Craigie Zildjian is representative of a new generation of women who have only recently begun to play a stronger role in the music industry. As the Chief Executive Officer of the 375 year old Avedis Zildjian Company, she is uniquely positioned to take the world’s leading cymbal maker into the 21st Century. Craigie became the first female member of the family to join the Zildjian Company 22 years ago when her grandfather Avedis hired her to be Personnel Manager. She succeeds her father as Chief Executive Officer.

As part of a music family, Craigie has a unique perspective on the industry and a commitment to the arts. She is also actively involved in providing support for outstanding female musicians at Berklee College of Music. "As a trustee at Berklee, I am amazed at the outstanding musical talent there. I am equally impressed with the increasing number of women who are excelling in all areas of the college," observed Zildjian.

Motivated by her desire to provide financial support for outstanding female musicians and her admiration for Berklee alum Terri Lyne Carrington, one of the first women drummers to reach a level of excellence where gender became irrelevant, Craigie recently made a gift to establish to the first endowed fund specifically designated to support outstanding female musicians at Berklee.

"I want to make a difference at Berklee. I have been inspired by Terri Lyne Carrington who was awarded a full scholarship at Berklee when she was 11 years old. She has gone on to an incredibly successful career working with some of greatest names in jazz and modern music. I am establishing this fund to encourage young female musicians to reach their full potential. I know many others share my commitment and I welcome them to invest in this fund as a tangible way to provide an outstanding opportunity for a young woman at Berklee, " says Zildjian.

Noted Marjorie O’Malley, Assistant Vice President for Institutional Advancement: "This is the first fund established at Berklee specifically for women. We are absolutely delighted that Craigie Zildjian has stepped forward to recognize the outstanding talent we have here and to provide support for young women here at Berklee. This is a fund that will have wide spread support throughout the Berklee community."

For more information about supporting Women in Music, e-mail Marjorie O'Malley or see the Contacts for Giving page.