Ashley Martin grew up in Jackson, New Jersey, with a constant love for the arts. The moment she picked up a trumpet for the first time in sixth grade, she knew music would remain with her for the rest of her life. Ashley went on to pursue Music Education at Montclair State University, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Music degree in 2025. During her undergraduate studies, she began to notice the flaws, imbalances, and achievement gaps that exist within the education system and examined the similarities that are seen throughout arts disciplines. Ashley learned about the field of arts administration from her college roommate and went on to join Columbia University’s 2027 cohort with a mission to improve performing arts accessibility, particularly within the music community. Through this program, she hopes to gain a deeper understanding of what it takes to run a performing arts organization, as well as how she can reduce the ongoing
achievement gaps.
What inspired you to pursue an MA in Arts Administration?
Being a woman in brass who has personally experienced mistreatment due to my gender, I knew I wanted to advocate for young girls who believe they aren’t good enough just because they are female. The stereotypes in the classical music setting, in particular, commonly undermine the capabilities of female and nonbinary musicians despite their hard work and talent. I aspire to take part in defying these stereotypes by contributing to a space that makes female and nonbinary musicians feel safe, welcome, and capable of success. I am confident that the tools I have gained thus far and will continue to gain from this program will aid me in accomplishing this goal.
What surprised you the most about the program, or what new interests did you develop?
What surprised me about this program is how broad the arts administration field truly is. Between fundraising and development, ticketing and merchandising, marketing, social media and public relations, education, and nonprofit management, there are endless directions I could take in my career path. Ultimately, I am interested in becoming the most well-rounded arts administrator I can by the time I leave this program.
What are your goals for the future, career-wise?
Career-wise, my goals for the future are to become affiliated with an organization that advocates for equitable and accessible music-making for all. Whether I am managing the operations of a program, contacting donors, or scheduling events with schools and community settings, I hope to
advocate for my passion (music) while pursuing a career I am passionate about (arts administration). Although I am unsure of where my endpoint will be, I am sure of the area I would like to remain in, as well as what my personal and professional goals are.
What is your internship?
My internship, while not yet official, will be with coLAB Arts in New Brunswick, New Jersey. coLAB Arts is a nonprofit organization that aims to engage with audiences artistically through social justice initiatives. Through visual art, music, dance, theatre, and film, coLAB arts facilitates events that empower people of all backgrounds, abilities, and experiences by “[creating] new work that is reflective of those conversations and relationships and challenges perceptions and inspires action.” Coming from the National Music Festival in Chestertown, Maryland, that actively engaged the community, I discovered coLAB Arts through that lens, and am highly grateful for the opportunity to promote a variety of social justice initiatives through a variety of arts disciplines.
Arts Administration 
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