A $1.7 million estate gift will help expand access to music education for Cincinnati-area students while honoring the legacy of Ben Carlson-Berne, a young musician whose commitment to serving children through classical music continues decades after his death.
The gift, from his parents, Phil Berne and Susan Carlson, along with Ben's cousin, David Berne, establishes the Ben Carlson-Berne Endowed Fund for CCM Prep at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, according to a community announcement. The endowment will support private music lessons and other opportunities for students with demonstrated financial need.
Carlson-Berne developed a love of music at an early age, beginning with keeping time to songs heard on car rides before
moving on to piano lessons and a growing interest in classical music. As a student at Wyoming High School, that passion became a defining part of his life.
Inspired by a community service project, Carlson-Berne sought to introduce classical music to children through the former Arts Consortium in downtown Cincinnati. His efforts expanded beyond lessons to helping students gain access to instruments.
"He said, 'the kids want to learn how to play piano and they can’t practice because they don’t have a piano, so we need to get them pianos," Susan Carlson said. "We would get donated pianos from people, and I would rent a U-Haul, and we would push them into people’s apartments downtown."
Carlson-Berne died in a hiking accident in 2002 at age 19.
Two years later, his parents established a scholarship fund that provided private music lessons to children and teenagers through local nonprofit organizations.
Scholarship moves to CCM Prep
The scholarship program recently moved under the umbrella of CCM Prep at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, allowing the effort to continue in perpetuity through the new endowment.
CCM Prep offers music, dance and theatre arts programs for people of varying ages and abilities, including classes for adults, young children, teenagers and students preparing for careers in the performing arts.
"It’s the perfect home for the scholarship," Susan Carlson said.
The scholarship differs from many arts awards because it is based on financial need rather than talent. Recipients may continue receiving assistance through high school graduation.
"We’re helping kids appreciate beautiful music and art," Phil Berne said, "showing them what it takes to be excellent in any field."
According to the announcement, about 400 Cincinnati Public Schools students have benefited from the scholarship since it began. University officials said the impact is expected to grow as the endowment increases.
Students carry the legacy forward
Among the scholarship recipients is Adolphus McCullum, a percussionist who began private lessons at age 7 and is now a rising senior at the School for Creative and Performing Arts.
His achievements include recognition from the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and the Ohio Music Education Association, along with participation in solo and ensemble competitions.
"My plans for my future are to go to college for marching band and major in music and computer science," McCullum said. "I want to be a head section leader for the drum line, and I want to become a music teacher and teach percussion to middle school and high school students."
His sister, Allyssa Early-McCullom, also received scholarship support. After earning degrees from UC Blue Ash and Full Sail University, she now works as a violist.
"It’s been a joy working with Phil and Susan," Sharon Early-McCullom said. "They have made sure my kids have private lessons so they can play for the rest of their lives. Ben’s life continues because of what his mother and father are doing for other students."
A living legacy
At the time of his death, Carlson-Berne was studying piano performance and international studies at the University of Wisconsin.
His parents describe him as someone who loved art, beauty and helping others. Friends and neighbors honored him with a memorial at Wyoming High School inscribed with the Shakespeare quote, "This above all, to thy own self be true."
For them, the hundreds of students who have benefited from the scholarship represent an enduring continuation of their son's work.
"He would be so gratified," his mom said. "It’s a living legacy for Ben."
Donations to the Ben Carlson-Berne Endowed Fund for CCM Prep can be made through the University of Cincinnati Foundation at foundation.uc.edu.
This story was produced with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Estate gift brings music lessons to Cincinnati kids
