The Presser Foundation grantee AMLA, a music education organization

Classical Music isn’t Dead! But it’s not Flourishing Either… Part III

The Presser Foundation grantee Artistas y Músicos Latino Americanos (AMLA), a music education organization It’s Not Music Education’s Fault. By Daniel Jackson, Graduate Music Fellow  While public school music education is important for exposing young children to and fostering an understanding of classical music, it cannot reverse the genre’s significant decline in cultural relevance. Historically,…

Shanna Echeverry

Undergraduate Scholar Award Spotlight: Shanna Echeverry blazes a trail in the percussive arts

Shanna Echeverry received the 2023-24 Undergraduate Scholar Award from William Paterson University of New Jersey. Here, we share why she was selected to be a Presser Scholar. Shanna was named the first Presser Scholar at William Paterson University of New Jersey, a NASM Accredited Hispanic Serving Institution added to the Scholar Award Program in 2023-24. Shanna graduated…

A GEGISOM student playing piano.

Spotlight on: GEGISOM

Image: A GEGISOM student playing piano. Pulled from reports written by Dr. Joyce Drayton, organized by Abby Rolland* As part of The Presser Foundation’s drive to be more transparent and to amplify the work of its partners, it uses information from grant reports to highlight its grantees. Each post will spotlight one partner, who has…

A young composer writing notes

Embracing Music Education and Composition in Philadelphia

By Sepehr Pirasteh Philadelphia is home to a vibrant music scene, enriched by organizations such as Wildflower Composers, Play On Philly, as well as collaborations like All-City Orchestra’s partnership with Network for New Music. These programs have made significant strides in nurturing young composers by offering them platforms to explore and express their creativity. As…

Trustee Spotlight: Vera Wilson

This is one in a series of blog posts featuring each one of The Presser Foundation’s Board and Committee members. These individuals come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences but have one trait in common – they love music. Keep an eye out on the series to learn more about each member, their background,…

Committee Member Spotlight: Nicole R. Robinson

This is one in a series of blog posts featuring each one of The Presser Foundation’s Board and Committee members. These individuals come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences but have one trait in common – they love music. Keep an eye out on the series to learn more about each member, their background,…

Committee Member Spotlight: Susan D. Van Vorst

This is one in a series of blog posts featuring each one of The Presser Foundation’s Board and Committee members. These individuals come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences but have one trait in common – they love music. Keep an eye out on the series to learn more about each member, their background,…

Trustee Spotlight: Stanford Thompson

This is one in a series of blog posts featuring each one of The Presser Foundation’s Board and Committee members. These individuals come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences but have one trait in common – they love music. Keep an eye out on the series to learn more about each member, their background,…