The Manhattan School of Music President James Gandre has announced his retirement in June 2028 after 15 Years in the role.

President Gandre is the second-longest-serving president in the School’s history.

In a statement, President Gandre said, “It has been the honor of my professional life to serve MSM as president. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to have served this extraordinary institution, first as a member of its administration and faculty and, since 2013, as its president. I have had the great privilege—and profound responsibility—of leading the School through a period of significant change and growth, and I am especially grateful to have done so alongside such talented, dedicated, and deeply caring trustees, faculty, and staff.”

During President Gandre’s tenure, MSM has strengthened its financial position and its commitment to access and opportunity. He also guided MSM through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, rallying faculty and staff in an all-hands, cooperative atmosphere that allowed the School to continue its operations. He first served MSM in a variety of administrative and leadership roles from 1985 to 2000, returned to the School as president in 2013.

As a result, the Board of Trustees will begin search for his successor.