February 28, 2024

Manhattan School of Music’s commencement ceremony, which is fewer than 100 days away, is taking place at 1 pm on May 16 in The Riverside Church.

Graduating MSM students are looking forward to making the transition to an exciting new chapter in their lives — learn about their plans, emotions, and memories.

Meaghan: Graduation approaching is so bittersweet!  MSM has challenged me and helped me to grow in so many ways, and I am so grateful for my time here.  Faculty members have already been so helpful with the transition from being in school to being in the industry, and they have given me endless support. I have loved being at MSM so much and will miss it dearly, especially the Community. At the same time I am also excited to apply everything I’ve learned and start my career!

Kabelo: Oh man, I have mixed emotions. I’m beyond grateful to have been part of this incredible class and beyond thankful for all the wisdom and friendships.

Yeontaek: I still can’t believe that I will earn my final degree in just 100 days! I’m grateful that it’s happening at MSM, which is the only school I applied to four years ago because of its friendly environment, yet rigorous academic curriculum and world-class studio teachers.

When my doctoral journey began, I was filled with uncertainty. Knowing it would be my final degree, all my questions revolved around the uncertainty of my future. While I still don’t have all the answers, I’ve learned that embracing challenges and loving what I do are the keys to overcoming uncertainties. So, I’m more than ready to deepen my love for my profession and embrace whatever challenges come my way. Thank you, MSM, for teaching me and welcoming me.

Erika: I arrived at MSM full of expectations to establish myself in the community of the arts. Now, I am graduating with many relationships in this ever-evolving world of music. I’ve learned to channel my anxiousness into excitement with my artistic pursuits while practicing gratitude and enjoying the journey. During my tenure here, I’ve been fortunate to represent this institution through performances at Carnegie Hall, Barclays Center, on the Good Morning America TV program, and on PBS.

With the abundant amount of knowledge attained, mentorship from professors, and the long-lasting friendships, I’m looking forward to this next chapter.

Kellin: I think I’m a little more excited to graduate this May than the typical college student because I graduated high school in 2020, and because of COVID, I graduated in my pyjamas on my couch. This is an exciting first for me! I’m hoping I can get my “adult” life together in the few short months before then and figure out living situations and such. Post-graduation I’m planning on taking a year or two off before grad school and gigging and touring in the meantime. It’ll be nice to perform without having the shadows of my Shakespeare class haunting me in the background. Being at MSM, I’ve evolved in so many ways, not only musically, but personally. I’m a completely different person now than I was four years ago in the best way possible, and I’m extremely grateful for that. Not to mention I’ve gained the closest relationships I’ve ever had in my life, and that is invaluable.

Motswedi: I moved to NYC from South Africa to complete my master’s. Being at MSM and in the city has been one of my life’s greatest experiences. I’ve had incredible opportunities and grown a lot musically, personally, emotionally, and socially over the past two years. As we get closer to graduation, I’m excited and a tad nervous about what lies ahead. But I’m certain that all will be well!

Ian: I’m very excited to graduate. I feel like the brilliant faculty members in the Musical Theatre program have prepared all of us to be the best artists we can be, and I am super-excited to consistently audition and utilize all the tools in my toolbox to deliver effective and strong performances. And most importantly, I am ready to continue my education away from an educational setting and learn by being in the room and by  “doing.”

Benjamin: I am a bit scared but excited to graduate! Over these past four years, MSM and its community have become a second home to me, and I don’t think I’m quite ready to leave yet. But I am looking forward to seeing what the future holds for me!