For over six decades, teaching artist Grace Feldman has been instrumental in shaping the musical journey of countless students at Neighborhood Music School. Her dedication spans from introducing preschoolers to the viola da gamba to mentoring pre-teen and teenage members of the Baroque Ensemble, as well as guiding the devoted adult participants of the Never Too Late ensemble. Grace's studio is a haven where everyone is welcomed with warmth, respect, and, true to her name, grace.
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ABOUT GRACE
Grace holds a BA from Brooklyn College and an MM from Yale, she has also taught at the New England Conservatory, Wesleyan University, Hartt School of Music, and Wellesley College. A seasoned performer, she has played with New York Pro Musica Viol Consort, NY Trio Da Camera, and the New England Consort, and is a member of the Playford Consort. Her recordings span Vanguard, Decca, Revels, and HMS, and she is the author of The Golden Viol: A Method for the Bass Viola da Gamba, an 11-volume series.
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Grace’s impact extends far beyond accolades—step into her studio, and you’ll find more than just a lesson; you’ll find a community. She has guided students from their first notes at age five through high school graduation, taught entire families across generations, and fostered a space where music is played for the sheer joy of it. Many of her adult students have studied with her for over 35 years, a testament to her dedication, warmth, and enduring love for teaching.
Now, Grace is opening her doors in a new way—by holding office hours for her colleagues. These meetings will be a space for NMS teaching artists to ask questions, share challenges, and seek guidance. Whether teachers are looking for pedagogic strategies, advice on student growth, or just a listening ear, Grace is eager to support and mentor her colleagues.
Her goal is to create a space where teachers feel comfortable asking questions and seeking support, whether it’s about student challenges, lesson pacing, or selecting the right repertoire. She hopes to offer helpful suggestions on goal-setting for students, introducing music reading and rhythm, and adjusting lesson plans to fit each student’s unique needs. Office hours will also be an opportunity to discuss connecting students with NMS ensembles and programs, as well as navigating logistical aspects like scheduling, recitals, and school policies.
“Each student is unique,” Grace says. “We set different goals and seek to learn each student’s individual speed of learning and grasping new musical ideas. It’s about figuring out how to introduce rhythm, melody, and sight-reading at the right time, how to encourage confidence, and how to help a student step forward.” Her office hours will be a place to explore these ideas together, to problem-solve, and to celebrate the shared work of inspiring and guiding students.
We’re thrilled for this next undertaking, where Grace will once again welcome her friends and colleagues with the warmth and wisdom that have made her such a beloved part of NMS for over six decades.
P.S. - Today (March 17) is Grace's birthday—Happy Birthday, Grace!
