A Message from Alumnus, Alex Estrella
“Bloomingdale had a huge impact on me. I was in the MAP program and studied with Naho Parrini. She embodied what a true mentor should be. From day one I told her my dream of being a professional violinist and although I had only been playing for 1 year she took my goals very seriously. She didn’t sugar coat how hard it would be to get to a high level in a just a few years but she did start crafting a custom plan for me to get me where I needed to go.”
“For context I started the violin at 14 and need to be ready for conservatory auditions by 17! At Bloomingdale I was able to take my playing to a high level and hold myself to a professional standard of preparation. I received chamber music experience and made a lot of friends through the MAP program. ”
“I was also lucky enough to get assistance in shooting my college audition tapes and even some support getting to the schools. I owe a great deal to the Bloomingdale school, who did this all for me free of charge; just because they saw something in me and believe that music should be accessible to everyone. I take that with me as a professional violinist entering a Masters in Violin Performance.”
“I currently teach students free of charge in Boston in underserved areas. I hope to continue that work for the rest of my career, to give back, along with my performance dreams; made possible in small large due to the gift I was given at Bloomingdale school of music and what I was able to learn. Thank you for doing what you do.” – Alex Estrella, Bloomingdale School of Music and MAP Alum
We love to hear from our alumni about their latest adventures and how Bloomingdale set them up for success. As we wrap up a very busy 60th anniversary year, we celebrate all that we have accomplished over the years and how far we’ve come.
But behind all that progress is a hard truth:
Arts education is being cut nationwide.
Funders and institutions we’ve relied on are shifting priorities.
Costs are rising — and so is the need.
This moment is very real. And Bloomingdale is not immune.
We need your help to keep the rhythm going.
We’re aiming to raise $25,000 by June 30 to keep tuition affordable, expand scholarships, and protect what we’ve built — so every student who wants to grow through music still can.
