Student Affairs

About MSM Commencement taking place on May 22, 2025

The MSM Commencement ceremony takes place each year in the spectacular Riverside Church followed by a reception at MSM in the Alan M. and Joan Taub Ades Performance Space and the Student Union.

The School bestows degrees on its graduating class as well as awarding a number of honorary doctorates and other honors, while also featuring musical performances by graduating students.

The Riverside Church
490 Riverside Drive
New York, NY 10027
(212) 870-6700

Watch the MSM Commencement 2024 ceremony here that took place on May 16, 2024:

Commencement Address

Ted Chapin, Former CEO, Rodgers and Hammerstein Organization

Student Commencement Speaker

Kellin Hanas (BM ’24, jazz trumpet)

Learn about our Honorary Doctorate and Distinguished Service recipients and watch their speeches:

2024 Honorary Doctorate Recipients

Ted Chapin, Former CEO, Rodgers and Hammerstein Organization

Anne-Marie McDermott, classical pianist

Brian Stokes Mitchell, two-time Tony Award-winning actor

Linda Oh (MM ’08), jazz bassist

Ann Ziff, Chairman, Metropolitan Opera

2024 President’s Medal for Distinguished Service Recipients

Rebecca Charnow, Dean of Youth Education and Community-Career Connections

Kim Laskowski, MSM Faculty (Orchestral Performance Program, Woodwinds)

George Manahan (BM ’73, MM ‘76), MSM Faculty (Director of Orchestral Activities; Chair, Conducting Department)

Chris Shade (MM ’07), Assistant Dean for The Orto Center for Distance Learning and Recording Arts

Commencement Address

Ted Chapin, Former CEO, Rodgers and Hammerstein Organization

Student Commencement Speaker

Kellin Hanas (BM ’24, jazz trumpet)

Questions?

Contact
Office of Student Engagement
917-493-4525
studentengagement@vbj4.com