About BCM
We provide eager students with a place to be curious, a place to be passionate, and a place to be brave.
The Bronx Conservatory of Music brings the gift of music to our Bronx community. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded in 1991 by Elizabeth Thode Hoard, we have taught thousands of children, teenagers, and adults the joy of music — and continue to teach today.
Our faculty members are graduates of some of the finest conservatories throughout the world, including New York City’s Juilliard School, Mannes School of Music, Manhattan School of Music and New York University.
“Our goal is to offer the finest musical instruction to our students and thereby give them the tools and aspirations for success in whatever field they choose to pursue as adults.”
Melville S. Brown, Former Interim Executive Director
Mission & Vision
Our mission is to provide private music instruction of the highest quality to Bronx children and adults, in their own neighborhoods, at the lowest possible tuition, thereby making conservatory training accessible to all.
In fulfilling this mission, BCM seeks to develop audiences for fine music in the Bronx and to contribute to the music culture of the Bronx.
It is thanks to the generosity of our late founder, Elizabeth Thode Hoard – as well as our board members and support community – that we have been able to keep tuition at below-market rates. Lessons are subsidized in part by the Elizabeth T. Hoard Endowment Fund, created by her will in 2011.
Our Goals
The teaching goals of the Bronx Conservatory of Music are to promote personal growth through the understanding and enjoyment of music; to develop performance skills; and to provide valuable social outlets for self-expression for students of all ages, at all levels of music experience.
Our Supporters
The Bronx Conservatory is extraordinarily grateful for the support of many institutions and individuals. We thank our major donors and supporters, including the Bronx Community College of CUNY, The NYC Department of Cultural Affairs, and several private foundations for making our work possible.
Our Community
The Bronx Conservatory of Music engages in developing audiences for fine music throughout the Bronx. The school provides free and low-priced concerts featuring faculty and guest artists to Bronx communities in partnership with churches, educational institutions, and community organizations.