Born from a need for safety and community, the Adamant Music School urgently needs to restore its historic Heart, the Founder’s Piano Studio, so this refuge from its World War II roots again comes alive as a teaching sanctuary.

The school was created in the 1940s by Edwine Behre, who came to the United States to escape antisemitism in Germany. She found there was antisemitism here as well, and wanted to establish a community of safety for all, dedicated to the love of and study of piano. Edwine envisioned a summer retreat where pianists could study together in a vibrant, non-competitive environment. In 1942, she found that place in Adamant, Vermont - a tiny, unincorporated village that became home to a unique, rustic community of musicians. Over the past 80 years, Adamant has grown into a haven for pianists, with more than 40 pianos in individual cabins scattered throughout 200 acres of woods. Each summer, pianists gather here to immerse themselves in music, learning from one another and from some of the world’s most accomplished artists.

The school’s legacy includes masterclass teachers like Menahem Pressler, who fled Nazi Germany and became a beloved mentor at Adamant. For decades, renowned pianists have returned each summer to teach, perform, and inspire. Adamant’s strength has always been its faculty and the way teaching happens here: closely, generously, and with deep respect for each student. However, after the passing of a longtime benefactor, the school has faced serious financial challenges.

Today, Adamant is working to expand and recruit more faculty, but limited accommodations make this difficult. Edwine’s original studio—envisioned as both a museum and a teaching space—has an adjacent bedroom and bathroom, but it needs significant repairs to become habitable. Work has been stalled for over a year due to lack of funds. Completing this project will provide much-needed living and teaching space for faculty, help the school attract talented artists, and strengthen its mission of inclusivity and musical excellence. We are launching the Faculty Studio Fund to honor Adamant’s legacy and ensure it remains a place of safety, artistry, and community for generations to come.