“I feel that each moment here at MSM taught me not just about music, but also about how to have fun and enjoy what it is we do. I have always enjoyed music and performing, but with a community in which you have both grown artistically and professionally, it’s an entirely new form of gratitude.”
Jaydon T. Beleford (BM '23, Vocal Arts)
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“Always remember to surround yourself with people who constantly lift you up and encourage you. A strong support system of trustworthy friends is invaluable!”
Henry Griffin (BM '23, Vocal Arts)
“Studying in NYC was one of my dreams since I began my musical journey. NYC is one of the cultural capitals of the world and it offers many opportunities for networking, collaboration, and exposure to different and unique styles. ”
Seolbin Oh (BM '22, MM '24, Vocal Arts)
“We have the most knowledgeable, experienced, talented faculty and access to excellent opportunities and networks. MSM was the obvious choice for me.”
Madeleine Keane (BM '23), Vocal Arts
“Being a recepient of this scholarship prides me and inspires me to carry on the legacy of Hugh Masekela and make proud of the work he has done for our people and heritage, which has and continues to cultivate my voice.”
Kabelo Mokhatla (BM ’24), Jazz Drums and Hugh Masekela Scholarship recipient
“NYC is such a cool place to live as an artist citizen because you are surrounded by individuals with so much talent that the only thing to do in such an environment is to improve and grow.”
Samara Bowden (MM '24, Classical Voice)
“I wanted to attend a school where everyone shares a common love for music. There is a beautiful uniting factor that music provides within a community that just can’t be beat.”
Brooke Barowski (BM '25), Musical Theatre
“"Sometimes a group of strong womxn working together like this can truly save lives and careers."”
Kayla Thomas (BM '25 Classical Voice)
“Buster Williams has played with all the great Jazz singers and has given me advice that I’ll think about every time I pick up a bass.”
Mikey Migliore (MM '23, Jazz Bass)
“Everybody on the program is top tier, it’s just amazing what they do and the journey they take us through that reflect the times. Nina Simone says it’s an artist’s duty is to reflect their time, so it feels nice to recreate that here in 2023.”
Erika Johnson (MM '23), Vice President of MSM's Black Student Union
“Something that is extremely valuable about the OP program is the focus on audition preparation. The best way to get better at an audition is to do more of them so our mock auditions have really helped make me more comfortable in the audition room.”
Jensen Bocco (MM '23, Orchestral Bassoon)
“"I was absolutely astounded by the student-teacher relationships I saw when I came to visit MSM. All of the teachers had such a genuine care and connection with all their students. You couldn’t help but feel a sense of community in it all: it almost felt like a family."”
Bailey Pierce (BM '23, Musical Theatre)
“I knew that studying at MSM would provide me many opportunities and benefits which other school may not have been able to provide as effectively. Furthermore, I wanted to experience living in the city touted as 'the greatest city in the world.'”
Varun Raja (MM '24)
“Even though we practice a lot by ourselves, when we gather to rehearse we always have a space in which we explore, experiment, and achieve personal and professional improvement in a safe way!”
Nan Wang (MM '22, PS '23)
“In almost any situation here at MSM, you will find somebody who's an incredible and unique musician. The opportunities to play with great musicians here are endless.”
Varun Das (PC '18, BM '22, MM '24)
“Every single person in the rehearsal room brings something completely unique to the table and that amalgamation of creativity allows such magical things to be created.”
Benjamin Hahn (BM '24)
“Valentino’s Tango is a wonderful example of how the classic can be made contemporary, and really holds space for performers and audiences who perhaps traditionally favor more golden age material.”
Victoria Baroni (BM '24)
“While [moving has] definitely been an adjustment, I really love being in the heart of all the action. There's not a single time where there's nothing for me to do.”
Leor Arbel (BM '26), classical trombone
“Playing in a MSM orchestra surrounded by your friends and colleagues not only makes you feel welcome and at ease, but also united as a group of artists actively pursuing what we all love to do.”
Marcos Ruiz (BM '23)
“My most favorite memories from MSM involve the friends I’ve made throughout the year... It’s a community I’m grateful to be a member of.”
Andrew Conover (MM '23)
“This gradual, yet still somewhat sudden return to in-person music making, has led to a heightened appetite for collaboration and a more profound sense of community. These are the things that I hope to preserve as I carry on, beyond MSM.”
Shimon Gambourg (MM '22)
“From my professors, other trumpet players, and just other friends I have made during my time at MSM, I really feel I have found my MSM Family here -- and it hasn’t even been a full year yet!”
Themba Pieterse (BM '25)
“MSM has the most comprehensive curriculum for singers that extends from classical to contemporary, musical theater, and more. As our school motto says, 'those who excel reach the stars', and it keeps encouraging me and my fellow classmates to strive for success in this spirit.”
Daiyao Zhong (BM '19, MM '23)
“I’m really excited about the International Students Concert! I feel that will be a singular experience, because both audience and performers will have a place to share so many kinds of uniqueness from each country.”
Gabriele Leite (MM '22)
“I enjoy the creativity and skill possessed by a large amount of my classmates, the rigor of the curriculum in several different areas of performance and composition, the highly competent and accomplished faculty, and the truly amazing library...There are few music programs in the world which would allow you to investigate these kinds of academic and musical resources.”
Will Lyle (MM '22)
“MSM has taught me to be industrious, resourceful, and self-reliant. I've developed a passion here for collaboration, especially with artists outside my discipline.”
Elliot Roman (PC '17, BM ’21, MM ’23)
“"Upon my arrival in 2019, I was approached by another student who invited me to the first meeting of the Black Student Union. Instantly, I was struck with a sense of belonging. I was hit with a sense of '...we see you and you are not alone'."”
Jaydon Beleford (BM '23)
“One more little helpful tip is to not listen to any recordings as the performance approaches, I do this because I want all the musical ideas to come from me.”
Luxi Wang (BM '22), Classical Violin
“"The faculty, community, and location of MSM are truly incomparable. Also, who wouldn't want to go to a school that's a 15-minute subway ride from BROADWAY!?!?" ”
Zane Zapata (BM '22), Musical Theatre
“Being a part of Opera Outreach is very important to me because Opera is important to me.”
Jasmine Ismail (MM ’21, PS '22), Classical Voice
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