June Nonprofit Spotlight: Dedham School of Music

Dedham School of Music Logo

Dedham School of Music provides an environment for people of all ages, ability and means to learn, play and enjoy music. It offers music instruction to almost 200 students in Dedham and surrounding towns; classes and ensembles, such as the Dedham Community Band; free drop-in Bluegrass jams twice monthly; and also supports a variety of local live music performances

The school first opened its doors in 2008 to provide affordable after-school music instruction when budget cuts had eliminated instrumental music from local public elementary schools. By 2017, it had begun an after-school band program in schools. Today, the school has become part of the fabric of the community, partnering with local programs such as Dedham Housing Authority, Dedham Public Library, and local senior centers. 

The school’s music instruction includes private lessons and classes for a wide variety of instruments as well as voice. This summer, students can take music lessons for familiar instruments such the violin, saxophone, trumpet, guitar and piano, to name a few.  But they can also find instruction for the euphonium, marimba, and ukulele.  Or one can choose to study music history, theory, or composition.

In addition to private lessons and classes, the school supports several ensembles that gather and perform regularly, including The Dedham Community Band and two Bluegrass groups that jam monthly. The school also takes part in a variety of local performances, such as a First Friday Classical and Jazz concert series during the school year, and the Bluegrass Jam Band and Community Band, performing this June at the Endicott Estate in Dedham.

Dedham School of Music Student Performance

As it has grown and expanded its mission, the organization has stayed true to its original goal of making music accessible, with twenty percent of students receiving financial aid.  The school provides enrichment opportunities for Dedham-area families with low incomes through its free Singing Alive program and other classes at the Dedham Housing Authority residences. As a member of the Mass Cultural Council's Card to Culture Program, the school also offers tuition discounts for eligible adults and families enrolling in lessons, classes and ensembles, as well as those wishing to purchase tickets to events. 

Currently participating in the latest cohort of Nonprofit Net's Leadership Acceleration Program, Dedham School of Music’s Executive Director Jody Pongratz looks forward to continuing to cultivate an environment where people of all ages and abilities come together to discover and experience the joy of diversity, creative expression, and community.