One of the most rewarding parts of opening the Bruce Springsteen Center for American Music has been watching our community embrace this new institution. From the moment we announced our docent program, the response was overwhelming. We received hundreds of applications from individuals eager to share their time, talents, and enthusiasm with our visitors.
Selecting our inaugural cohort was no easy task.
Our docents come from a wide range of backgrounds. Some are educators, historians, musicians, and lawyers. They are passionate music fans, community volunteers, and individuals simply looking for a meaningful way to give back. They all share a love of history, a belief in the power of music, and a desire to help others connect with the stories we tell here every day.
Docents agreed to partake in rigorous, ongoing training, so that they are prepared to staff our galleries answering questions, helping visitors navigate our exhibitions, and providing an extra layer of informed engagement that transforms a museum visit into something more personal. Whether explaining the significance of an artifact, helping a guest locate a favorite artist, or simply sharing their enthusiasm for American music, our docents play an essential role in creating a memorable experience.
As we celebrate the opening of our new home, we thought it would be fitting to introduce some of the remarkable volunteer docents who have helped bring it to life. Over the coming weeks and months, many thousands of visitors will encounter these dedicated individuals in our galleries.
Let’s meet the team!
Prosper Bellizia:
What inspired you to become a docent at the Bruce Springsteen Center for American Music?
The top three photos were taken by me at Seton Hall University in December 1974. I was 20 years old.
I have been in love with the man and his music ever since. My love grows more and more, as he takes a stance while continuing to make great music.
Can you share a favorite music—related memory, artist, song, or concert that has been meaningful in your life?
At that same concert in December 1974, Bruce started the show with an acoustic piano version of “Thunder Road.” Say no more.
What are you most excited for visitors to experience when they come to the Center?
Bruce’s Telecaster!
Mary Courtien:
What inspired you to become a docent at the Bruce Springsteen Center for American Music?
When I saw the opportunity to become a docent at the Bruce Springsteen Center, I hoped that given the opportunity I would be able to give as much as I receive. I love many different types of music; with Bruce being a favorite. I have experience as a docent, and I love to engage with the public. I consider myself a lifelong learner. I envision the future cultural and educational opportunities provided by the Center for the public as well as us will be awesome. I look forward to being a part of this amazing institution and adventure.
Can you share a favorite music—related memory, artist, song, or concert that has been meaningful in your life?
One of the most memorable concerts for me was Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young (8/8/74) at Roosevelt Stadium in Jersey City. During the course of the show the story that Nixon would be announcing his resignation the next day broke. I’ll never forget CSNY announced Nixon’s resignation and changed the first line in “Ohio” to “Tin soldiers and Nixon going.” The general admission crowd went wild. It was such a historic event!
What are you most excited for visitors to experience when they come to the Center?
I am most excited for the visitors to experience “Chimes of Freedom.” This exhibit provides a comprehensive survey of protest, patriotism, and activism as well as highlighting marginalized groups in our society throughout the history of our country. The artifacts contained here combined with background music make for an unforgettable experience. The fact that it is “temporary” only makes it more precious!
Rhonda DeStefano:
What inspired you to become a docent at the Bruce Springsteen Center for American Music?
As a fan of music in general, I was intrigued when I discovered that the Museum was more than a Bruce Springsteen museum…it is a museum of the history of American music. After visiting the “incomplete” museum before opening day, so much of what I grew up listening to and playing on the piano was represented in the exhibits of the American Music Gallery (I played ragtime on the piano until my parents went crazy listening to it!) I knew then that there was a place for me at this museum, where I can share my excitement of lesser—known music genres with others and engage with people of all ages by pointing out to them interesting facts about other genres of music that they ordinarily would not be exposed to. I also knew that this Museum could help bring bygone eras of music to life for the visitors.
Can you share a favorite music—related memory, artist, song, or concert that has been meaningful in your life
Growing up with a father who loved music, especially the classics (e.g. Sinatra, jazz), I was exposed to music that my contemporaries were not. I was angry that I had to listen to those albums over and over every night, from Sinatra’s hits to King Pleasure’s “Moody’s Mood for Love.” Those were the songs I sang as an elementary school student! As an adult I realized that the music that I listened to as a child not only set the foundation for my appreciation of American music in a broad sense but brings back memories of my Dad singing, “There I go, there I go, there I go…” and me trying to mimic him.
