Tyler Donnelly ‘27, Major: Musical Arts
Faculty Member: Drum Sets
The summer of 2025, Tyler had the incredible opportunity to intern in the heart of New York’s jazz scene at the New York Jazz Academy. As part of the faculty team, he were not only teaching lessons but also performing daily with accomplished musicians. This role allowed Tyler to gain firsthand experience in both instruction and performance, developing his skills while forming valuable connections with faculty and fellow musicians. The experience opened doors to future opportunities and set the foundation for a growing network within the music industry.
But the connections didn’t stop at work. Tyler lived in Jackson Heights, Queens, one of the most diverse neighborhoods, surrounded by people from all over the globe. Despite language barriers, Tyler enjoyed the cultural diversity of the area, learning about different traditions through food, music, and interactions with neighbors. Many of the students at the academy also came from diverse backgrounds, making it a helpful opportunity to practice teaching in a multicultural environment.
This summer was a transformative experience for Tyler, where he grew both as a musician and a person. The challenges he faced in teaching, building the network, and adapting to a culturally rich environment pushed him to grow in ways he never expected. He is already looking forward to returning to New York in the future to continue building on this growth!
This internship was made possible through generous donor funding, which supports students in gaining real-world experience without the stress of balancing summer expenses. Hoping to intern next summer? Schedule an appointment at the Career Center and we can help you! The summer internship funding application will open in early January, after we get back from break. Summer Funding
