The Patricia F. Robinson Music School in Bed-Stuy may look similar to the other brownstones on the quiet block, but what happens inside is nothing short of magic. Extraordinary music, education, laughter and dedication permeate the building, continuing the school’s nearly 100-year-old practice.
At the front of the organization is Patricia F. Robinson herself, the owner of the school. Her mother, L. Elsie Graham, founded the school in 1930. As a music teacher, Graham taught Robinson to play piano as a child. Shortly after opening the school, Robinson began teaching adults. At the time, she was only nine years old.
“I think we have a presence in the community that's important,” Robinson said.
Robinson, known as “Pat,” is still teaching students to this day. She’s a matriarchal figure, giving occasional but firm reminders to her students to take a bow, smile or even pull up their pants.
“She has a very motherly role, kind of like a grandma,” said Kurtlyn Ifill, a student at the school. “She just treats all the kids that come here as though they're her own kids.”
Beyond learning chords and melodies, students at the school gain valuable life experience as well.
“Being exposed to performing in public and then having the discipline to learn a song, practice and execute… All of those skills that you use later on in life, even if you don't continue in the music industry,” said Kristen Hakuta, the mother of two music students.
Hakuta sent her kids to the music school after attending the school herself as a child. Hakuta’s mother also attended the school, rounding out to three generations of music school alumni, all learning under Robinson.
The day BK Reader visited the school, the kids were preparing for the school’s 93rd Annual Music Recital. Robinson hired orchestral accompaniment to play with the children, the only music school in Bed-Stuy to do this.
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