May 21, 2025

In 2021, in the midst of uncertainty, we sat down with optimistic freshman Themba Pieterse to discuss his year so far. In 2025, Themba, now a senior and MSM Class President, opens up about his experience over the last four years.

What was your favorite thing about the brass program at MSM?

Themba: My favorite thing about the MSM brass department was how safe it felt. From when I started as a freshman all the way to the end of my senior year, I always felt encouraged and supported to step out of my comfort zone and take risks. Creating music is such a personal art form, and I know that mistakes can sometimes feel like a reflection of our musical ability, but in the brass department I learned that imperfection is accepted and celebrated. It is through mistakes that I learned the most.

In our original interview, you said the main reason you chose to study at MSM was the faculty and the school’s commitment to music. Do you still hold true to that statement?

Themba: One hundred percent yes! My teacher, Ethan Bensdorf, has been such an inspiration and has changed my life both as a musician and as a person. His understanding and commitment to the power of music has been a guide for the way that I think about my future career. Being able to create art with so many inspiring people has also allowed me to understand the beauty in the job that we do. I have felt lucky so many times during my four years at MSM: lucky to create music, lucky to be surrounded by so many beautiful people, and lucky to have had a teacher who pushed me, supported me, and cared about me from before I even started as a student.

As a senior, what advice would you give to incoming brass students?

Themba: Hello freshman! My advice to all of you would be to take risks! MSM is such a great place to learn and explore what a career in music can be for you. When I first arrived, I thought all I wanted to do was orchestra, but now as I leave, I realize that orchestra is only one of the many different musical paths that I want to explore. I learned this by taking risks, doing fun and sometimes weird projects, and taking shots even when I was scared I would miss. MSM offers so many incredible opportunities to engage in, have fun with, take risks, make mistakes, and learn. As an MSM student,  that’s the best thing you can do!

What was your favorite thing about studying in NYC? Do you plan to stay in the city after graduation?

Themba: My favorite thing about studying in NYC is its diversity. There are so many people, cultures, food, places, museums, neighborhoods, and boroughs for you to explore, and each and every one has so many different things to offer. Even though I have lived here now a total of four years, I feel like I have barely even scratched the surface for what NYC has to offer, and as I am staying in NYC next year to begin freelancing and teaching, I am so excited to explore even more of the city.

What have been some highlights of over the course of your 4 years?

Themba: This is a hard question because there have been so many highlights! Onstage I have had the honor of playing two Shostakovich Symphonies with Leonard Slatkin (Symphony No. 5 and No. 11) and well as Rite of Spring. I have also had the chance to play in the pit of four musicals with the legend David Loud, and have learned so much from all those experiences.

I have been fortunate enough to have been an RA for the past three years, and the connections I have made through that job will last me a lifetime. I was also elected to be the Student Government president this past year which was a huge honor. Finally, my two student jobs in admissions and the scheduling office have allowed me to gain so many skills that I will use in my professional career. They have also made me laugh so much that sometimes, I even cry. I will cherish all these memories as I move forward.

What would senior Themba tell freshman Themba?

Themba: I would tell freshman Themba to always remember why we play. There are times when you are practicing alone, or working on something and it just isn’t going the way you want it to — a passage is much harder and it gets frustrating, or you’re just tired. Just remembering how music is our very own superpower and how it changes the world and brings people together is very powerful. I am a musician to spread happiness and build community; it can be hard to remember your original motivation, but taking a moment and remembering why is almost as important as practicing.

What are your overall goals as a musician?

Themba: This is another very hard question, not because I am not sure, but because I have so many different goals. I think if I were to boil all my goals down to one main goal, it would be to explore the music of the world, and learn how to perform/teach in ways that promotes healing, peace, and connection. I believe music can change the world, and I want to bring that change to people who need it most.