In this audio interview with librarian Carmen Hendershott, School of Jazz Dean Martin Mueller recalls his career before coming to The New School in 1987. He outlines the history of the Jazz and Contemporary Music Program at The New School as he has experienced it, covering an incubation period from 1986 into the early 1990s and its relationship with Mannes School of Music. He also discusses the move of offices, the unionization of faculty members, and the establishment of various outreach initiatives abroad. Mueller emphasizes the role of Deans Allen Austill (The New School) and David C. Levy (Parsons School of Design), and faculty member Arnie Lawrence in founding the Jazz Program. He comments upon the program’s evolving demographics and the availability of financial aid for students. Additionally, Mueller references his work with the International Association for Jazz Education, and sketches a brief history of the Guitar Study Center.