History
Hoff-Barthelson Music School was founded in 1944 by Virginia Hoff and Joyce Barthelson, two gifted musicians who believed that music and the skills needed to perform it should be available to everyone. Established with a few students in a small Hartsdale home, Hoff-Barthelson grew under their skilled direction into a sizeable institution for which they and the Board of Trustees purchased and renovated the Scarsdale Inn in 1970-1971. The vibrant legacy of Hoff and Barthelson was nurtured under Mary Helton, whose skilled guidance from 1972-1999 enabled the institution to develop into a major educational and cultural center.Under current Executive Director Joan Behrens Bergman, the School has supplemented its studio teaching space with an adjacent annex, Helton House, increased student enrollment, and added significantly to its distinguished faculty, comprehensive programming and vibrant curriculum. A Music Technology Lab was created that is unique to community music schools in Westchester County. The Music School remains committed to the original vision of an institution dedicated to uncompromising standards of music education.
Above: Flutist Carol Wincenc in a 2010 appearance with the Festival Orchestra.
