Martin Mueller sat behind his desk reflecting on his time at The New School and what he will be missing as he nears his last year as dean for The Jazz School.
“A large part of my identity is wrapped up in this school, [with my career] having spanned it’s, literally, it’s entire existence. So, I am going to miss the sense of community and commitment here at The New School,” said Mueller.
The School for Jazz and Contemporary Music was founded in 1986, which was also when Mueller took his seat as dean. Now, 30 years later, Mueller will depart The New School for retirement.
He has seen what he calls the“evolution of The Jazz School,” and the many students who have shaped it in its many stages–from Brad Mehldau to Robert Glasper. Mueller prides himself with how many former students have become “leaders in the art and have transformed [it] in many ways”.
The dean thought of his role at the jazz school as “not just a job but definitely a labor of love.”
As a pianist himself, he always wanted to be around a community like the Jazz School provides. Through his position as dean of the School for Jazz, he was able to achieve that.
“It is a personal blessing and a privilege to work with incredible artists and to have that sense of connectedness and shared mission that we all have and to know that each person is an individual. There are not many ways to experience that and I am really going to miss that!”
The exiting dean believes he has gained knowledge as a musician just from his time spent at the school. He, himself “has stayed the same age but the students keep getting younger and younger,” he joked.
Cole Stone-Frisina, a junior at The Jazz School, said “I am going to miss Martin Mueller because he built this program and he’s a really special person to [The New School.]”
Students also noted that some of their first encounters with the Jazz School had Mueller showing them around as potential freshman, giving them a tour of the school. “Right when I came to New School, he was of the first people I talked to. He gave me a great recommendation for the school and told me what it was all about. It was very useful!” said Jazz sophomore Kaelen Ghandhi.
Faculty members had positive remarks on Mueller’s departure. “[He was a dean of] many talents,“ said one teacher.
“Martin was a wonderful boss to work for. He was a great supervisor, great colleague and a really good friend too. I couldn’t have asked for a better person to work for these past four years.” Jennifer Doerr, the Jazz School’s executive secretary reflected on behalf of working closely with Mueller.
Mueller noted that every generation that has experienced the Jazz School brings different perspective challenging all of the school’s faculty and what he said, “keeps them young!”
As for the institutional side of The New School, Mueller has seen many people come into positions in its administration – which for him seeing the difference between presidents and other roles- has been a huge learning experience for himself.
Also, as the new arch of all three performing art schools merge (Mannes, Jazz and Drama), Mueller eyes have opened to an even bigger learning experience as an administrator that has to collaborate with two other schools.
Mueller’s plans after leaving The School for Jazz are to still be able to reach out to alumni, to reconnect students, and help tell some of their many stories. He believes that “telling [the students] stories tell TNS stories.”
Mueller “leaves with pride” and will always remember his time here at the jazz school. He can’t wait to be able to place his fingers on his own ivory keys at home and enjoy his retirement in the refreshing Portland, Oregon.
“Thank you, Martin Mueller, for your hard work and dedication- We appreciate it so much!” said Jazz sophomore Sam Schwall.
Photo credit: Julia Himmel