What are you most excited for visitors to experience when they come to the Center?
The Jon Landau American Music Gallery. Not only is there something in this gallery for everyone of all ages since it concentrates on various American music genres as they developed throughout time, but visitors will learn how each genre of music grew out of the music that came before it, and was dependent on cultural and other changes/issues going on society at that time. For instance, jazz fans may not be aware that without spiritual music, their favorite genre may not exist today in its current form. This gallery helps put American music history into perspective by showing the shifts in culture, technology and current events of the day and in a way that visitors will understand.
Alitia Faccone:
What inspired you to become a docent at the Bruce Springsteen Center for American Music?
I consider myself a perpetual student of history—it’s at once what motivates me and why I enjoy travel, art, and especially music. Being a docent at the Bruce Springsteen Center for American Music not only allows me to become a very small part of music history, but also provides me with the opportunity to participate—in a direct and meaningful way—in the oral tradition of storytelling as visitors share their stories and connections to the music that bring us all together—building harmony through humanity.
Can you share a favorite music—related memory, artist, song, or concert that has been meaningful in your life?
When my children were very young, our bedtime lullaby was a collective rendition of the song “I Will” from The Beatles. The simple lyrics “Love you forever and forever, love you with all my heart,” can certainly represent something different to many people (which is the beauty and power of music!), but to me they will always be an expression of the strength of maternal love.
What are you most excited for visitors to experience when they come to the Center?
It’s almost impossible to select one thing that I hope every visitor gets to encounter during their visit to the Center—the possibilities are boundless! But what I hope every person gets to experience while they are here is some special connection—whether to an archive, Bruce’s narrative in Thom Zimny’s film or even just the thrill of sitting in the concert room—to a moment, a memory, or perhaps an inspiration that helps them gain a new perspective or provides them with future positive motivation.
Cheryl Hand:
What inspired you to become a docent at the Bruce Springsteen Center for American Music?
As a resident of Monmouth County since 1969 I knew that the Center was going to be very special. I have followed the progress since it was announced. This is a hub in our “Hometown” that will attract visitors from all over the world. The idea of meeting like—minded people from every corner of our earth is what inspired me. I have been a Bruce fan since 1975 and feel lucky that we are involved with a living legend. Becoming a small part of this story, I wanted that chance.
Can you share a favorite music—related memory, artist, song, or concert that has been meaningful in your life?
I attended the 25th anniversary of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, many years ago, at Madison Square Garden. Bruce was the main entertainer and he invited the others—Jeff Beck, Stevie Wonder, Darlene Love, Simon & Garfunkel, John Fogarty—it was a night to remember, but the most meaningful part of it was when Bruce announced, around midnight, that New York was about to meet New Jersey and out came Billy Joel. They sang one Bruce song and one Billy song together. The concert ended with everyone coming out on stage. Darlene Love & Bruce led them all into, “Your Love Is Lifting Me Higher.” I’ll never forget that night—seeing those two together was a meaningful memory.
What are you most excited for visitors to experience when they come to the Center?
Besides the beautiful surroundings, exhibits and education—the technology is over the top! Every room has something interactive for the visitors. The sound in the headphones is fabulous. You can hear songs, interviews, speeches, clear and right in your head—amazing. The Thom Zimny movie excites me for the visitors—it’s so well done, educational and entertaining—the sound is phenomenal.
Miriam Hill:
What inspired you to become a docent at the Bruce Springsteen Center for American Music?
As a teenager in Cleveland, I listened to WMMS obsessively. Their DJs loved Bruce. I still remember the first time I heard them play “Jungleland.” I had no idea who the artist was but fell in love with the Rat and the Barefoot Girl sitting on the hood of a Dodge.
I mentioned the song to a friend who said the artist was Bruce Springsteen and ran to buy Born to Run.
Years later, I took violin lessons mostly to learn the “Jungleland” solo.
Can you share a favorite music—related memory, artist, song, or concert that has been meaningful in your life?
