Blab Music
Carol Chickering Burden Named President and CEO of New Jerseys Largest Arts Education Organization
Carol Chickering Burden, a longtime arts advocate, has been named President and CEO of Wharton Arts, New Jersey’s largest independent nonprofit performing‑arts education organization. Burden assumed the role less than a month ago, succeeding the previous leadership as the organization prepares for its next chapter.
Raised in suburban Detroit as the youngest of nine children, Burden’s musical journey began with piano lessons at four and later expanded to voice studies. She earned a place at the Interlochen Center for the Arts before completing degrees at Amherst College and The Juilliard School. In a recent interview with TAPinto Berkeley Heights, she reflected on the privilege of early exposure to music, noting, “I thought everybody had great arts programs in school. I thought everybody’s parents let them try every instrument, every sport and every activity they wanted.” She added that her parents’ support was a key factor in her opportunities.
Founded in 1979, Wharton Arts now serves nearly 2,000 students across Berkeley Heights, New Providence and Paterson. The organization offers private instruction, musical theater, early childhood education, lifelong learning programs, the New Jersey Youth Symphony and New Jersey Youth Chorus, and the Paterson Music Project. Burden emphasized the breadth of opportunities available under one roof, noting that the organization can meet students “where they are,” whether they are a two‑year‑old in a first music class or a student preparing for conservatory auditions.
For Burden, music education transcends scales and performance. She cited research linking music participation to stronger academic performance, improved mental health, and social development. “The kids are not all right,” she said, referring to rising mental‑health challenges among youth. “There are lots of hypotheses about why. But I do know an important solution—make music together.” She described performing arts as “a team sport with no opponent,” arguing that ensemble play fosters listening, empathy, and collaboration.
Burden’s philanthropic background will underpin Wharton’s future growth. She previously served as Director of Philanthropy for New York Junior Tennis & Learning and as President and CEO of Capital Harmony Works, an El Sistema‑inspired youth development organization in Trenton. In a statement, she said the organization’s next priority is not expansion but deepening. “We’re not asking people to fund growth,” she said. “We’re asking them to help us go deeper.” She highlighted plans to invest in teachers, scholarships, infrastructure and long‑term sustainability.
The Paterson Music Project, a free after‑school program modeled on El Sistema, is a project close to Burden’s heart. The program serves students from 20 public schools, charter and private schools across five locations and reaches about 600 students. Burden noted that families commit to the program because they recognize its impact.
Although Burden currently commutes from New York City, she expressed enthusiasm for becoming part of the Berkeley Heights community. “I’m looking forward to getting to know the town,” she said. She expects to become a familiar face at local events, concerts and community gatherings.
When asked what success looks like, Burden returned to her guiding principle: “Everyone finds their doorway into music.” She added that once students walk through that door, they realize they can go anywhere.
Wharton Arts is headquartered at 60 Locust Avenue in Berkeley Heights. The organization is a 501(c)(3) charitable entity dedicated to making the arts accessible to all. For more information, visit whartonarts.org.
Wharton Arts has been recognized for its inclusive programming, and its ensembles have performed at regional festivals and community events. Burden said the organization will continue to expand outreach through partnerships with local schools and community centers, while maintaining its focus on quality instruction and equitable access.
Raised in suburban Detroit as the youngest of nine children, Burden’s musical journey began with piano lessons at four and later expanded to voice studies. She earned a place at the Interlochen Center for the Arts before completing degrees at Amherst College and The Juilliard School. In a recent interview with TAPinto Berkeley Heights, she reflected on the privilege of early exposure to music, noting, “I thought everybody had great arts programs in school. I thought everybody’s parents let them try every instrument, every sport and every activity they wanted.” She added that her parents’ support was a key factor in her opportunities.
Founded in 1979, Wharton Arts now serves nearly 2,000 students across Berkeley Heights, New Providence and Paterson. The organization offers private instruction, musical theater, early childhood education, lifelong learning programs, the New Jersey Youth Symphony and New Jersey Youth Chorus, and the Paterson Music Project. Burden emphasized the breadth of opportunities available under one roof, noting that the organization can meet students “where they are,” whether they are a two‑year‑old in a first music class or a student preparing for conservatory auditions.
For Burden, music education transcends scales and performance. She cited research linking music participation to stronger academic performance, improved mental health, and social development. “The kids are not all right,” she said, referring to rising mental‑health challenges among youth. “There are lots of hypotheses about why. But I do know an important solution—make music together.” She described performing arts as “a team sport with no opponent,” arguing that ensemble play fosters listening, empathy, and collaboration.
Burden’s philanthropic background will underpin Wharton’s future growth. She previously served as Director of Philanthropy for New York Junior Tennis & Learning and as President and CEO of Capital Harmony Works, an El Sistema‑inspired youth development organization in Trenton. In a statement, she said the organization’s next priority is not expansion but deepening. “We’re not asking people to fund growth,” she said. “We’re asking them to help us go deeper.” She highlighted plans to invest in teachers, scholarships, infrastructure and long‑term sustainability.
The Paterson Music Project, a free after‑school program modeled on El Sistema, is a project close to Burden’s heart. The program serves students from 20 public schools, charter and private schools across five locations and reaches about 600 students. Burden noted that families commit to the program because they recognize its impact.
Although Burden currently commutes from New York City, she expressed enthusiasm for becoming part of the Berkeley Heights community. “I’m looking forward to getting to know the town,” she said. She expects to become a familiar face at local events, concerts and community gatherings.
When asked what success looks like, Burden returned to her guiding principle: “Everyone finds their doorway into music.” She added that once students walk through that door, they realize they can go anywhere.
Wharton Arts is headquartered at 60 Locust Avenue in Berkeley Heights. The organization is a 501(c)(3) charitable entity dedicated to making the arts accessible to all. For more information, visit whartonarts.org.
Wharton Arts has been recognized for its inclusive programming, and its ensembles have performed at regional festivals and community events. Burden said the organization will continue to expand outreach through partnerships with local schools and community centers, while maintaining its focus on quality instruction and equitable access.
