May 16, 2023

This year’s 2023 Student Commencement Speaker is Vocal Arts senior Jaydon T. Beleford (the MSM Commencement Ceremony will be held at The Riverside Church, Thursday, May 18).  At MSM, Jaydon has been an active member of the School’s Black Student Union and is currently serving as the BSU President. He recently performed the role of Ottavia in Undergraduate Opera Theatre’s production of L’incoronazione di Poppea.

Jaydon spoke with us about his time at MSM, Commencement, and his words for incoming students.

How do you feel about being this year’s Student Commencement Speaker?

Jaydon: Being the Manhattan School of Music Commencement Speaker is such a high honor. I am extremely grateful for everyone who voted for me, and to those who believe in what I have to say, both about my MSM experience and the brilliance I have seen in each performer here. I hope I make our class of 2023 proud!

Looking back at the past four years, what is your favorite MSM memory?

Jaydon: Honestly, I have too many favorite memories. Orientation day, the Black History Month Concerts, the BSU-Washington D.C. trip, just sitting and laughing with my friends in the cafe, Poppea; there are just far too many to choose from. I feel that each moment here at MSM taught me not just about music, but also about how to have fun and enjoy what it is we do. I have always enjoyed music and performing, but with a community in which you have both grown artistically and professionally, it’s an entirely new form of gratitude. We all push each other in the best way possible, and I am extremely lucky. It sounds cheesy, I know, but each moment I spend with these absolutely brilliant musicians is a core memory. I am honored to have gotten to know you all.

See some of Jaydon’s MSM highlights here:

What would senior Jaydon tell freshman Jaydon?

Jaydon: Senior Jaydon would definitely tell Freshman Jaydon to stay the course. What we do is not easy. Not in the slightest. The road gets rocky, and the battles get tough. There is so much more to music than one would think, but that’s why we go to school. The hardest reality and truth about this journey is that it will not get easier. However, the upside is we simply get tougher. We get stronger, and the problems that used to bother us soon become a minor inconvenience. We learn how to breathe when times get stressful. We learn to process our issues and how to make light out of whatever is dark around us. We’re human. That is why we perform. Freshman Jaydon had no idea what was in store for him in his senior year, just like how 4th-year Jaydon has no idea what lies up ahead. However, determination is key, and if there is anything I have learned, it’s to fight and to keep going, and to continuously believe in ourself.

What would you like to say to anyone starting at MSM in the fall?

Jaydon: Future Polar Bears, you have no idea how lucky you are.  When you walk into MSM for the first time as a student, enjoy your moment. In whichever major you will study in, realize and recognize that you are studying with the absolute best performers in the business. Look around you, for you will be going to class with the future leaders of the industry. Take every single performance opportunity you can and work to get your name learned. Never let anyone try to diminish your talent. Accept what you don’t know and have the openness to learn and try. Try, try, and try again. And last but not least, it’s easy to lose sight of who you are, especially in this field. Your worth, your gift, and your heart are all a part of what make you the performer you are. As long as you stay true to your purpose and defend it with all your artistic being, your light will shine stronger than you believe. What we do isn’t a joke, it’s real work. There is a vulnerability in this profession, but through whatever comes your way, believe in yourself. Easier said than done, but we each have our own journey. If you trust in yourself, no one can stop you. I am so excited to see what all you new MSM-heads will bring to this amazing home of a conservatory.

MAY 18 | THURS
1 PM

2023 MSM Commencement

The Riverside Church
490 Riverside Drive
New York, NY 10027