The Pittsfield Community Music School opened its doors to 40 students in 1940, thanks to the philanthropy of Winnie Davis Long Crane. While the name evolved into the more inclusive Berkshire Music School in 2002, the original mission remains steadfast:
to provide quality education in music and musical opportunities to people in the greater Berkshire community regardless of race, religion, ethnic origin, disability, age, or ability to pay.
Pursuing a musical career as a piano soloist, Winnie Davis Long studied at the Oxford School of Hartford and the French School for Girls in New York City. A scholarship allowed her to study at L’Ecole Normale in Paris. After marrying Bruce Crane, in 1932, the young couple settled in Dalton. Mrs. Crane became a leader in the cultural life of the Berkshires. She was a piano soloist several times with the former Pittsfield Symphony Orchestra, and an incorporator of the Berkshire Symphonic Festival (now Tanglewood). She also served on the state arts council.
The School moved to its 1870 historic Pittsfield home in 1943. A carriage barn on this Wendell Avenue property was restored in 1996 to create a 90-seat recital hall and additional teaching studios.
Mrs. Crane guided and served the Music School for 37 years. She and her husband, Bruce Crane, faithfully filled the annual gap between tuition income and operating expenses. Upon her death, Mrs. Crane generously bequeathed an endowment which continues to support the vision of the School today. Proceeds of this endowment do not meet the needs of BMS in 2008, nor did it provide for any depreciation and capital needs. Our 3 year goal (2008-2010): $200,000.
Tune-up campaign
BMS Tune-Up History
The Pittsfield Community Music School opened its doors to 40 students in 1940, thanks to the philanthropy of Winnie Davis Long Crane. While the name evolved into the more inclusive Berkshire Music School in 2002, the original mission remains steadfast:
Pursuing a musical career as a piano soloist, Winnie Davis Long studied at the Oxford School of Hartford and the French School for Girls in New York City. A scholarship allowed her to study at L’Ecole Normale in Paris. After marrying Bruce Crane, in 1932, the young couple settled in Dalton. Mrs. Crane became a leader in the cultural life of the Berkshires. She was a piano soloist several times with the former Pittsfield Symphony Orchestra, and an incorporator of the Berkshire Symphonic Festival (now Tanglewood). She also served on the state arts council.
The School moved to its 1870 historic Pittsfield home in 1943. A carriage barn on this Wendell Avenue property was restored in 1996 to create a 90-seat recital hall and additional teaching studios.
Mrs. Crane guided and served the Music School for 37 years. She and her husband, Bruce Crane, faithfully filled the annual gap between tuition income and operating expenses. Upon her death, Mrs. Crane generously bequeathed an endowment which continues to support the vision of the School today. Proceeds of this endowment do not meet the needs of BMS in 2008, nor did it provide for any depreciation and capital needs. Our 3 year goal (2008-2010): $200,000.
Please download the BMS Pledge card (PDF).
Annual Operating Budget: $625,000.
The Case for a Tune-Up:
We are grateful for these Berkshire Music School sponsors.