Image: Robert Drake showing new equipment for WXPN, a performance at the Museum of Music Technology with its new equipment. Since its founding in 1925, The Presser Foundation has supported capital projects. Theodore Presser himself shared in his will that the Foundation would “increase the value of music education as given by any present or…
One hundred years ago, the remarkable, innovative, and generous Theodore Presser passed away. The music educator and publisher first made his philanthropic mark on the music community in Philadelphia with the construction of the Presser Home for Retired Music Teachers. The Home offered a sanctuary for retired music teachers without financial means to live out…
By Baker Purdon Chamber music is a classical music genre performed by a smaller group of musicians than you would see in an orchestra. Historically (and contemporaneously), these concerts can often be performed in what we used to call chambers, or small rooms, in a home. More often than not, however, chamber music is now…
By Baker Purdon, Music Fellow History Since the inception of the United States, the American orchestra has been predominantly local in scope. Before the Civil War, most American orchestras operated within the boundaries of a single city and its immediate vicinity. They were generally either standing orchestras in local theaters, ad hoc orchestras for special…
Grants & Communications Manager Abby Rolland, former Executive Director Mariel Frank, and current Executive Director Teresa Araco Rodgers By Abby Rolland While The Presser Foundation was created by a man, Theodore Presser, in the early 20th century, women have played a critical role in guiding the Foundation throughout its history. One of those women…
By Julia (Maurer) Gregory Toward the end of the Spring 2022 semester at Arcadia University, The Presser Foundation staff graciously extended an internship offer to me for the role of the Special Projects Intern for this summer. My time here has provided me with rewarding experiences like creating an archive from scratch. As I…
By Abby Rolland The Presser Foundation is pleased to welcome two interns this summer – Julia Gregory and Joseph Richards. Julia and Joseph are both local undergraduate students who will be assisting the Foundation as we begin to prepare for the 100th anniversary of founder Theodore Presser’s passing (1925). Julia Gregory Julia is a rising…
By Abby Rolland, Grants & Communications Manager To understand The Presser Foundation now, it’s important to understand the Foundation’s history, including the life and mindset of its founder, Theodore Presser. It all starts in 1848, with an individual born in Pittsburgh whose passion for music would grow throughout his life and become his life’s work.…