1 person found this review helpful
Levine School of Music
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November 5, 2011
1 person found this review helpful
I am the Treasurer of the Levine School, chair of its finance committee, and a long-time board member. I would like to address two reviews below about the finances and management of the school.
First, regarding our 990, it is prepared by a reputable accounting firm in the Washington, DC, area and then reviewed by the finance committee, which includes CPAs who are familiar with non-profit accounting. The management of the school, our accountants, and the finance committee have always taken a conservative approach to our accounting and finances, and I therefore know that there is no misreporting in our filings.
Regarding executive compensation, we regularly benchmark it against other comparable nonprofits and have found that the salaries of the school's leadership is somewhat under that of these other organizations.
The Levine School brings joy to its students and makes a real difference in their lives as I know from my family's experience and from what I regularly see there. I am proud to be affiliated with the school.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
The pleasure being involved with music has brought to each member of my family
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
The school is great as is. No changes are needed.
May 17, 2011
My grandchildren have been taking classes and lessons at Levine School, and have loved it. They love the atmosphere of the school, its friendliness, and the expertise of their teachers. I appreciate the professionalism of the staff and particulary of senior staff. It is clearly a very well run institution. I am delighted that it is in our community and hope it continues to service the community for many years. I am also impressed that it services the community east of the river and provides scholarships for so many students.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
See above
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
I am not knowledgeable enough to answer this.
1 person found this review helpful
May 17, 2011
1 person found this review helpful
My family participates in many of Levine’s programs and it has been a great community for us to be affiliated with. My daughter looks forward to her weekly violin lesson and loves to practice at home, which was not the case with her previous teacher, and is a tribute to the fine teaching at Levine.
Levine has weathered the recession and has emerged poised for further growth due to strong management. I am impressed by the diverse offerings including new programs in Music Theater and Music Therapy. The School has a strong commitment to outreach efforts at their campus at THEARC in Southeast DC and through partnerships across the DC area to bring musical opportunities to all.
I am grateful for the experiences Levine provides for my family and we support Levine wholeheartedly.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
watching my children's interest in music be transformed at Levine.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
offer more weekend special programs for families.
More feedback...
How would you describe the help you got from this organization?
A lot
How likely are you to recommend this organization to a friend?
Definitely
How do you feel you were treated by this organization?
Very Well
How did you find this group?
Through a business contact.
What, if any, change in your life has this group encouraged?
Levine has taught my children to love music and is a big part of our family life.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
1 person found this review helpful
May 12, 2011
1 person found this review helpful
Upon reviewing Levine School of Music's 990, I found a significant error which results in a material underreporting of Management and General expenses. I have never seen anything like this before on the hundreds of 990's I have reviewed. Under other expenses, Levine labels $1,649,094 as Management and General expense, but erroneously categorizes it as a Program Service expense. Then they conveniently subtract 1,814,986 from column C titled Management and General Expense. The definition of Management and General is supporting services which are all the activities other than program services. If these Management and General expenses were properly categorized under the Management and General column, then Levine's re-computed administrative and fundraising (overhead) rate is 39%, which is double their reported rate. Also, Levine lists all their investment management fees under program service expense which is not allowable per the IRS regulations. The OPM, which oversees the Combined Federal Campaign, advise donors that "an administrative and fundraising rate in excess of 35% is considered high by many in the philanthropic community". I find their 990 to be extremely misleading.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
990
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
have staff familiarize themselves with GAAP and IRS Regs
April 17, 2011
Levine truly lives out its mission of excellence in all its programs and accessibility for students of all ages, levels of ability and financial situation. It's a delicate balance to offer programs to challenge the highest level of performers and serve beginners of all ages, and the secret is the faculty. They are a wonderful professional teacher/performers and the school is well-managed. It is a great community resource.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I have been a student at Levine, and had a great experience in both private voice study and music theater classes. In addition, I have been involved at the school since the early 1990s in various ways. I have worked with numerous non-profits as a consultant and board member, so I have a good basis for comparison.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Help it spread its impact to more kids in the DC public schools.
April 14, 2011
I was on the Levine Board for over 20 years and remain actively involved with various matters. Peter Jablow, the current CEO, is a dynamic leader who carefully manages the school's educational and outreach programs, while encouraging the development of new offerings and attracting world reknown musicians to participate in the school's master classes. The school's finances are sound, enrollment has rebounded (and exceeds 3000 students area-wide). I have great confidence in the school and will happily continue to contribute both my time and my money to this organization. Toni
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Personally experienced the results of this organization as a Board member and advisor to the school
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Nothing specific
April 14, 2011
The Levine School of Music is an outstanding community music school that I have followed for its entire 35 year history and to which I have contributed for many years in large part because of its very strong commitment to making music lessons and performances available to everyone, regardless of ability to pay. Levine has incredibly strong leadership, wonderful faculty and a dedicated board. It is a vibrant and strong community institution.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
The positive results of this school are evident in the musical proficiency of its students, the obvious enjoyment they get from music, the growth of its student population of all ages, and the expansion of its locations in the DC metro area.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Preserve all that is so very good and ensure continued growth and expansion to serve the needs of the community
April 8, 2011
I was thinking about donating to this organization until I saw data on their latest 990 for Levine School of Music's executive compensation and losses they continually experience. The CEO, Peter Jablow, at this small local music school with revenues of only 7.6 million, is paid $229,363 annually which is higher than any county executive in the state of Maryland. The VP for Development, Stanley Spracker, earns $172,015 while the organization has lost over 1 million in the last two years. They claim to "enrich the lives of both performers and audiences"- I would also add unduly enrich their top executives.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
reviewing their 990
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
review executive compensation and balance their budget
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