Meet Our Founders

Robin and Peggy Abraham met while they were both music students at The Juilliard School in New York City. They moved to San Antonio in 1954 when Robin won an audition to play in the cello section of the San Antonio Symphony. Another of Robin's early jobs in San Antonio was as the cellist in a trio, led by pianist Joe Morin, which played regularly in the lobby of the St. Anthony Hotel. Peggy, a pianist and organist, played for several Christian Science churches over the course of her career and was also active as a collaborative pianist, including accompanying violinist Leopold LaFosse, a former concertmaster of the San Antonio Symphony. Peggy and Robin also frequently performed with each other.

Both of them continued studying and learning, with Robin branching out as a violinist; one of his teachers was Alfio Pignotti, another former concertmaster of the San Antonio Symphony. Robin played several seasons as a violinist in the Austin Symphony. He also studied cello at The University of Texas at Austin with Paul Olefsky, who coached Robin and Peggy on two recital programs. Robin has also played and taught viola, bass, and piano. Peggy was active for a number of years as a duo-pianist in the Tuesday Musical Club, and she also studied privately with Karl Leifheit, then the San Antonio Symphony pianist. She later earned her master's degree in piano performance at Trinity University, again under the tutelage of Mr. Leifheit.

Very soon after moving to San Antonio, Peggy and Robin started teaching music, first in the San Antonio Independent School District, and then privately as well. Their first studio was Highland Park Music Studio on the south side of San Antonio. In 1973 they moved, and their new location was subsequently known as Northside Music School. They both taught until well into their 90s. They have also both been active members of the San Antonio Music Teachers Association, each serving in many capacities, including as President: Robin's term was from 1967 to 1969, and Peggy's term was from 1981 to 1983. They have been honored for their years of excellence in teaching by both SAMTA and Musical Bridges Around the World and have earned the gratitude of countless former students, some of whom have gone on to professional careers in music.