If you’ve visited the Conservatory in the past quarter-century, there’s a decent chance you’ve met Fatima Jihada, BKCM’s Head Registrar. Fatima started working at the Conservatory’s then-active Queens branch in 2000 and moved over to 58 Seventh Ave in 2009. As she celebrates 25 years at BKCM, we asked her to share a few reflections.

Q. How did you start working at the Conservatory?

My mother started taking a jazz vocal workshop led by then-director of the jazz program, Enos Payne. She came back from the first class and convinced me to sign up. It was a really warm space, and the people behind the front desk were really friendly. Eventually, one of the registrars, Dennis, asked me what I was doing for work, because there was a temporary position opening up. I took that temporary role, and eventually a full-time one, and I’ve been here ever since. 

Q. What do you enjoy about your role?

Sometimes a friend will say, a little surprised, “You seem to like the people you work with.” And I’m like, “Actually, yeah, I do.” I look forward to collaborating with these individuals every day, because everybody’s focused on what they can do to help. It’s something unique to this institution, something intrinsic – an energy that keeps feeding off of itself. At the front desk, we’re always trying to understand where people are coming from, what they need and what we can connect them with. People reciprocate, and we feel that love back from parents, students and families.

Q. What are some of your strongest memories from over the years?

One memory that sticks with me is a sad one, but also one that moved me deeply. I was attending the funeral of a beloved teacher, Gilbert Mora. After the service, one of his students spotted me and ran full-speed over to embrace me. I knew what Mr. Mora and his musicality had meant to her – the way he embodied his music and believed in his students. I felt a reverence in that moment for his legacy, and for what music can do in our lives.

Q. What’s on your mind as BKCM gets ready to expand to Prospect Park West next year?

We’ve been bigger before, so I know that this is possible, because I’ve witnessed it! The energy that makes BKCM what it is – it’s not in any one building. It’s in the people who are here co-creating this space. As long as we understand what we are co-creating, and keep attracting people who feel the same passion for music and service, it’s going to expand. And growing is good, especially with thoughtful people who are focused on retaining what’s good about this place. When I think about the Music Therapy Institute, and all the people who’ll be able to benefit from sessions there, and the lives that will be touched by it – how could you not be excited about that? I think we’re in a good position to do something really beautiful.