Celebrating 120 Years of Music at Greenwich House
For 120 years, Greenwich House Music School (GHMS) has been a place where New Yorkers of all ages and backgrounds come together to learn, grow, and share the joy of music. Since our founding in 1905, we’ve nurtured generations of musicians, composers, teachers, and audiences—creating a lasting legacy in the heart of Greenwich Village.
This milestone year is a chance to honor our history, celebrate our community, and look forward to the future of music-making at GHMS.
Explore Our History
From our first music lessons 120 years ago to today, scroll the timeline to discover our journey highlighting key milestones, renowned faculty, and the countless students who have carried music into their lives.
Founder of Greenwich House, Mary Kingsbury Simkhovitch, begins a music education program in 1905 in the original Greenwich House buildings on Jones St. Before founding Greenwich House, Mrs. Simkhovitch had…
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In 1913, Greenwich House acquired 44 Barrow St for a separate music school and opened GHMS the following year in 1914.
The historic Greenwich House Theater began as a children’s theater in 1917, directed by Helen Murphy, offering classes and productions for the local community at 27 Barrow Street. In the…
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Succeeding Susan Dyer, concert pianist and lecturer Marion Rous became the Director of Greenwich House Music School in 1922. Rous was known for her lectures entitled “What Next in Music,”…
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In 1928, Greenwich House acquired 46 Barrow St. and renovated the two buildings so they could stand together. The building reopened in September 1929, one month before the stock market…
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Under the tutelage of Helen Murphy, Greenwich House’s Theater program takes off and attracts local children including Jason Robards, seen standing in the photo. One of her students, Kirk Douglas, expanded…
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In the 1940s, composer Maxwell Powers became the Director of GHMS where he facilitated performances by prominent contemporary composers and musicians like Henry Cowell, John Cage, Morton Subotnick, and Edgard Varèse. Powers was…
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In 1946, composer Frank Wigglesworth joined the Music School faculty, where he studied with avant-garde composer Edgard Varèse. Wigglesworth played both the violin and viola and began composing at the…
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Concert pianist German Diez joined GHMS as a piano faculty member in 1950 and became Chair of the piano department in 1968. Maestro Diez was born in Havana, Cuba on…
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Margaret Cramer begins teaching flute in 1972, and in 1983 starts working in the front office, eventually becoming the school’s Registrar- a position she still holds to this day!
Bobby Lopez At six years old, Robert Lopez began his piano studies at GHMS with pianist and educator Bennett Lerner and Maestro Diez. After earning a degree from Yale University,…
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B.C. was a founding member of the Coalition for Community Music Schools, and began the North River Chamber concert featuring contemporary composers and ensembles, such as Meredith Monk, David Behrman,…
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In the 1990s, Maestro Diez began a Master Class and Recital Series at GHMS which would run until his death in 2014. German Diez
Historically, Greenwich House Music School has employed a number of notable faculty including experimental composers Henry Cowell, Morton Subotnick, and Edgard Varese and more recently cellist Sam Reiner, jazz harpist…
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Greenwich House Music School’s (GHMS) adult woodwind ensemble, Dance Clarinets, began in 2010 by renowned jazz musician and GHMS faculty J.D. Parran. The ensemble consists of Music School students as…
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Rachel Black became Director in 2013 and led the school through the COVID-19 pandemic until the present day. In 2014, Rachel re-started the public school educational programs with PS 3, PS 41 and NYC Museum School, and created community programs…
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The Greenwich House Theater at 27 Barrow Street has been home to many historic productions since the building was erected in 1917. The Sanctuary Theater moved into the space after…
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Following the death of Maestro German Diez 2014 at the age of 90 (in his 64th year of teaching at Greenwich House Music School!), Dr. Sara Davis Buechner is named…
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This year, Greenwich House Music School celebrates 120 years of music lessons in the West Village. As we mark this huge milestone, we acknowledge what is likely our last school…
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Faculty Voices
Our dedicated teachers—many who’ve been with us for decades—will share their own stories about the joy of teaching and the impact of GHMS.
Join the Celebration
This anniversary is more than a look back—it’s a chance to make new memories together. Stay tuned for:
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Special anniversary concerts and events featuring alumni and current students.
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Community open houses with opportunities to reconnect.
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Online and in-person exhibits showcasing GHMS’ impact across the decades.
Community Reflections
Our greatest legacy is our community. Students, alumni, families, and faculty have shaped GHMS into what it is today. What does Greenwich House Music School mean to you? What’s your favorite memory or lesson learned here? How do you imagine GHMS evolving to continue to serve our students and communities moving forward? Submit your reflections below and join in the celebration.
Share Your Reflections about GH Music School
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