The Carter Center for Music Education & Performance

The Carter Center building includes:

• Two state-of-the-art rehearsal/performance halls
• Two multi-purpose classrooms that can accommodate ensemble rehearsals
• Thirty-one studios for individual and small group instruction
• A Wi-Fi enabled lounge space for students, parents and faculty
• A post-event space for recitals and concerts
• A new Orchestra Box Office and Music School registration area
• Early Childhood, Suzuki & Music Therapy wing
• Jazz, Rock, Blues & Percussion wing
• Free and ample parking

In the Beginning

In January 2007, the Philharmonic administrative staff moved into new offices in East Providence. The campus at 667 Waterman Avenue includes seven acres and two buildings: a 51,000-square-foot building constructed in 1958 and a 9,000-square-foot building that was added in 1988. A reception and registration area joins the two buildings. We have been able to use the 1988 building almost “as is” for Philharmonic Orchestra & Music School administrative offices. The 1958 building, through major renovations, opened in September 2008 as the Carter Center. The result is the best community music center in New England.

The

Music

School

  • Serves thousands of children, youth and adults enrolled in the Music School and Community Partnerships Programs.
  • Has increased access to both in-school and after-school opportunities for children and youth from low- to moderate- income families.
  • Offers a variety of adult education opportunities.
  • Has a robust Music Therapy program serving individuals and collaborating with other community organizations.
  • Offers a fully virtual model for distance learning.
  • Hosts RI Philharmonic Orchestra rehearsals and other large community ensembles in our performance halls.
  • Operates with extended hours: Monday – Thursday from 9:00am to 9:00pm, Friday from 9:00am-7:00pm and Saturday 8:00am to 5:00pm.
  • Boasts 31,000 square feet of learning space, the largest in the state, ensuring that multiple ensembles, students, and teachers of all instruments may rehearse and practice simultaneously.