Harlem School of the Arts

Harlem School of the Arts (HSA) in Harlem, New York was founded in 1964 by soprano Dorothy Maynor, and offers its programs to students of all ages. Mezzo-soprano Betty Allen succeeded Maynor as President in 1979 when a new 37,000 square foot facility designed by Ulrich Franzen was completed. Other Presidents include Allicia Adams, Camille Akjeu, and Daryl Durham. In August 2015, new President and CEO, Eric G. Pryor, was named.

According to its website, the mission of the Harlem School of the Arts is "to enrich the lives of children and their families in the Harlem community and beyond, through exposure to and instruction in the arts." In 2005, the school was among 406 New York City arts and social service institutions to receive part of a $20 million grant from the Carnegie Corporation, which was made possible through a donation by New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

Harlem School of the Arts was able to weather the financial crisis experienced in 2010, and stabilize its fiscal position due to a generous gift of 6 million dollars from the Herb Alpert Foundation. Now HSA stands poise to implement sustainable business model, under the leadership of Board Chairman Charles J. Hamilton, Jr., Esq., Vice Chair Janice Savin Williams, and newly appointed President, Eric G. Pryor. This notable performing arts institution celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2015.

The school offers courses in four disciplines; music, theatre, visual arts, and dance. Courses in music include classical, jazz, gospel, R & B, electronic and world music. Dance courses including ballet, modern, ethnic, jazz, and tap dance. In addition to theater classes, the visual art department offers courses which include sculpture, and photography (digital and film).

The school's students are of diverse cultural backgrounds, and tuition is relatively inexpensive in contrast to similar educational institutions in the United States. HSA provides financial aid on a first-come, first-served basis through the generous donations on the Herb Alpert Foundation and other generous benefactors.

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