It is with great sadness that we share the news that Turtle Bay Music School is closing in 2020. After 94 years as a community music school in New York City, the school will close its doors on January 9, 2020. Turtle Bay Music School was a founding member of the Guild.
In a letter from the board of directors, they write:
The Turtle Bay Music School was born out of a desire to provide the highest quality music education and experiences to all who seek them. We fulfilled that mission for 94 years but today, with a heavy heart, we are saddened to report that our time as a community music school will soon come to an end.
Confronting reality, changing times in the cultural and educational landscape, and society’s shifting priorities have made the TBMS business model no longer sustainable. We are saddened to report this news to the very people who have given life to our school, but barring an immediate and very significant financial investment, the doors of Turtle Bay Music School will close on January 29, 2020.
There are so many contributing factors as to why this has happened. No organization, especially one that has survived generations, closes without the story being complex and the fight hard fought. Nonetheless, despite our best efforts, the fact is we were always a small community music school that was never able to get far enough away from being vulnerable.
To the many people who have brought their talents, resources and passion for music to our school, we know this is sad news. All of you have given so much and made an important impact on TBMS. Thanks to you, our students, partners, faculty, donors, audience and staff, generations of New Yorkers have had access to quality music education and experiences. Thank you for all that you have given to our school and what we hope you will continue to give to music. Our doors may close, but we hope your overwhelming talent and heart will soon support another music school and continue to spread the transformative power of music.
Music’s influence and its capacity for positive change in the world are greater and more necessary than ever. We have enjoyed so many musical highlights together and we humbly ask that you continue to inspire and be inspired. Thank you for being a part of our school. We remain proud and grateful for every contribution you made, and we know the music, friendships and community born and nurtured here will play on for generations to come.
Published: December 20, 2019