Our story
Our Story
Christina—second from left. Linda—third from right (back wall)
In spring 2018…
two Wilmington women discussed their shared dream of bringing all different types of people together to create music and change lives.
Harpist Christina Brier and violinist Linda Estep have been playing music together since 1994 when they met in kindergarten and both began their music education. They grew up going to the same schools, playing violin in the same studios and orchestras, and sharing life experiences as part of an insular church community in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Throughout their middle and high school years they found connection with the community around them through their weekly participation in the Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra program. Music opened pathways for Christina and Linda including undergraduate and graduate school, travel and performance around the world, and lifelong friendships with musicians and colleagues. Music changed their lives.
As Christina and Linda matured into adulthood, their music studies provided them with emotional tools, mental resilience, and connection with their community. Their desire now is to share the gift of music with their own community—the Cape Fear Region of North Carolina.
In September, 2018 Linda and Christina launched the Brooklyn Arts Music Academy (BAMA) with their founding board members Patricia Kopchick, Tamara Smith, and Clark Spencer. Over the past five years the board has grown and so has the school. Brooklyn Arts Music Academy currently reaches over 130 students with individual music lessons and 450 students in its Music Is Life! program.