New Executive Director – Dr. Robert Derke
FMDG Music School welcomes Dr. Robert 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).