It’s a Wrap! Celebrating 2025–2026 at The New School for Music Study

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As the 2025–2026 year comes to a close, we are grateful for the many ways our community came together through music. At The New School for Music Study, a division of The Frances Clark Center, the year was marked by community performances, continued learning, and opportunities to celebrate students, teachers, and lifelong musicians.

Honoring Marvin Blickenstaff

This spring, faculty, students, alumni, and friends gathered to celebrate the life and legacy of Marvin Blickenstaff. A Celebration of Life recital at Stonebridge at Montgomery and a memorial program at Nassau Presbyterian Church brought the community together through music and shared memories. Marvin’s influence as a pianist, teacher, mentor, and advocate for lifelong music-making continues to shape the work of so many. He remains an important part of the history and spirit of NSMS, and he is deeply missed.

Sharing Music with the Community

Music reached beyond the studios this year through the Lecture Recital Series programs presented at the Princeton Public Library and the Plainsboro Public Library. Faculty presentations explored a variety of repertoire and traditions while inviting audiences to discover new perspectives and musical voices.

One program to highlight, Women in Music: A Celebration of Voice and Legacy, was presented by students from the Program for Excellence in Piano Study. Presented during Women’s History Month, the performance marked the culmination of a year-long project featuring music by Valerie Capers, Amy Beach, Donna Gray, and other composers from the early Romantic period to the present.

Students introduced their repertoire and shared their own reflections on the composers and their contributions. Having composer Donna Gray in attendance made the afternoon particularly special.

Celebrating Student Growth

May brought another Recital Celebration Weekend, one of the most anticipated traditions of the year. More than 350 students and faculty members participated in three days of rehearsals and performances, with hundreds of family members and friends joining in the celebration.

Earlier in the spring, Piano Progressions provided students across all levels with opportunities for assessment, feedback, and goal setting. Faculty members worked collaboratively to support each student’s continued development, reflecting the shared commitment to teaching that has long defined NSMS.

Students in the Program for Excellence in Piano Study also enjoyed master classes with Senior Education Advisor Phyllis Alpert Lehrer, continuing a tradition of mentorship and artistic growth.

Faculty as Artists and Mentors

Throughout the year, faculty members continued to share their artistry through performances across the region and beyond. Their work as performers enriches the musical experiences they bring to students every day.

Students of Molly Sanford, Nathaniel Maxwell, Fiona Christiano, and Carla Salas Ruiz were recognized in the 2026 Piano Inspires Kids Composition Contest, reflecting the creativity and dedication fostered within the NSMS studios.

The community also celebrated the news that Molly Sanford and Carla Salas Ruiz will be published in the MTNA eJournal following their presentation at the 2026 MTNA National Conference. Their research, Beyond Professions: The Piano as a Lifelong Companion—A Multiple Case Study of Adult Pianists, highlights the important role music can play throughout life.

Learning Together

Professional growth remained an important part of the year. The Piano Teacher Engagement Series continued to bring together teachers from across the United States, Canada, and Germany for conversations about repertoire, pedagogy, chamber music, inclusive teaching, and studio practice.

NSMS also welcomed Craig Sale and Dr. Diana Dumlavwalla as part of this year’s residency programs. Their visits created opportunities for observation, mentoring, discussion, and collaboration among faculty, students, and postgraduate teachers.

Celebrating Creativity

The fifth annual Silent Film Celebration brought together 116 participants representing 29 teachers. Supported by families, sponsors, and community partners, the event continues to be a favorite tradition and a wonderful example of creativity and collaboration.

Looking Ahead

Planning is already underway for 2026–2027. As a division of The Frances Clark Center, The New School for Music Study has always been guided by the belief that music has the power to enrich lives and bring people together. Looking back on this year, we are grateful for the students, families, faculty, alumni, and friends who make that mission possible every day.

Thank you for being part of another memorable year. We look forward to all that lies ahead and to continuing to learn, share, and make music together.

Learn more about teaching and professional development opportunities at The New School for Music Study by clicking here.

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