The Carter Center for Music Education

East Providence, RI

The Carter Center for Music Education represents a significant event in the history of the Rhode Island Philharmonic. The acquisition of this former school for children with special needs represents the first cohesive physical presence of the combined Orchestra and Music School. The transformation of the existing internalized, mid-century structure into an open and light-filled celebration of music is an allegory for the transformation of an organization using borrowed and found space into a prominent public asset for the city and state.

The educational offerings presented by The Music School are comprehensive and the facilities strive to create a regional center of excellence. Thirty new studios allow the School to offer private, after-school instruction in all instruments, while Suzuki and Early Childhood programs offer pre-elementary and family learning opportunities. Four rehearsal spaces of varying sizes can accommodate a range of activities including youth and professional orchestra rehearsals and chamber and soloist performances.

All of the spaces have been designed to provide the required acoustical isolation and appropriate level of liveliness.

Steven Ehlbeck was designer and project architect with William Kite Architects