Students and graduates of Manhattan School of Music have experienced success and fulfillment in the world of performing arts. Their insight and accomplishments can provide you with a greater appreciation of the lifelong value a music degree from our school offers.

"The School is good about organizing opportunities to perform because you need experience to 'feel the stage,' as we say, face your fears, try your muscles, so you can compete with the best of the best."

— Mateusz Wolski, Concert Master, Spokane (Washington) Symphony Orchestra

Mateusz Wolski Profile

Background: originally from Warsaw, Poland

MSM education: Bachelor of Music 1999, violin; Master of Music 2001, orchestral violin; Professional Studies 2002, orchestral violin

Valuable experiences: "You get a versatile education here. I've had experiences as a soloist, as a member of the orchestra, and as a chamber musician. In one month as a student, I performed with the orchestra twice, playing Mozart's Sinfonia Concertante and a premiere of a violin concerto by a colleague; I participated in an accompanying seminar for pianists; and I played in recitals with friends. Our school prepares people for many options and graduates are landing incredible positions."

School character: "There's a competitive spirit here, but it doesn't go to extremes — everybody is supportive of each other. Our faculty has a vision; they know how to inspire young people. There's a lot of 'soul food,' a lot of material for your imagination."

On NYC: "On every corner in New York you can meet somebody famous or somebody who presents the best in the field, not only in music, but in art, business, everything. All these incredible people walk the streets of New York."

Other Quotes from Alumni:

"Manhattan School of Music provides a nurturing atmosphere where the budding artist can discover his or her true direction and strengths, and it offers high-quality, high-profile performing opportunities. It gave me invaluable master classes with renowned singers, and my opera performances—which were reviewed in the New York Times—set me off on a very satisfying career journey."

— Susan Graham
M.M. '87, voice
Leading mezzo-soprano; Records for Sony Classical and Erato; performs with orchestras and opera companies around the world

"The School gave me the opportunity to explore the diversity of both classical and jazz music and find the direction I wanted to go artistically."

— Stefon Harris
B.M. '95, M.M. '97, jazz vibraphone/percussion
Grammy™-nominated Blue Note recording artist

"The Manhattan School of Music percussion department is one of the best in the country. My teachers helped me realize my dream of playing with a major symphony orchestra."

— Vadim Karpinos
B.M. '00, percussion
Percussionist, Chicago Symphony Orchestra

"As a student, I was out in the city almost every day, checking out the Blue Note, the Village Vanguard, Birdland, Smoke, Soundz, Smalls, Zinc Bar, and Iridium to hear phenomenal music. After doing that for three years you establish friendships, and now it's like a big family. We supported each other's performances, and next thing you know, you're playing with legends and geniuses."

— Kimberly Thompson
B.M. '03, jazz drumset
World Tour, Beyoncé

"Through its excellent teachers and warm atmosphere, Manhattan School of Music has given me essential skills, both as a performer and as a person."

— Kirill Gerstein
B.M. '99, M.M. '01, piano
First Prize in 2001 Arthur Rubinstein International Piano Master Competition; 2002 Gilmore Young Artist Award
Concert Soloist