| Dear friends and supporters, We are well under way in our third year of operation. This year marks a cornerstone in the development of our institute with the recent 501(c)3 status that was granted to us by the Government. This officially recognizes the Academy as a charitable foundation and allows us to benefit from resources made available through corporations and foundations for the advancement of the arts and art education. Additionally, this opens the door for any individual or organization to make a contribution to the New York Piano Academy who may then write it off as an expense on their tax returns. We would like to thank our friends, supporters and trusted adviser Simona DeFeo for working with us on planning the expansion of the academy and raising the necessary resources for those efforts. Look for more news in that area in upcoming newsletters. On a personal note, I wanted to share with you some news involving my career as a performer. Together with longtime collaborator, bassist, and former owner of 32 Records, Robert Miller, I just finished recording an album with a group we formed this year called Project Grand Slam. The record was produced by the legendary Grammy Award winning producer Frank Filipetti. The group includes two of New York’s most gifted and accomplished musicians: Gilad Ronen – Saxophone, and Ron Thaler – Drums. Watch our video introducing the band and the music below. |
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We hope to see you all in our upcoming student and alumni recital on
December 13 in the church’s auditorium. You will hear dedicated students at
different levels, some of whom won top prizes in competitions throughout the year, and
graduates who are paving their way and establishing impressive careers in the music
world in the US and internationally. We wish you and your families a happy holiday season, full of joy and good music. Warm regards – Haim Cotton Director of Jazz Program |