Music as a Second Language

Robert M. Abramson was a celebrated musician, composer, pianist, and master teacher. He was known for his deep influence on students at the Juilliard School, Manhattan School of Music, and at workshops, where he used the Dalcroze method to engage his students’ bodies, minds, and spirits. Born in Philadelphia, Abramson showed early musical promise and later studied at Peabody Conservatory. He began performing in 1949 and worked with folk musicians like Jean Ritchie and Oscar Brand, while composing for theater, ballet, and film. From 1952 to 1954, he conducted the U.S. Army Orchestra, Band, and Chorus, earning first prize in the U.S. Army Talent Competition. After his military service, he pioneered Dalcroze teaching methods in early childhood music education. In the 1960s, Abramson earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Manhattan School of Music and became a global music education leader. In 1975, he received the prestigious diplôme supérieur from the Institut Jaques-Dalcroze in Geneva. He founded the Manhattan School of Music Summer Dalcroze Institute, training teachers who continue his legacy worldwide.