Melissa Markstein

Melissa Markstein has been involved in the performing arts for as long as she can remember. Dance classes, piano lessons, and singing in choirs not only filled her with immense joy, but also taught her the importance of hard work, perseverance, and collaboration – not only in the arts but in life.

While attending Kenyon College as a Dance and American Studies major, Melissa’s professor and advisor introduced her to the field of Arts Administration. From there, the pieces started to fall into place. Melissa connected with a fellow dance major alumna of Kenyon (and of the BU Met Arts Administration Program!) and was invited to the Berkshires to intern at the renowned Berkshire Opera Festival. That summer, Melissa discovered her interest in fundraising, and after graduating from Kenyon she worked in development at the Berkshire Theatre Group and the Handel and Haydn Society.

This fall, Melissa is excited to embark on her journey to a Master’s Degree in Arts Administration and a Certificate in Fundraising. She will also be joining the development department at the Boston Symphony Orchestra as their Prospect Research Analyst. Upon graduation, Melissa hopes to achieve leadership roles in fundraising, and eventually serve as an Executive Director for a performing arts organization.

So many of my colleagues and mentors working in the field have told me how positive their experiences were at BU’s Arts Administration program. I have had the program on my radar for many years, and this past year I felt that I was finally in the right spot in my career to take this next step towards achieving a leadership role in the arts.

I have been incredibly impressed with the faculty, and the courses have already give me several “ah ha” moments, helping me fill in gaps in my previous knowledge of the nonprofit industry. I’m looking forward to gaining both practical and theory-based skills during my time in this program.