The Andrew W Mellon Foundation has donated USD2.5m (€2.15m) to create the Boston Bridge to Equity and Achievement in Music (BEAM). BEAM will give top music tuition to middle and high school students from underrepresented communities in Boston.
Each year 60-75 students will receive private instrumental lessons, chamber music coaching, music theory classes, individual advising and mentorship. They will also get to perform with ensembles through BEAM. Project partners are the New England Conservatory of Music (NEC), Boston Youth Symphony Orchestras, Community Music Center of Boston, Project STEP, and the Boston Symphony Orchestra.
“With a strong commitment to diversity, equity, excellence and inclusion, each partner brings unique capabilities and experience to the collaboration,” said Rebecca Bogers, dean and director of the NEC Preparatory School. “It’s been inspiring to work with all the Boston partners and with the Mellon Foundation for more than a year to develop the BEAM programme, and I look forward to the continued work ahead with the students who will change the landscape of young classical musicians in Boston and beyond.”
The grant will support the project’s first 45 months, with the first class of students beginning in autumn 2019.