The Levine School of Music: Its position in comparison with its mission goals from 1976 to 1986

The Levine School of Music has developed a strong mission and set of goals for all its components, such as fund-raising activities and programming. Since its establishment in 1976, the school has experienced dramatic growth, from forty students to over five hundred students in 1986. This rapid growth placed more demands on the school's programming, its staff and fund-raising activities, and affected the existing administrative structure, financial base, and the role of its board of trustees. Research for the thesis was based on information gathered in interviews with the school's founders, staff and faculty members, and board of trustees. Printed materials, such as releases, newsletters, financial records, and curriculum brochures, were also useful resources. The results of this thesis reveal that, from 1976 to 1986, the Levine School of Music made tremendous strides in many areas, such as in attaining spacious housing, expanding fund-raising and programming activities, and in modifying board and staff structure. However, if the school is to retain the top position among Washington's music schools and realize its mission and goals, it needs to further develop in these areas, including long-range planning activities, and monitor its competition.