The Music School of Delaware is indebted to many strong individuals who worked and are working to make the school what it is today – a statewide source of superior music education and training. Recognition of those on whose shoulders we stand is a fitting tribute to their efforts. Honor or remember those you admire – like Johanne Strahan and Linda Wheaton Burris Breedlove, who were instrumental in promoting and developing the Music School over many years – with your gift today.

Tribute to Johanne Strahan

May 14, 1931 – June 11, 2021

In 2021, The Music School of Delaware lost a key person in the musical life of the school, of her family, and of Wilmington.

Johanne Strahan, an accomplished biochemist who had a long tenure at the DuPont Company, was an ardent music lover. She loved to listen to music, talk about music and musicians, and she hosted musicians of all ages at her home for concerts. She encouraged and supported the availability of music for everyone and relished her own music-making as an avid student of piano and music theory. Johanne always kept learning.

Johanne was a devoted volunteer for the Music School, serving a six-year term on the Board, and several years as its Chair. She was one of the first circle of inductees to the school’s Centennial Council. She gave her time as well as her financial support over several decades and developed close relationships with a number of the Music School faculty. She watched young musicians of the school grow and develop, and often helped advance their experiences by offering her home and her treasured grand pianos to them for additional performance opportunities.

Thank you for honoring Johanne Strahan with a memorial gift. All proceeds will support The Music School of Delaware.

Tribute to Linda Wheaton Burris Breedlove

July 3, 1946 – June 13, 2020

The Music School of Delaware celebrates the legacy of music that Linda Breedlove left to the people of Delaware. Linda was an instrumental co-founder of the Delaware Music School, which opened in September 1981 at Avenue United Methodist Church, and served as the founding vice-chair of the Delaware Music School’s board of directors.

Linda Breedlove In the school’s first newsletter, Linda was quoted saying:

“My main hope when we began planning the DMS was to provide quality music instruction in the downstate area. By establishing a school with a superior faculty, our children are being exposed to the very best we can offer. These children are developing an appreciation for their instruments, a love of performing, and a positive experience in all areas of music. With their exposure to quality performances of a wide variety, a total musical experience is being achieved. Our children are definitely getting the best.”

Today, the Milford Branch of The Music School of Delaware carries forward her legacy - a perfect reflection of what Linda had hoped for quality music instruction in the downstate area.

Thank you for honoring Linda Wheaton Burris Breedlove with a memorial gift today. All proceeds will support the Milford Branch of The Music School of Delaware.




This organization is supported, in part, by a grant from the Delaware Division of the Arts, a state agency, in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts. The Division promotes Delaware arts events on www.DelawareScene.com.

The Music School of Delaware is proud to be an active partner in the IN Wilmington Arts Campaign.