FMDG School appoints Dr. Rob Derke as Executive Director

NEW YORK, Sept. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Filomen M. D'Agostino Greenberg Music School (known as the FMDG Music School or "The Fil"), the leading community music school in the U.S. for individuals who are blind or visually impaired, is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Rob Derke as its next Executive Director.

"On behalf of the Board of the FMDG Music School, we are excited to announce Dr. Rob Derke as our new Executive Director after a national search," said Travis S. Howe, Board Chairman of the FMDG. "Rob is a mission-driven leader, bringing with him a breadth of experience in the arts, education, and music. His impressive track record in building vibrant communities and driving organizational growth in the music and arts sectors makes him an outstanding choice for this role. With his exceptional strategic vision and proven operational expertise, we are confident that Derke will lead us into an exciting new era of growth."

Derke brings 30 years of experience as a musician, educator, and nonprofit leader committed to access, excellence, and inclusion in arts education. A celebrated saxophonist, composer, and arts organization leader "at the forefront of redefining the future" (WABC TV), he most recently served as Director of Education at Lakehouse Music Academy in New Jersey.

Derke was also the longtime Executive Director of New York Jazz Initiative (NYJAZZ), a nonprofit organization dedicated to building and advancing musical learning communities through innovative programs, world-class performances, and community engagement. Under his leadership, NYJAZZ reached thousands of students and transformed K-12 and collegiate programs across the country, released acclaimed recordings like Blue Divide (celebrated for its emotional depth and inherent artistry), and forged high-profile partnerships with renowned venues, record labels, philanthropic funders, and public officials.

In addition to beginning his career teaching in NYC Public Schools and designing music programs for schools and districts across the NY Tri-State area, Derke has recorded and performed internationally with renowned jazz, classical, and world music artists, and is widely respected for championing accessibility in the arts for students.

He succeeds Dr. Leslie Jones, who, alongside colleague Dr. Dalia Sakas, provided decades of visionary and compassionate leadership. Together, they shepherded the school's transition to an independent nonprofit in 2019 and shaped FMDG into a nationally recognized model for inclusive music education.

"The board and I want to express our heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Leslie Jones and Dr. Dalia Sakas for their nearly three decades of exemplary leadership," added Howe. "Their visionary insight and steadfast dedication have elevated the school to be the premiere music organization in the country serving individuals who are visually impaired or blind. Thank you for crafting a legacy that will resonate for generations to come."

Derke will build on this extraordinary foundation, guiding the music school into its next chapter of growth and impact. This includes nurturing its current and future students and faculty as well as leveraging the school's expertise in music education for the visually impaired nationwide to schools, academies, and universities.

"Our programming will continue to focus on our school in New York City, and our latest efforts in educator development and accessible music education are transforming FMDG into a national organization that will make an indelible mark on arts education," said Derke. "I am thrilled to propel the FMDG mission forward and to contribute to a future where members of our learning community gain the tools that unleash their personal growth, professional development, and creative voices. These are key ingredients of their future success and their potential for rising to become future leaders."

In addition to his professional experience as an arts leader, published scholar, and practitioner, Derke holds degrees from Manhattan School of Music (BM), SUNY Purchase Conservatory of Music (MM), and Vanderbilt University's Peabody College of Education and Human Development (EdD).

He officially started on July 1, 2025.

The national search was conducted by DSG | Koya, in partnership with the FMDG Music School Board of Directors.

About Filomen M. D'Agostino Greenberg Music School
A celebrated community music school with 100 students aged five to ninety-five, The Filomen M. D'Agostino Greenberg Music School is dedicated to helping people pursue music in the context of living with challenges posed by vision loss. Since its inception, the nonprofit institution has helped more than 25,000 students. Among them are jazz piano prodigy Matthew Whitaker and Grammy Award-winning musician, singer-songwriter, and recording artist Jose Feliciano, in addition to children and young people enrolled in public and private schools, professional musicians, college-bound students, and people who wish to enrich their lives through lifelong learning in music in a structured and fun environment that allows for the achievement of excellence without limitations.

As the leading provider of large print and braille music, with the ability to customize and create braille transcriptions on demand, FMDG is a trusted resource for educators, students, and performers nationwide.

Press Contact
Jean Dardiz
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SOURCE The Filomen M. D’Agostino Greenberg Music School