During our current trip to Ireland, we dropped in to the Fleet Inn in Killybegs, an Irish fishing village, to hear some traditional music. Hearing the rousing tunes reminded of Bruce’s “American Land” and of how the Irish have always used music to transcend their country’s historic tragedies.
What are you most excited for visitors to experience when they come to the Center?
While the Center has fabulous exhibits about Bruce, I am most excited for visitors to see how his music is part of a long tradition of American music, from Scott Joplin right up through Bruce and Lady Gaga.
Bill Hoffman:
What inspired you to become a docent at the Bruce Springsteen Center for American Music?
Arts and artists have the unique power to help individuals better understand (and address) the interconnected challenges of today. Serving as a docent in the “D Street Band” is a small way to serve the Center’s larger mission of strengthening grace and hope.
Can you share a favorite music-related memory, artist, song, or concert that has been meaningful in your life?
A three-way tie. Amnesty International’s Conspiracy of Hope tour in 1986; seeing the actual Book of Love on a shelf in Peter Gabriel’s recording studio; U2’s 2001 Elevation tour at MSG (“Walk On” transcended).
What are you most excited for visitors to experience when they come to the Center?
The joyful, healing and empowering way that music creates new connections within ourselves, our communities and to something larger than both.
Kaliope Kostas:
What inspired you to become a docent at the Bruce Springsteen Center for American Music?
I enjoy learning about music, the music industry, and music history. I often read artist memoirs and music histories, not only to understand a particular artist’s journey, but also to understand the through line from one artist to another, one genre to another, and one historical period to another. One of the first podcasts I ever listened to was “Dolly Parton’s America,” and I was equally captivated by Parton’s story as I was with the way the narrators connected her music to its historical roots, and the impact that her music had on the listeners. I was inspired by this approach to music appreciation. I would love to be able to create and share these connections across the spectrum of American music, specifically, incorporating Springsteen’s role in nurturing and progressing the fabric of American music.
Can you share a favorite music—related memory, artist, song, or concert that has been meaningful in your life?
I have attended many New Orleans Jazz and Heritage festivals but most memorable was in 2006, right after Hurricane Katrina devastated the city. Bruce Springsteen headlined the day on April 30th. It was the first performance of the Seeger Sessions tour. Springsteen had never played Jazz Fest before, and while the crowd had many die—hard fans who’d traveled for the performance, the majority of the audience were locals who hadn’t seen Springsteen before. These locals had endured the storm and the aftermath that was still unfolding. Springsteen and the band received a polite response at first, but as the night wore on, it was visible that the crowd was slowly being converted by the artist’s empathy, his own outrage at the situation and the expertly crafted setlist that gave voice to the audience’s anger and frustration. By the end of the night, after a profoundly moving rendition of “When the Saints Go Marching In,” the entire crowd was on their feet loudly cheering, with tears streaming down most faces, including my own. We all left buoyed with hope, something the citizens of New Orleans desperately needed at that time. This concert solidified for me the healing power of music and its ability to provide solace, comfort and redemption.
What are you most excited for visitors to experience when they come to the Center?
I am most excited for visitors to experience and learn about the connectivity of American music. When Springsteen played Jazz Fest in 2006, he called New Orleans “the great mother—city of American music.” I hope that visitors come to understand why that is, and how places like Chicago and Detroit and countless other cities contributed to shaping the music we listen to today. I hope they emerge from a visit not only having seen a piece of Springsteen memorabilia that excites them, but also understanding how folk, soul, country, R&B, etc., all influenced Springsteen’s career and music.
In particular, I hope they spend time in the American Music Gallery and experience the interactive that outlines music by region. It highlights a number of genres and sub genres that aren’t represented elsewhere in the Center, and it acknowledges the artists and songs from these places and their impact on American music.
Lori Levenson:
What inspired you to become a docent at the Bruce Springsteen Center for American Music?
I was inspired to be a docent because I believe music, particularly our vast and rich history of American music, is the most powerful medium we have to transcend differences, bond together, and educate ourselves with moving stories that universally resonate. After only one week as a docent, I have shared these connections with many visitors of all ages and backgrounds, and it has been a wonderful gift!
Can you share a favorite music—related memory, artist, song, or concert that has been meaningful in your life?
