August 13, 2025
Visionary arts leader to begin tenure on October 20, 2025
WILMINGTON, DE — Following a comprehensive national search, The Music School of Delaware is proud to announce the appointment of David J. Pacific as its next President and CEO, effective October 20, 2025.
Pacific brings to the role a dynamic blend of visionary leadership, artistic excellence, and a deep commitment to community engagement. With an expansive career spanning nonprofit and private sector arts institutions across the country, he is recognized nationally for his success in strategic planning, fund development, operations, and programming. His appointment marks a new chapter in The Music School of Delaware’s century-long legacy of delivering high-quality music education and performances across the region.
“There is something truly extraordinary happening at The Music School of Delaware, and it resonates across the entire state,” said Pacific. “To join this community of exceptional music educators, dedicated leaders, and remarkable students as the school's next President and CEO is an incredible honor—one that has me inspired and overjoyed by the people who are at the heart of what makes the school exceptional. I am grateful to build on the rich history of The Music School of Delaware as we welcome its next century and invite more people to join us in making music a meaningful part of our lives together.”
Pacific’s leadership experience is rooted in mission-driven arts organizations. In 2019, he became the inaugural Executive Director of the Joseph Avenue Arts and Culture Alliance in Rochester, NY, where he led the organization to exponential growth while delivering free, high-quality performances and educational opportunities. His prior roles include Associate Director of the Southeastern Piano Festival in Columbia, SC; Director of Education representing Steinway and Sons in New York; and Director of Community Outreach, Marketing, and Artist Services at Friends of Chamber Music in Kansas City, MO.
Throughout his career, Pacific has remained committed to the transformative power of music education. A classically trained pianist, he spent over a decade teaching and mentoring students at community music schools nationwide. He holds degrees in Piano Performance and Pedagogy from Nazareth University and the University of South Carolina, and has received honors for excellence in both piano performance and choral conducting. Elizabeth Stout, Chair of the CEO Search Committee, expressed confidence in the appointment. “Our search focused on identifying a leader who embodies three key qualities: exceptional executive leadership experience in a nonprofit setting, a proven track record in high-volume fundraising, and a deep commitment to embodying the mission of the Music School of Delaware,” said Stout. “David not only meets, but exceeds all of these criteria. His understanding of and respect for our faculty and staff, his success in building inclusive and accessible arts programs, and his enthusiasm for community engagement make him the right leader for this moment in our school’s evolution.”
In a message to faculty and staff, Pacific shared his enthusiasm and gratitude. “Whether through the commitment of the board, the extraordinary talents of the faculty and staff, or the deep engagement of students and families, it is clear that The Music School of Delaware is much more than a statewide institution—it is a vital, living community devoted to the transformative power of music and music education,” he wrote. “I look forward to listening, learning, and collaborating with all of you to shape a shared vision that strengthens and expands the school’s reach, deepens our impact, and lifts up every member of our community.”
Pacific will assume his role as President and CEO on October 20, 2025. Plans are underway to welcome him to the community and to ensure a thoughtful leadership transition.
About The Music School of Delaware Founded in 1924, The Music School of Delaware offers on-site and virtual programming from private lessons in more than 30 instruments and voice, to music history and beyond. Instruction is offered in classical, rock, jazz, and folk genres, and the school presents over 100 public performances, workshops, master classes, and events annually. MSOD is nationally accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Pre-Collegiate Arts Schools, and by the National Association of Schools of Music, and is a charter member of the National Guild for Community Arts Education. The Music School of Delaware received the Delaware Governor’s Award for the Arts in 2010.
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The Music School of Delaware Names David J. Pacific as New President and CEO
Visionary arts leader to begin tenure on October 20, 2025
WILMINGTON, DE — Following a comprehensive national search, The Music School of Delaware is proud to announce the appointment of David J. Pacific as its next President and CEO, effective October 20, 2025.Pacific brings to the role a dynamic blend of visionary leadership, artistic excellence, and a deep commitment to community engagement. With an expansive career spanning nonprofit and private sector arts institutions across the country, he is recognized nationally for his success in strategic planning, fund development, operations, and programming. His appointment marks a new chapter in The Music School of Delaware’s century-long legacy of delivering high-quality music education and performances across the region.
“There is something truly extraordinary happening at The Music School of Delaware, and it resonates across the entire state,” said Pacific. “To join this community of exceptional music educators, dedicated leaders, and remarkable students as the school's next President and CEO is an incredible honor—one that has me inspired and overjoyed by the people who are at the heart of what makes the school exceptional. I am grateful to build on the rich history of The Music School of Delaware as we welcome its next century and invite more people to join us in making music a meaningful part of our lives together.”
Pacific’s leadership experience is rooted in mission-driven arts organizations. In 2019, he became the inaugural Executive Director of the Joseph Avenue Arts and Culture Alliance in Rochester, NY, where he led the organization to exponential growth while delivering free, high-quality performances and educational opportunities. His prior roles include Associate Director of the Southeastern Piano Festival in Columbia, SC; Director of Education representing Steinway and Sons in New York; and Director of Community Outreach, Marketing, and Artist Services at Friends of Chamber Music in Kansas City, MO.
Throughout his career, Pacific has remained committed to the transformative power of music education. A classically trained pianist, he spent over a decade teaching and mentoring students at community music schools nationwide. He holds degrees in Piano Performance and Pedagogy from Nazareth University and the University of South Carolina, and has received honors for excellence in both piano performance and choral conducting. Elizabeth Stout, Chair of the CEO Search Committee, expressed confidence in the appointment. “Our search focused on identifying a leader who embodies three key qualities: exceptional executive leadership experience in a nonprofit setting, a proven track record in high-volume fundraising, and a deep commitment to embodying the mission of the Music School of Delaware,” said Stout. “David not only meets, but exceeds all of these criteria. His understanding of and respect for our faculty and staff, his success in building inclusive and accessible arts programs, and his enthusiasm for community engagement make him the right leader for this moment in our school’s evolution.”
In a message to faculty and staff, Pacific shared his enthusiasm and gratitude. “Whether through the commitment of the board, the extraordinary talents of the faculty and staff, or the deep engagement of students and families, it is clear that The Music School of Delaware is much more than a statewide institution—it is a vital, living community devoted to the transformative power of music and music education,” he wrote. “I look forward to listening, learning, and collaborating with all of you to shape a shared vision that strengthens and expands the school’s reach, deepens our impact, and lifts up every member of our community.”
Pacific will assume his role as President and CEO on October 20, 2025. Plans are underway to welcome him to the community and to ensure a thoughtful leadership transition.
About The Music School of Delaware Founded in 1924, The Music School of Delaware offers on-site and virtual programming from private lessons in more than 30 instruments and voice, to music history and beyond. Instruction is offered in classical, rock, jazz, and folk genres, and the school presents over 100 public performances, workshops, master classes, and events annually. MSOD is nationally accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Pre-Collegiate Arts Schools, and by the National Association of Schools of Music, and is a charter member of the National Guild for Community Arts Education. The Music School of Delaware received the Delaware Governor’s Award for the Arts in 2010.
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This organization is supported, in part, by a grant from the Delaware Division of the Arts, a state agency, in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts. The Division promotes Delaware arts events on www.DelawareScene.com.
The Music School of Delaware is proud to be an active partner in the IN Wilmington Arts Campaign.
The Music School of Delaware is proud to be an active partner in the IN Wilmington Arts Campaign.
