The world of music and education mourns the loss of Ruth Miriam Wolkowsky Greenfield, an exceptional American concert pianist and teacher, whose remarkable career broke racial barriers and brought unity among black and white students and teachers. On July 27, 2023, at the age of 99, Ruth W. Greenfield breathed her last, leaving behind a legacy that will be cherished for generations to come.
Born on November 17, 1923, in Key West, Florida, Ruth W. Greenfield’s early years were shaped by a love for music that would propel her into a life of groundbreaking accomplishments. Raised in Miami, she grew up mostly unaware of the prevalent segregation of the time, except during visits to her grandparents’ neighborhood, known as Colored Town, which is now Overtown. This exposure fueled her determination to challenge the norms of a segregated society through her passion for music.
At the tender age of 5, Ruth W. Greenfield began her musical journey, studying the piano with great dedication. Under the tutelage of renowned pianist Mana-Zucca, she honed her skills, setting the stage for an extraordinary future in the world of music. Graduating from Miami Beach High School in 1941, she pursued further studies at the University of Miami before attaining her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.
During her time at the University of Michigan, Ruth W. Greenfield showed unwavering courage by breaking racial taboos when she dated a young black man from Jamaica, further challenging the discriminatory norms of the era. Afterward, she returned to the University of Miami, where she became a dedicated piano teacher.
Ruth W. Greenfield’s quest for musical excellence led her to Paris, France, in 1949, where she studied composition under the esteemed Nadia Boulanger. Paris, at that time, embraced integration as the norm, offering a refreshing contrast to the segregated society she had experienced.
In Paris, Ruth W. Greenfield tied the knot with her husband, Arnold Merwin Greenfield, a Miami attorney and Harvard Law School graduate. Their wedding was a testament to her commitment to breaking barriers as her maid of honor, Lois Towles, was a talented black pianist from Arkansas.
Upon returning to Miami, Ruth W. Greenfield was determined to create a positive change in her community. In 1951, she founded the Fine Arts Conservatory, a pioneering institution that stood as one of the first fully integrated schools for music, art, and dance in the South. By fostering an inclusive learning environment, Ruth W. Greenfield demonstrated that music could transcend racial divisions and create unity among students and teachers.
Through her dedication and the support of prominent community leaders, the Fine Arts Conservatory flourished, eventually expanding to six branches throughout Dade County, Florida.
Her remarkable musical journey continued as she taught at Miami Dade College for 32 years, becoming a pivotal figure in the college’s Lunchtime Lively Arts Series, which encompassed music, theater, and literature. The series welcomed a diverse range of artists, further promoting cultural inclusivity.
Ruth W. Greenfield’s artistic legacy extended to her family as well. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren have made significant contributions to the arts, continuing her spirit of artistic excellence.
In 2013, director Steve Waxman paid tribute to Ruth W. Greenfield’s remarkable life with the documentary “Instruments of Change,” showcasing her history with the Fine Arts Conservatory. The film celebrated her contributions to education in Miami and the enduring impact of her pioneering efforts.
The city of Miami recognized her profound impact on November 18, 2022, co-designating the street where she lived as “Ruth Greenfield Way.” The FSMTA Breaking Barriers Award in December 2022 further honored her for her extraordinary contributions.
As Ruth W. Greenfield bid farewell to the world on July 27, 2023, her legacy as a trailblazing concert pianist and educator continues to inspire future generations. Her unwavering commitment to breaking racial barriers through music will forever be remembered as a breath of fresh air in the history of the then-segregated society.
