and furthermore, may want to look elsewhere. Perhaps it is time that we stand up and say ”NO! We cannot as a community allow you to close programs of this nature.”
Juilliard (and Lincoln Center) hope to give a more open and lavish feel to Lincoln Center. The area was a ghetto 50 years ago, where is the perspective? We take a neighborhood from the people it belongs, gentrify it, and then spit in the faces of the people we took the neighborhood from to begin with. This seems very familiar and also a bit antiquated.
I would encourage the Juilliard financial team to stand back, look to the fundamentals and a solution will present itself. Perhaps one of those kids will be a virtuoso who takes the world by storm and returns the favor many times over. I know I would not be where I am today if it weren’t for my free ride to school.
This is me right after my Juilliard Audition with Wynton and my parents - this reminds me of give back...
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