Boston Conservatory and the Sphinx Organization Join Forces to Make Classical Education Accessible
Violinists from Sphinx Performance Academy rehearse in Seully Hall at Boston Conservatory.
Mariela Lemus
In a new collaboration aimed at expanding access to classical music education, Boston Conservatory at Berklee hosted the Sphinx Organization’s two-week summer intensive for musicians aged 11 to 17, the Sphinx Performance Academy, from June 16 to 29. With dual goals of excellence and diversity, this full-scholarship educational program serves young string players from throughout the United States, providing private lessons, master classes with college-level instructors, and mentorship for Black and Latinx youth from communities where classical music education is hard to come by.
The Sphinx Performance Academy session at Boston Conservatory welcomed 24 students from 16 different states, including California, Michigan, Florida, Texas, Illinois, and New York. The majority traveled from across the country to attend, according to Ana Abrantes, director of education for the academy. Students lived on campus for two weeks in June, getting a taste of Boston Conservatory studies while working on chamber, orchestra, and solo repertoire for violin, viola, cello, and bass.
During a series of afternoon master classes, Sphinx Academy students worked directly with several of Boston Conservatory’s accomplished string faculty, including cellist Patrice Jackson and violinists Lynn Chang and Saul Bitran.
A Sphinx Academy violinist practices with a student chamber group.
Mariela Lemus
Associate Professor Patrice Jackson assists a student cellist with his bow grip.
Mariela Lemus
A Sphinx Academy cellist reacts to feedback from Patrice Jackson.
Mariela Lemus
Professor Lynn Chang (right) works with a student violinist during a master class.
Mariela Lemus
Sphinx Performance Academy cellists rehearse in Seully Hall.
Mariela Lemus
Associate Professor Saul Bitran (left) works with students in a chamber music master class.
Ana Abrantes
A Sphinx Performance Academy string quartet awaits their dress rehearsal.
Mariela Lemus
Natara Gray (left), assistant dean of admissions, speaks with academy students.
Mariela Lemus
The new partnership with Sphinx “just makes sense,” said Michael Shinn, executive director for Boston Conservatory. “Our two institutions are kindred spirits in the sense that we both are creating new norms in classical music and challenging the status quo by asking important questions: What is considered standard concert repertoire? And who is represented on stage?” he said.
Inclusivity begins with education—and the earlier the better, said Natara Gray, Berklee’s assistant dean of admissions, who partnered with Abrantes to bring Sphinx Performance Academy to Boston Conservatory.
“I believe in building foundational and trustworthy relationships, particularly in communities that are historically underrepresented and underserved,” Gray said. “When you start at younger ages, you’re able to establish that trust and also build pathways for people to feel supported, so they’re able to pursue a career in music.”
The collaboration between Sphinx and Boston Conservatory will continue, with plans for the academy to return in summer 2026 and 2027.
“It’s been a joy to witness these incredibly talented young musicians from across the country come together and grow in such a vibrant, supportive environment,” Abrantes said.
