Please support Education through Music (ETM) by donating to the Robert V. Pinkney Jr. & Alina J. Pinkney fundraising page. ETM partners with under-resourced schools to provide music as a core subject for all children. ETM utilizes music education as a catalyst to improve academic achievement, motivation for school, and self-confidence for students. We believed this was a great way to honor and preserve the legacy of our father and grandfather by establishing this fundraising campaign.

Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, both Robert and Alina lived in household where music was an integral part of their upbringing. Robert had access to music at home and was able to purchase music he enjoyed. Alina accompanied Robert to various trips to Warner Corner at the Warner Brothers employee store near Rockefeller Center. Thus music became influential in her life too. 

Music can assist and motivate children and is the thing most if not all people have in common despite differences. The O'Jay's song "I Love Music" contains a lyric that is so powerful and true, "Music is the healing force of the world. It's understood by every man, woman, boy, and girl". Both Robert and Alina spent most of their time listening to their extensive music collections. His consisting of vinyl, cassettes, 45's and CDs. Hers consisting of primarily CDs. Additionally, they both loved live music, attended many concerts. Robert saved all his ticket stubs. Music was so important to Rob that he often shared music with others by purchasing concert tickets and gift music from his collection to family and friends. Often while listening to jazz (one of his favorite genres) he'd play imaginary instruments because he was feeling the tunes he heard. Listening and enjoying music required high end quality stereo equipment. He purchased brands like Koss, Onkyo, Bose, Altec Lansing, Stanton, Denon, Kenwood, and Klipsch all while making sure his daughters had the same musical set up at home. When purchasing most of his equipment he would patronize stores such as Park Avenue Audio, Stereo Exchange, J & R Music World and Harvey's Electronics (both permanently closed). We have fond memories and the role music played in our lives, thus value its significance Robert and Alina had "the ear" for good quality music and instruments. As an art form used to express oneself, a vehicle for entertainment and gatherings, quality time, and family gatherings,, ETM was the best option to use in honor of the person who was there for us through thick and thin, and a woman who would communicate through lyrics and titles of songs when applicable, especially M.U.S.I.C.A.L.L.Y. 

Check out his website for an in depth look to into his persona.