Anthony Mazzocchi — Building a Music Ecosystem That Believes in Every Kid
About episode 2:
What if “talent” isn’t rare—and the real scarcity is time, teachers, and belief? In this episode of The Scene Room, host Elizabeth (Lizzie) Bowman sits down with Anthony (Tony) Mazzocchi, Executive Director of Kaufman Music Center and Kinhaven Music School, to explore how music education, when resourced and valued, can transform an entire community’s cultural life.
time, teachers, and belief?
From his early years as a trombonist and freelancer to a decade teaching inside a Brooklyn public school, Tony saw firsthand what happens when students are challenged and supported in equal measure. That experience now shapes his mission-first leadership at Kaufman: turning Merkin Hall into a living classroom, Lucy Moses School into a community hub, and Special Music School—the nation’s only K–12 public school with music integrated daily—into a model for excellence that bridges artistry and academics.
time, teachers, and belief?
We dig into the structural challenges facing the field: limited early access, budget cuts, and a national music teacher shortage that continues to erode programs even when funding exists. Tony shares practical ideas for audience engagement and community connection—from first-timer meetups and artist Q&As to food-and-music pairings that create belonging without diluting the art.
time, teachers, and belief?
We also spotlight Kinhaven’s new boarding program, a 50/50 music-and-academics model that extends the summer-festival spirit into the school year. Its tuition-free pilot and collaborative ethos are redefining access and showing how arts leadership can adapt to new generations of learners.
time, teachers, and belief?
Throughout, we return to a simple but powerful idea: music is for everyone when the pathway is clear and expectations are high. In an age shaped by AI and automation, music education continues to teach the human skills we need most—listening, empathy, and shared leadership.
time, teachers, and belief?
If you care about arts access, music education, or the future of the performing arts, this episode offers an inspiring look at what’s possible when belief meets support.
Who is Anthony (Tony) Mazzocchi?
Anthony Mazzocchi is the Executive Director of Kaufman Music Center and Kinhaven Music School. A GRAMMY®-nominated music educator and accomplished trombonist, he has performed with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, New Jersey Symphony, San Diego Symphony, and numerous Broadway productions. Mazzocchi previously served as Director of the John J. Cali School of Music at Montclair State University, where he led initiatives advancing music education, diversity, and immersive learning. At Kinhaven, he expanded programs, established the nation’s first semester-long boarding program for young musicians, and developed tuition-free initiatives. His TEDx talk, “What Can a Trombone Choir Teach the World About Collaboration and Leadership?”, reflects his commitment to music as a tool for fostering collaboration, leadership, and community.
All episodes, after publication, are also available in video form on YouTube and Spotify Channels. All are hosted by Elizabeth (Lizzie) Bowman.
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