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."

Joe Wilder Profile

Joseph Wilder’s career as a trumpet player ran the gamut of genres, but was rooted in his love of classical music. Exposed to Philadelphia’s jazz clubs at an early age by his musician father, Wilder would soon be playing with all the greats -- Louis Armstrong, Count Basie, Cab Calloway, Benny Carter, Dizzy Gillespie, Benny Goodman, Lionel Hampton, Billie Holiday, John Lewis, Charles Mingus, and Dinah Washington, to name a few. One of the first African-Americans to serve in the Marines during World War II, Wilder later attended MSM on the G.I. Bill. He resumed playing club dates immediately after the War and landed several original Broadway productions, including Silk Stockings, Guys and Dolls, and 42nd Street. Wilder also took part in "third stream" recording projects of the 1950s, playing alongside Schuller and Lewis. A staff musician at ABC studios for 16 years, he had developed quite a reputation as a versatile player and was called on to sub in the New York Philharmonic under both Boulez and Kostelanetz.

Gentleman Joe, as he is known by many, told us in a recent interview, “I still count among the highlights of my career, playing principal trumpet with the Manhattan School of Music Symphony under the direction of Jonel Perlea.”

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
2008 Recipient of Manhattan School of Music Honorary Doctorate
Leading mezzo-soprano; Records for Sony Classical and Erato; Performs with orchestras and opera companies around the world
http://www.susangraham.com/

"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 recording artist
http://www.stefonharris.com/

“School productions gave me my first real taste of New York theater, and now I’m constantly running across Manhattan School alumni—people I work with, directors and conductors.”
— Shuler Hensley
B.M. ’90, voice
Baritone;
Tony Award-winner; Jud in Oklahoma! on Broadway;
Created the monster in Young Frankenstein on Broadway
http://www.shulerhensley.com/

"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
http://www.cso.org/

"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
http://www.kimthompson

"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
http://www.cmartists.com

“To study music one needs an organized, meticulous and systematic approach. The art of studying classical music helped me through the rigorous training required in my field and gave me the confidence and skills to pursue a medical career.”

— Dr. Cynthia Boxrud, MD, FACS
B.M. ‘78
Plastic Surgeon;
Assistant Clinical Professor, Jules Stein Institute/UCLA
Faculty, Children’s Hospital at USC
http://www.drboxrud.com

“I have fond memories of my experience at Manhattan, and consider it to be a crucial part of my development as a musician and pianist.”

— Fred Bronstein
MM ’81, Piano
President and Executive Director, St. Louis Symphony Orchestra
http://www.slso.org/staff/bronstein

“Entering Manhattan School of Music gave me both a great education and a wonderful introduction to the vast cultural life of New York City.”

— Ron Carter
M.M. ’61
1998 Recipient of Manhattan School of Music Honorary Doctorate
Jazz Bassist, Recording Artist
http://www.roncarterbass.com/