May 7, 2025

As the yearlong celebration of 40 years of Jazz Arts at Manhattan School of Music draws to a close, we would like to take a moment to honor a truly remarkable chapter in our program’s history. At the heart of that chapter is Ingrid Jensen, who has served as Dean of Jazz Arts for the past 5 years.

As she prepares to step down from her role as Dean and into her new role as faculty, we sat down with Ingrid for a candid conversation to reflect on her time at MSM, the legacy of the Jazz Arts program under her leadership, and what comes next for her and for the community that she helped shape.

Looking back, what are you most proud of during your time as the Dean of Jazz Arts?

Dean Jensen: I am most proud of the resilience and creativity that our student body, faculty, and staff showed during the first two years of Covid, when I first took over as Dean. That was nuts! I look back on that time and am amazed at how strong everyone was despite the heavy challenges of the time. From rehearsals with masks on, to online juries and auditions, to a very quiet graduation, limited social time, and so much more. Congratulations to everyone who made it through that time, and to those who have since come to MSM, way to go, too. I know those years were tough for many of you, too!

How has the program evolved under your leadership?

Dean Jensen: I hope that the program has evolved into an even more open and trusting space for all musicians from all backgrounds to meet up in and thrive together, forever. As I am a big fan of collective energy over star soloist individuality, I believe that everyone has a story and a personal voice. It is only when these voices are combined in good, honest music-making that the axis of the music world begins to shift and we all win.

I believe that this approach gives our faculty the means to easily nurture each student in a healthy, holistic growth space while challenging them to further their craft and deepen their skill sets as they learn. We have evolved as well in broadening the lay of the land as far as faculty representation is concerned. MSM Jazz Arts was traditionally weighted heavily in one direction regarding race and gender. It is exciting and refreshing to see so many incredible committed musicians from the high-level broader New York scene joining the Jazz Arts family and raising the bar even higher. I believe that this expansion of mentorship gives our students more role models and representation.

Can you share a memorable student success story that stands out to you?

Dean Jensen: Ooh, too many to mention! My personal favorite success stories are simply the ones where a student hit a serious roadblock — personally, physically, spiritually, or financially — and they found the means to rise above the challenges, make it through to graduation, and took their gifts to the skies beyond. For example, I have seen a number of students with injuries take the high road and work on their body alignment before defaulting to surgery, or worse, give up. Through this perseverance, they find new freedom and self worth, giving their music and schooling experience even more power.

How has this chapter shaped you personally and professionally?

Dean Jensen: Personally, this five-year chapter of higher education leadership has shown me how much I can stretch my body, mind, and soul in different ways and at times I never thought possible.

I have learned a lot about how to handle stress, budget my family time while remaining close to my loved ones, maintain a fulltime professional performance career, and still somehow carve out windows to compose for my own projects and for other groups. I have learned that you can only recall up to 150 names of people at a time (Dunbar’s number), and I give credit to all of our students for being so patient with me as I internalize who they are each new year.

Professionally, this has been an eye-opening experience as I learn about curriculum, syllabus, faculty dynamics, staff meeting protocol, HR, online training, student finance realities, faculty needs, scheduling, rosters, repertoire planning, Airtable, Teams, budget, Canvas, and so much more. The most important of all, which is both professional and personal (no severing on this one), is the urgent responsibility of caring for as many people as possible under the umbrella of Deanship while managing an epic number of responsibilities.

Your co-lead ensemble, Artemis, was recently profiled by The New York Times, debuted at the internationally renowned Village Vanguard, and won Jazz Group of the Year in the Downbeat Reader’s Poll in 2023 and 2024. Where do you see your career going from here?

Dean Jensen: Thank you for acknowledging Artemis. Such a fun band!

Who would have thought we would still be together after so much roster change, but here we are! From our first gig in Paris on International Woman’s Day over 8 years ago, to a week at the Vanguard, a Tiny Desk concert, our upcoming second Carnegie Hall hit and so much more, it’s truly been a dream ride. The music and the band continue to evolve, and my partnership on the frontline with MSM Jazz Arts faculty tenor player extraordinaire Nicole Glover is one of my favorite things in life.

We are a multi-generational group of bandleaders and composers who adore playing together, and it’s so great that our audiences enjoy what we do as well. Jane Fonda talks about how you know you are in a healthy hangout with your people when there is endless laughter and creativity abounding in every moment. That is us for sure.

I am as established as I can be at this point in my life. I have made many albums as a leader, have played integral parts on numerous Grammy-winning and Grammy-nominated projects, continue to receive invitations as a guest artist at universities, workshops and festivals around the world. I am also making my way into the circle of artists featured by invitation with the numerous prestigious European radio big bands. I’m happy with the wonderful opportunities I receive and hope to find time in the future (while teaching at MSM) to play more with my biggest inspirations: our students!

Do you have any words of encouragement for our next Dean of Jazz Arts?

Dean Jensen: Know that the student body at MSM is exceptional and that our faculty can do anything!

That said, balance and sensitivity is everything.

As I took over during a global crisis, my sense of need I felt from both students and staff was pretty transparent. Folks communicated!

In these settled but not-so-settled times, it is even more important to have ones finger on the pulse of the entire department’s well-being. From mental and physical health to the all-important time management skills that keep musical operations flowing, it can be a lot. Music is not the only part of the learning process; it is the love and care of each human in relation to where they are in their studies that keeps everything in balance. No one is perfect, nor need they be. The pressure of MSM can be immense, so allowing grace while still pushing with care and belief is the best advice I can think of at this juncture of change.

I leave with this poignant lyric from Quincy Jones’ song “Everything Must Change”.

Everything must change Nothing stays the same Everyone will change No one stays the same

The young become the old And mysteries do unfold ‘Cause that’s the way of time Nothing and no one goes unchanged

There are not many things in life You can be sure of, except Rain comes from the clouds Sun lights up the sky And hummingbirds do fly

Winter turns to spring A wounded heart will heal But never much too soon Yes everything must change

The young become the old And mysteries do unfold ‘Cause that’s the way of time Nothing and no one goes unchanged

With love and the embrace of everlasting change and growth, and in the spirit of great music making, for all eternity,

Thank you,

Ingrid (DJ) Jensen

Dean + Director of Jazz Arts