named programs · 4 · from sources
What they call their work
Bronx Bops
Early childhood music program for children under five, introducing foundational musical skills through play-based learning
Free Musical Development Program
Required group classes in music theory, ear-training, and choir provided at no cost to all private lesson students, funded by NYC’s Department of Cultural Affairs
Prelude Prep
Preparatory class for children ages 4–5 transitioning from Bronx Bops to private lessons, building readiness for one-on-one instruction
Private Lessons
One-on-one music instruction in piano, violin, viola, cello, guitar, voice, and percussion, offered in 30- or 60-minute sessions across three annual terms
activities · 4 groups
What they do
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Music Education and Training Programs 4 activities
- Annual student performancesOrganizes four annual performances for every student at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, providing performance opportunities as part of the educational experience.
- Free group music theory, ear training, and ensemble classesProvides required, no-cost group instruction in music theory, ear training, choir, and Dalcroze eurhythmics to all students enrolled in private lessons. Students receive 2 hours weekly if taking 30-minute private lessons and 3 hours if taking 60-minute lessons, with classes held at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church and integrated into the academic calendar.
- Group instrumental music programsOffers group-based instrumental instruction including group guitar classes, guitar technique courses, Rock Band, and Advanced Guitar Ensemble, providing collaborative music-making opportunities beyond private lessons.
- Private music instruction for children and familiesOffers private instrumental and vocal lessons in piano, violin, viola, cello, guitar, bass, and voice to students aged five and older, with sessions of 30 or 60 minutes offered across three annual terms (Fall, Spring, and Summer). Lessons are taught by professional musicians, many of whom are active performers with advanced degrees from leading conservatories.
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Early Childhood Music Education 1 activity
- Early childhood music education program (Bronx Bops)Operates a play-based early childhood music program for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers (ages 6 months to 36 months) that introduces foundational musical concepts through singing, movement, instrument exploration, storytelling, and seasonal musical themes. Classes begin with 15 minutes of free play to encourage exploration and include caregiver participation.
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Arts Education Scholarships 1 activity
- M merit-based scholarship programOffers merit-based scholarships with additional lesson time to students aged 7 and older who have been enrolled for at least three years and demonstrate sustained commitment, as recommended by instructors.
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Subsidized Rehearsal and Performance Space 1 activity
- Musical facility and practice space accessOperates a dedicated music education facility in the Norwood neighborhood of the Bronx (3348 Perry Ave), offering students and families access to spaces for lessons, practice, rehearsal, and musical engagement.
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financials · form 990 · fy2024
revenue
Total revenue$672K
Contributions & grants$256K38%
Program service revenue$411K61%
Investment income$5K1%
Other revenue$0
expenses
Total expenses$676K
Program expenses76%
Admin / overhead23%
Fundraising1%
Salaries & benefits$446K
Grants paid out$15K
Largest expense lineCompensation
balance sheet
Total assets$208K
Cash$137K
Investments$0
Liabilities$74K
Net assets$134K
Liquid reserves2.4 mo
5 years on record · 2020–2024 · YoY revenue +12.4%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2024
Who runs it
paid leadership · 1
| Name | Title | Hours/wk | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| PHILIP KWOKA | PRESIDENT | 40 | $92K |
board members · 4
- GLORIA HYE-WON — DIRECTOR
- ISABEL HIDROBO — SECRETARY
- KEN SIMARD — DIRECTOR
- THOMAS WINTER-AABO — BOARD CHAIR & TREASURER
relationships · 17
Who they work with
- Cheryl Chin Partner — Piano instructor at the Bronx School For Music.
- Cleveland Institute of Music Partner — Alumni affiliation where the founder completed undergraduate studies in piano performance.
- Gloria (HyeWon) Huskey Partner — Board member and faculty member serving as Director and Early Childhood Music Development Advisor & Curriculum Coordinator
- Lynn University Preparatory of Music Partner — Early training institution where the founder studied piano.
- Mannes School of Music Partner — Alumni affiliation where the founder completed a Master of Music degree in Piano Performance.
- Music Institute of Long-Island Partner — Initial music education institution where the founder began studies.
- NYC Department of Cultural Affairs Government — Provides major support enabling BSM to offer its Musical Development Program at no additional cost to private lesson students.
- NYC’s Department of Cultural Affairs Funder — Major funder of the Free Musical Development Program, enabling free group classes for all private lesson students.
- Norwood neighborhood Partner — Located in and serves the Norwood community in the Bronx.
- Not specified Partner — Caregivers participate alongside children in all classes as active partners in the learning process.
- Olga Radovic Partner — Piano instructor at the Bronx School For Music.
- Philip Kwoka Partner — Board President and faculty member teaching piano
- Philip Kwoka Partner — Founder, president, and award-winning pianist providing piano instruction and leadership at the school.
- Santiago Lomelin Partner — Piano instructor at the Bronx School For Music.
- St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church Partner — Hosts in-person sessions for BSM’s choir and Dalcroze classes.
- St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church Partner — Hosts weekly choir classes and four annual student performances.
- Steinway & Sons Partner — Supports marquee performances by providing world-class instruments and reinforcing BSM’s conservatory-level training standards.
strategies · 3
How they approach the work
Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.
- Arts-for-Development Modelmethodology: arts-for-developmentBy providing music education, the organization improves academic achievement, personal development, and community engagement among Bronx youth because artistic engagement fosters cognitive, emotional, and social growth in underserved populations.
- Developmentally Responsive Pedagogymethodology: play-based-music-educationBy using play-based methods and Dalcroze eurhythmics for young children, the organization builds musical and broader developmental skills because movement, storytelling, and musical play align with early childhood cognitive and physical readiness.
- Integrated Music Education Pathwaymethodology: integrated-education modelBy requiring private lesson students to participate in complementary group classes and developmental readiness programs, the organization ensures comprehensive musical development because combining individual and group learning builds well-rounded musicianship and sustains long-term engagement.