Our Values
We Offer
Access for all: all ages, backgrounds, skill levels, interests & financial resources
Our excellent faculty & staff
Early childhood exposure to music
Lifelong learning opportunities
Performance opportunities
Private & group lessons, ensembles, workshops & classes
Collaborations with area cultural organizations, social service agencies & senior centers/residences
Performances including in-house recitals, concerts, masterclasses & offsite performances
Gifted, experienced musicians & educators as faculty
Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility Statement
Founded on the belief that everyone benefits from participating in musical programs, the Berkshire Music School’s mission is to foster the love and pursuit of music for all ages through quality music education activities, community collaborations, and performance opportunities. In addition to the inherent sense of joy and camaraderie that music provides, studies show that music enhances confidence, community engagement, discipline, as well as improve cognitive and psychosocial development in all ages. Additionally, making music offers a unique opportunity for self-expression allowing individuals to articulate their identity in a visceral manner. The Berkshire Music School recognizes that no one type of musical expression inspires everyone, and we endeavor to offer courses, teaching styles, and performances that represent the myriad of musical voices present throughout our community.
Diversity is an integral part of making music, and the Berkshire Music School is committed to providing a supportive, multicultural environment that is welcoming to everyone without bias toward any race, color, nationality, ethnicity, religion, disability, age, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, or socio-economic group. We are dedicated to creating an accessible, inclusive, and supportive artistic home for all who wish to participate. We seek to strengthen our understanding of issues concerning inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility through educating our staff, faculty, and board of trustees; listening to stakeholders within the organization and in our community; and addressing the evolving needs of our community through diverse and engaging artistic programming.
Staff
Luis Granda, Executive Director
Jim Wojtaszek, Operations Manager
Sandy Moderski, Registrar
Sherri James Buxton, Outreach Coordinator
Sarah Prouty, Program Associate
Board of Trustees
President
Jeffry Bradway
Vice President
Lyndon Moors
Secretary
Darci Hess
Treasurer
Cindy Hashim
Immediate Past President
Christine Condaris, Ph.D.
Executive Director
Luis Granda
Lisa M. Avery
Karen Cellini
Lynn Festa
William Ketcham
Ellen Cooper Shanahan, Ph.D.
Paul Sundberg
Jerry Straus
Jim Wojtaszek
Employment Opportunities
The Berkshire Music School accepts unsolicited submissions from professional musicians interested in teaching private or group lessons and/or performing at BMS. Please send inquiries with a current CV to Executive Director Luis Granda at lgranda@berkshiremusicschool.org.
TEACHING ARTISTS
Berkshire Music School’s teaching artists will teach/facilitate after-school musical enrichment programs in Berkshire County schools and in the greater community. To apply, email a resume and cover letter to outreach@berkshiremusicschool.org.
history
Our past
Founded in 1940 by Winnie Davis Long Crane, the Berkshire Music School serves more than 650 students each year from more than 40 professional music educators, who teach numerous classes including chamber ensembles, groups workshops, and summer camps. The organization also hosts collaborations with other cultural organizations, social service agencies, and senior centers as well as recitals, concerts, and residencies at its historic home and venues across the county.
Our future
In 2023, Berkshire Music School celebrates 83 years of service to the community by providing quality education in music, and musical opportunities to people in the greater Berkshire community, regardless of age, race, sex, religion, ethnic origin, or disabilities. We honor our founder’s legacy by continuing to grow and prosper, while turning no one away on account of inability to pay. Berkshire Music School is a member of the National Guild of Community Schools of the Arts.