I can vividly remember being a young girl standing on a street corner during a Fourth of July parade in the small town of Englishtown, NJ. My little sister and I were holding tight to each of my grandfather’s hands— a patriotic and proud WWII veteran. When the boom of the marching band went by us and “Grand Old Flag” was playing, we sang at the top of our lungs, since he had taught us the song very young. I remember the chills it gave me and how I swelled with pride inside watching him. To this day, marching bands move me to tears. I just began drum lessons of my own 50 years later!
What are you most excited for visitors to experience when they come to the Center?
There are so many treasures to discover at the new Bruce Springsteen Center for American Music! I am most excited for visitors to experience a journey of their own that brings back many memories, creates new ones, and incites some inspiration they can take home.
Dan Loughran:
What inspired you to become a docent at the Bruce Springsteen Center for American Music?
I’ve always seen Bruce Springsteen’s work as occupying a more important space in American history and culture than that which is inhabited by mere “rock stars.” As a seventeen-year-old attendee at one of the Boss’s Born in the USA concerts in 1984, I found myself inexplicably crying at the beauty of Bruce’s passion and conviction on display. Right then and there I thought, “This (his words, songs, the performance) is so much more than a ‘rock and roll fantasy.'” Since then, I carefully paid attention to every article, television appearance, etc., that Bruce was in, as I wanted to better understand his critique of the country he so clearly loved. Being a docent at the Center helps me contextualize for others Bruce’s place in the larger narrative of American Music, and it helps me reinforce Bruce’s notion of critical patriotism, that to love one’s country is to hold it accountable to its ideals and promises.
Can you share a favorite music-related memory, artist, song, or concert that has been meaningful in your life?
Attending a rehearsal show at Convention Hall for The Rising tour….my brother Bill gave me his wristband so that I could be in the general admission “pit” area; as a result, I sidled up to the stage and was positioned to actually pluck the strings of Bruce’s famous Fender guitar during the chaotic musical interlude in “Born to Run” before he counts off. What a dream!
What are you most excited for visitors to experience when they come to the Center?
I love the opening Zimny film so much and how it truly launches the rest of the visit…I also love the handwritten lyrics not only by Bruce, but by so many others, including a Bob Dylan song that he dedicates to Woody Guthrie. I love pointing this out to visitors.
Audrey Melofchik:
What inspired you to become a docent at the Bruce Springsteen Center for American Music?
I had just retired from a career in advertising and wanted to use my storytelling skills—and my newfound time—to give back to New Jersey. But I wasn’t quite sure where. Then I discovered the Center’s mission to shine a light on the cultural and historical impact of all genres of American music, with Bruce at the heart of it. That just felt like magic. Music has a way of uniting people and bridging our shared humanity, and I couldn’t wait to learn and be part of telling that story. And to have it right here in New Jersey makes me incredibly proud.
Can you share a favorite music—related memory, artist, song, or concert that has been meaningful in your life?
The 1983 Diana Ross concert on the Great Lawn in Central Park. I was 19 and went with my sister and a group of friends. We were beyond excited; feeling like we were at the very center of the world that night. Then a thunderstorm rolled in, with fierce 50 mph winds, a driving downpour and the concert was called off. But Diana Ross came back the next night, opening with “I’m Coming Out,” and the crowd of 800,000 went wild. That feeling of community, resilience, and music at the heart of it all was something truly special. I have been a live music fan ever since.
What are you most excited for visitors to experience when they come to the Center?
A difficult choice but …. The Chimes of Freedom temporary exhibit. It tells the story of patriotic and protest songs beginning at the birth of our country and going through today. Visitors share so many beautiful stories with me and leave truly blown away.
Paul Reitz:
What inspired you to become a docent at the Bruce Springsteen Center for American Music?
Music for me has been my life’s journey and to be able to be in a place where I can welcome and meet like—minded music fans and share our mutual enthusiasm is very special to me.
Can you share a favorite music—related memory, artist, song, or concert that has been meaningful in your life?
New Year’s Eve, 1972, my father took me to my first concert, Blood, Sweat & Tears and B.B. King at the Capitol Theater in Passaic, NJ… Although I had listened to their records, seeing this live performance had left an indelible impression on me. There is nothing else like a live experience.
