Liany Mateo is a 2020 graduate of Michigan State University Jazz Studies program.
My time at Michigan State University was truly transformative. As a member of the Jazz Studies program, I was welcomed into a close-knit community of individuals who were not only passionate about making music but also committed to supporting one another. The academic environment challenged me in the best possible ways, while the beauty of the campus introduced me to a new and inspiring setting.
The core values of the Jazz Studies program — community, mentorship and a deep reverence for the Black American roots of jazz — have profoundly shaped my approach to my professional career. Now based in New York, I prioritize creating and participating in musical environments that reflect these principles. I actively seek out and contribute to spaces where these values thrive. Many of my closest friends from MSU remain vital collaborators in my musical journey, and I am deeply grateful for those enduring connections.
As a bassist I have had the privilege of performing across the country, collaborating with remarkable artists and contributing to the next generation of jazz education. This moment is especially meaningful as I come home to MSU, the place where my artistic path began. Sharing the stage at the Wharton Center with a fellow MSU Jazz Studies alumnus during our performance of Jazz at Lincoln Center Presents: New Orleans Songbook made the experience even more meaningful.
