In January 2007 the Philharmonic administrative staff moved into new office spaces in East Providence. The campus at 667 Waterman Avenue included 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 and 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 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 music-therapy lab
• A digital recording/composition and keyboard studio
• A recording studio for student and professional use
• A lounge space for students, faculty and parents
• 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
• Secure, free parking
• Wi-Fi enabled family lounge

The Music School can now:

• more than double the number of children, youth and adults enrolled in the Music School and community partnerships over the next ten years, from 1,600 to 4,500
• increase access to both in-school and after-school opportunities for children and youth from low to moderate income families
• achieve a four-fold increase in the number of adult students, from 100 to 500 through a variety of adult education opportunities
• expand our Music Therapy program through collaboration with various health centers and schools
• offer instruction between 9:00 am and 9:00 pm on weekdays
• more ensembles can practice simultaneously
• showcase students, faculty and professionals
• We have the largest equipped facility for studio instruction in the state
• Orchestra rehearsals can take place in our performance halls