What are you most excited for visitors to experience when they come to the Center?
For our guests to see the creative influences, lyrics and instruments up close for their historic value and for the personal memories that these items have created to make up the soundtrack of their lives.
Rose Smith:
What inspired you to become a docent at the Bruce Springsteen Center for American Music?
I have been volunteering with Eileen Chapman since 2017, first at the little white house and then in Convention Hall at the pop—up shop. I have been a Springsteen fan since 1973. As a middle school art teacher, I often took my students to museums such as the MMA and Grounds for Sculpture, so the docent position was always interesting and something I’d want to do in the future. I look forward to a lengthy association with the Center.
Can you share a favorite music—related memory, artist, song, or concert that has been meaningful in your life?
I have experienced so many Bruce Concerts. My first being in 1973 at Max’s Kansas City, NYC. Although the guy I went with is history, Bruce has endured. One of Bruce’s songs which has always affected me has been Glory Days. Although it’s about an athlete’s bygone days, I always equated it with the changes that life deals us. I can remember crying when I first heard it. But now so much of life has passed me by. It is timeless.
What are you most excited for visitors to experience when they come to the Center?
I am most excited for visitors to experience the entire Center. The Thom Zimny film narrated by Bruce about Music History is phenomenal. Chimes of Freedom, a temporary exhibition, is so timely and important right now, but emphasizes that the problems in our country aren’t new. And finally, anyone who is a Bruce fan will enjoy the 2nd floor, concert room, immersive Inside the Music, and the digital archives.
Dave Wilson:
What inspired you to become a docent at the Bruce Springsteen Center for American Music?
I had several inspirations for becoming a docent. Most importantly, I’ve been a Bruce Springsteen fan for more than 50 years. Beyond that, I was on the board of the Center’s predecessor, the Friends of the Bruce Springsteen Special Collection, and ran its social media. I have donated my time, items and money to the archives for many years. I’m a Monmouth University graduate, class of 1980. I belong to the Dean’s Advisory Council for the Wayne D. McMurray School of Humanities and Social Sciences, through which the Center is linked to the university. And I’ve worked as an educator at Ellis Island’s abandoned hospital since 2022, the year I retired.
Can you share a favorite music—related memory, artist, song, or concert that has been meaningful in your life?
My first Bruce Springsteen concert was September 20, 1978, the second night of a three—night stand at the Capitol Theatre in Passaic, NJ. The experience was life changing. Here’s a story from that night which I told in the movie Tramps Like Us: My brother, Alan, went with me. Before the concert, he drew a caricature of Bruce. Alan included his initials and our hometown, Neptune, NJ. He presented it to Bruce after “Spirit in the Night,” the concert’s third song. Others also offered gifts, prompting Bruce to say: “I got all this stuff.” The next thing he said: “I got something from Neptune here,” referring to Alan’s drawing. Garry Tallent, a graduate of Neptune High School, responded to the shout—out with a fist pump (as shown in unofficial video, used in the movie).
What are you most excited for visitors to experience when they come to the Center?
I look forward to helping Bruce Springsteen fans worldwide gain a greater appreciation of his life and legacy, as well as his relationship to American music. My work at Ellis Island has brought me into contact with people from many countries. I’m hoping to build on that foundation at the Center.
Diane Zimbaldi:
What inspired you to become a docent at the Bruce Springsteen Center for American Music?
My teaching background is in art and art history. I think of the Center as an interactive museum of sorts and the construction of such a venue near me was very exciting!
Can you share a favorite music—related memory, artist, song, or concert that has been meaningful in your life?
All of my musical adventures seem very meaningful and although I do have favorite concerts, songs and artists, all good music lifts us up and creates a kind of euphoria unmatched by anything else.
What are you most excited for visitors to experience when they come to the Center?
I am very excited for the visitors to learn more about American Music through the exhibitions and the interactives within the building. As with art, musicians build upon what was created before them and expand that to include new technology and experiences. The Bruce Springsteen Center for American Music does all of these things in a spectacular way!
If you applied to be a docent and haven’t heard back from us yet, stay tuned!
Melissa Kozlowski
Director of Curatorial Affairs
Bruce Springsteen Center for American Music
Monmouth University
June 22, 2026