Irish man gives over his house to music and art students

The quiet music man of the Bronx, New York, gives over his house to children involved in music and art

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Martin O'Grady inside his home in Woodlawn

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"There is a huge demand for more space here so whatever I can do I will," said O'Grady kindly.
 
When asked why he doesn't charge rent, even a small amount he said, "it isn't about the money."

“Some of the teachers that come here use the space to make their living and to be able to help them get on and at the same time bring joy to the children is all worth it," he said.

"This country has been good to me so I feel an obligation to give back and do something," said O'Grady who is married to Ann with six children and 10 grand children.

Prior to the music house being opened to the public O'Grady said that students would have to travel as far away as Rockland County for lessons.

"Now with the recession this place is ideal because parents are looking for somewhere more affordable and closer to home so it works for everyone," added O'Grady.

 Looking towards the future O'Grady said, "as long as I'm around there is no possibility of the doors closing on this place but after that I don't know what will happen.”

He added, "It's a one man operation. In hindsight I should have put together a board of directors but I would very much like to see the work I've started here continue for the community."

 O'Grady would also like to see the idea of a music house open up in the borough of Queens but its not something he could undertake alone physically or financially.

"There are so many people in Queens who would love to have an opportunity like this and the population is so much bigger there too," he said.

"I'd love to be able to raise funding to expand over there but such a house would need a board of directors instead of just one man."
 O'Grady estimates a similar set up in Queens would draw over a thousand children and adults a week.

 "Maybe some philanthropist could fund it," smiles O'Grady hopefully.

 Although pledging to continue to give as much time to the house as possible O'Grady is seeking a volunteer or two to help out with classroom scheduling and maintaining the upkeep of the place.

"If someone had a few hours on their hands to help out that would be great," he asked.

To contact O’Grady directly call 917-921-7468.

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