September 15, 2025

Empowering individuals of all ages

to pursue their interest and study of music

 while addressing the challenges posed by vision loss.

New Executive Director - Dr. Robert Derke

We’d like to welcome Dr. Rob Derke as our new Executive Director!

Rob is a mission-driven leader with an impressive track record of building vibrant learning communities in the arts, education, and music. He brings 30 years of experience as a musician, educator, and nonprofit leader who is widely respected for championing accessibility in the arts for students of all ages and abilities. A celebrated saxophonist, composer, published researcher, and arts organization leader “at the forefront of redefining the future” (WABC TV), Rob most recently served as Director of Education at Lakehouse Music Academy (New Jersey), and he was the longtime Executive Director of New York Jazz Initiative (NYJAZZ), a nonprofit organization dedicated to building and advancing musical learning communities reaching thousands of students nationwide.

In addition to beginning his career teaching in NYC Public Schools and designing music programs for schools and districts across the NY Tri-State area, Rob has recorded and performed internationally with multiple Grammy winners and preeminent artists in jazz, classical, and world music while displaying a “wealth of ideas and inherent artistry” (JazzTimes). Along with the leadership, educational, and artistic experience that he brings to FMDG Music School, Rob holds degrees from Manhattan School of Music (BM), SUNY Purchase Conservatory of Music (MM), and Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College of Education and Human Development (EdD).

A Message From Rob

As I step into my role as FMDG's Executive Director, it has been thrilling to witness the profound impact of your generosity, support, and friendship as we welcome students to the beginning of what will be an exciting year ahead. You are such an important part of a movement that’s redefining what's possible at the intersection of accessibility and arts education as our work continues to welcome students into our thriving musical community here at FMDG. The warm welcome I’ve received reflects the joy I feel for what we will accomplish with your continued support and our shared commitment to increasing our impact on students in New York and across the country. Most importantly, we are just getting started with our work together! There is a lot in store for us, so stay tuned for some exciting announcements and events, and until then, I look forward to another academic year as our faculty and staff continue to make an indelible mark on every member of the FMDG family.

The Cutting Edge

FMDG is one of the first music schools in the U.S. to use the Monarch, a multi-line braille and tactile graphics device. This puts FMDG Music School at the cutting edge of accessible music education. Students can follow multiple music staves at once and rehearse complex scores just like their sighted peers.

Staff and faculty members Pablo Rodriquez and Daniel Gillen are now certified to use the Monarch device. We're thrilled that students can benefit from this as Pablo applies his knowledge to his work as the Associate Director of Education and Music Accessibility

Pablo also recently completed Music Braille Certification through the Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired. Pablo joins a number of other faculty members who are able to share their braille music expertise as a valuable part of the FMDG student experience. 

Alumni to Perform in Paris

New Music Release

Congratulations to faculty member Anthony Vine for his recent release of Reliquary Grammar.

Reliquary Grammar (Celestial Excursions) marks Anthony’s first solo album since 2017’s Remnants (Galtta). This new album lets us hear Anthony's "characteristic melancholic sound and acoustic acuity swing capriciously into new and unexpected stylistic worlds."

You can stream the entire album, as well as purchase tapes and digital downloads, at bandcamp.com.

We are very proud of our accomplished and eclectic faculty!

Accessibility in Higher Education

The FMDG Music School is excited to announce a new project called "Defining Music Accessibility in Higher Education," led by our two Emeritus Directors Dr. Leslie Jones and Dr. Dalia Sakas.


The goal of this project is to provide equitable access to a comprehensive music program that positions low-vision students for success as they enroll in music-related degree programs in higher education and prepare to embark on their careers.

Our project will lead to systemic change by providing faculties, administrators, and disability officers with guidelines and tools to assist students with vision loss.

FMDG would like to thank the Lavelle Fund for the Blind, the Edwin Caplin Foundation, New York Community Trust, and Reader's Digest Partners for Sight Foundation for funding this groundbreaking initiative.

Did You Know?

According to the National Foundation of the Blind, only 29% of people with vision loss in the US attend college.

However, more than twice as many FMDG alumni attend college as compared to the national average of people with vision loss. 

Approximately 65% of FMDG Music School alumni have studied in colleges, universities, and music conservatories across the county, including New York University, Syracuse University School of Law, and The Juilliard School.

The opportunities that your support provides are not limited to music. We help to build strong individuals who can advocate for their needs, dream big, and reach their true potential.

Save the Dates!


Mark your calendars

for 2025-2026

signature events!


Details to follow as we approach each concert and event.

Thursday, December 11 - Adult Chorus Caroling in NYC

Local to NYC? Meet the adult chorus at various Manhattan locations for holiday cheer! An annual tradition to ring in the festive season.

Saturday, March 14 - Annual Performathon

Adults and kids come together for a wonderful afternoon of performances to raise money for their beloved FMDG! This event is open to the public and live-streamed.

Saturday, April 18 - Celebrate our 25th Fil at the Met Concert

The highlight concert of the year! Join us at The Metropolitan Museum of Art for an evening of beautiful music and accessible artwork as we present a concert celebrating the theme of Family. Attend in person or watch online.

The full calendar of events can be found here. 

Your support and friendship is very important to us.

There are a number of ways to provide support. Learn how here and make a donation today!


Thank you for being

a Friend of the Fil!

FMDGmusicschool.org