Curtis Institute of Music Sexual Abuse Exposed | Dear Lara Documentary & Survivor Testimony

About this episode

This episode discusses the documentary 'Dear Lara' and the sexual abuse experienced by violinist Lara St. John at the Curtis Institute of Music.

Content Warning: This episode discusses sexual abuse and institutional failure. Listener discretion advised. Why can't parents find this when they search the Curtis Institute of Music? In this episode, we examine Dear Lara , the powerful new social justice documentary from world-renowned violinist and filmmaker Lara St. John , which premiered nationally at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF) . The film documents St. John's public account of sexual assault she endured at age 14 while a student at the Curtis Institute of Music—first reported by The Philadelphia Inquirer —and expands into a broader investigation of institutional patterns that have affected students across North America and Europe. Through survivor testimony, investigative journalism, and expert legal insight, Dear Lara explores how elite institutions can fail to protect minors, how silence is maintained, and why accountability is so often delayed or denied. This episode is intended for parents, students, educators, and advocates seeking transparency, awareness, and reform within music education and elite training environments. About the Film Dear Lara is the directorial debut of Lara St. John and…

People in this episode

Host: Chonacas

Guest: Lara St. John

Topics covered

• sexual abuse
• institutional failure
• documentary
• survivor testimony
• music education
• social justice

Keywords

• sexual abuse
• Curtis Institute of Music
• Dear Lara
• Lara St. John
• documentary
• survivor testimony
• institutional accountability
• music education
• social justice

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Curtis Institute of Music, Child USA, The Philadelphia Inquirer

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