Arts and Entertainment Bedford-Stuyvesant

Bed-Stuy music studio to celebrate 100th birthday of longtime teacher

March 19, 2014 Brooklyn Daily Eagle

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L. Elsie Cumberbatch Graham (1914-1999) was a beloved music teacher and mentor who for decades taught piano, voice and organ in the Bedford-Stuyvesant community. On March 23, former music students and members of the youth and juniors of Mu-Te-Or (the Brooklyn Branch of the National Association of Negro Musicians) will celebrate Graham’s 100th birthday at the Patricia F. Robinson Music Studio (590 Madison Street, between Lewis at Stuyvesant Avenues, at 4 p.m.)

In addition to teaching in Bed-Stuy since 1930, Graham founded and conducted three choirs (youth, adult and men’s). Her love and devotion to her students helped to develop many musicians, as well as other professionals.

Patricia F. Robinson is the daughter of Graham, who worked with her while she was alive and has continued the music school, expanding the organization to include all instruments, modeling and photography. Both Graham and Robinson are responsible for numerous concerts, choirs and for developing students ages three and up, helping to hone their skills. What is now called the Patricia F. Robinson Music Studio has been serving the community consistently since 1930.