KAUFMAN MUSIC CENTER

Established with the mission of providing access without barriers, Kaufman Music Center proudly programs a comprehensive musical experience for students, performers and audiences in New York and beyond. Merkin Hall, the Center’s intimate performance venue, provides unparalleled access to today’s most compelling artists, workshops and competitions, offering students, artists and audiences alike the chance to share music at the highest level. Its acclaimed Artist-in-Residence program also gives those performers the resources to develop groundbreaking, multidisciplinary projects as well as educational opportunities to mentor and inspire. Kaufman Music Center continuously cultivates and nurtures new generations of artists through Special Music School, the nation’s only K-12 public school prioritizing an intensive, immersive and musically-focused education without financial barriers, as well as Lucy Moses School, Manhattan’s largest community performing arts school for students of all ages.

ANTHONY MAZZOCCHI, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND CEO

Anthony Mazzocchi is a GRAMMY®-nominated music educator and visionary leader who has dedicated his career to shaping the future of music education and performance. Mazzocchi has served since 2020 as Director of the John J. Cali School of Music at Montclair State University and Executive Director of the Kinhaven Music School in Vermont since 2010. An accomplished trombonist, Mazzocchi has performed with leading ensembles including the Los Angeles Philharmonic, New Jersey Symphony and San Diego Symphony, and in numerous Broadway productions.

At the John J. Cali School of Music, Mazzocchi spearheaded initiatives such as the Cali Immersive Residency Program, the pioneering Cali Pathways Project to advance diversity in the field, and international artist partnerships. Under his guidance, the School developed innovative programs like a BA in Recording and Production Arts and forged collaborations with premier venues such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, National Sawdust and Kaufman Music Center.

A passionate advocate for music education, Mazzocchi significantly expanded the Kinhaven Music School’s programs and financial foundation, leading efforts to establish the nation’s first semester boarding school for music and developing tuition-free programs for young musicians.

Mazzocchi’s influence extends to publishing, with his books being widely adopted by educational organizations — including the NYC Department of Education — and institutions globally. His TEDx talk, “What Can a Trombone Choir Teach the World About Collaboration and Leadership?” encapsulates his commitment to music as a means of fostering teamwork and innovation.