To the Press and the Public,
We, a group of over 60 former students, write this letter together to speak our truth about the abuse we experienced under Paul Green. Over the past few weeks, stories that many of us have carried in silence for years have begun to emerge publicly- most notably in the Air Mail article, the Philadelphia Inquirer's coverage, and others still forthcoming.
These articles represent only the surface of a much deeper, wider pattern of harm. What you've read so far is a small fraction of what we've experienced - many stories remain untold. Most of us first met PG as children. We entered his programs with trust and hope, but too many of us left with wounds and trauma we're still working to heal. Some of us have never played music again.
We want to make this clear: This is not about revenge or spectacle. This is about ensuring that no child is ever again put in a position where they are vulnerable to this kind of manipulation, control, and abuse. While he has released a statement closing PGRA and retiring from teaching "in this capacity", our primary concern is that PG is never again placed in a position of power over children. The safety and well-being of current and future students matters more than anything.
To members of the press: We appreciate those who have taken care to report with sensitivity, accuracy, and a trauma-informed approach. At the same time, we ask that all future reporting honor the complexity and gravity of these experiences.
This is not an opportunity for sensationalism or clickbait.
This is not a story to be mined for profit at the expense of survivors' dignity.
We ask all media outlets to center the voices of those directly affected, to avoid retraumatization, and to report with care.
We did not choose this. We are responding because we must - because silence has protected abusers for too long. It is our hope that by coming forward collectively, we can help prevent future harm - not just in our former programs, but across all spaces where adults are trusted to care for and mentor young people.
We know more voices will come forward in the days and weeks ahead. Please listen to them. Please amplify them responsibly.
This is our shared story, and we intend to reclaim it.
To the PGRA students:
We know better than anyone the influence this program has had on your lives. We too have made lifelong friends, had positive and formative experiences, and got to do things most teenagers don't that are still special and sacred memories for us.
Please understand that we are speaking out about Paul Green because we want to ensure that none of you have to endure the abuse that we experienced as his students..
You are precious and valuable, the work that you've put in is admirable. Some of you might be upset with us because it feels like we're trying to take something away from you, and we understand. You deserve to reap the rewards of the hours spent traveling, rehearsing together, practicing alone, the missed social opportunities, life events and milestones.
Most importantly we believe that you deserve these rewards in an environment that is free from negative influences and abuse.
There is no one correct way to pursue your passions. There is however, a wrong way to teach young people. There are many avenues to explore when it comes to music, and we hope that you all keep playing together and find joy and fulfilment in practicing your art.
We hope that you are safe and that you understand we are all rooting for you and invested in your safety.