The new music center at Monmouth University opening spring 2026 is looking for docents, volunteer expert tour guides who play a crucial role in museums by having intimate knowledge on subject matters, in this case, the Springsteen Center.
Melissa Ziobro, the Curator for The Bruce Springsteen Center for American Music and the Director of Territorial Affairs, said, “We are going to pick the best candidates, and then they are going to undergo a rigorous training program where they will come here to campus and essentially take a series of classes with me, not just about Bruce, but about American Music History. They will have to be well versed in 250 years of American music history, not just Bruce fans.” She further explained that the Center’s mission is much more than just Bruce’s official repository.
The application was open to the public as well as the Monmouth community, including students. While there were no specific qualifications listed on the application and the Center left it open to applicants to give reasons why they’re fit for these volunteer roles, some knowledge about Springsteen is important because the docents will essentially be teachers to the visitors who come to the museum.
Joe Rapolla, Chair of the Music and Theater Arts Department, said, “Participating in the docent program offers significant benefits for students. They will gain real-world experience, develop public speaking and event production skills, and acquire valuable experience working ina high-energy, dynamic environment. These are all transferable skills that enhance their professional portfolios and can be applied throughout their careers.” He sees this as a great opportunity for resume building.
Ziobro said, “We wanted it to be really open and cast as wide a net as possible for people to get involved.” She said they got a lot of locals but they received many applications from people who live further away, that vacation near the Springsteen Center. Those who requested to participate in this program during the time they are vacationing near the Center will likely be able to partake in the docent program. They want this experience to be accessible to as many people as possible.
Ziobro projected that the docent training program will take place in early May. She said, “There will be a number of classes with me where you learn about the Center’s history and mission. We need these people to be able to speak about the work we do, then we’ll get into American Music History, so it will be like taking an Intro to Music History class and then we will drill down on the exhibits.” The docents need to provide the most accurate and best information to the general public.
While these classes are not yet confirmed, they will most likely take place at night. Ziobro suggests that everyone stay tuned into their website springsteencenter.org as well as their social media for updates.
Riley Kindler, a peer in the B.A. Music with a Concentration in Music Industry, has applied and is hoping to be a docent. She said, “I’m really hoping to get the opportunity to be able to flex my musical history muscles with this position. I absolutely love learning about the history of music and important figures within that history, so therefore, I’m really knowledgeable on the subject.”
Ziobro said, “I am very excited about bringing fellow music history enthusiasts here to our campus to see it for the first time. The docents, when they come for their training, will be some of the first people to ever see and experience the exhibits and I can’t wait to see their reactions.” She elaborated, “We’re going to have something in this space that surprises you, from his mom’s scrapbooks to never before seen posters of Bruce playing here at Monmouth College before it was a university.” Ziobro explained that there’s something for everyone at the Springsteen Center, no matter what you’re into; if you’re into Bruce himself or you’re there for the history of your favorite music genre.
Kindler said, “I know a lot about Bruce’s life and the business ventures he’s helped with, along with his musical journey. I’ve always said that Bruce is my biggest musical influence and one of my greatest musical heroes, so seeing that a museum based around his story was opening was my calling.” Kindler feels connected to this museum. She said, “I grew up in Brick but spent about 99% of my childhood in Asbury Park, as my dad was working for the Stone Pony, the Saint, Convention Hall, and the Paramount Theater for a lot of my conscious childhood. I feel really connected to that town, and maybe that’s why I feel so connected to Bruce and Monmouth itself.” She is eager to be picked for this program.
Ziobro is excited to welcome first visitors to the Center, particularly school age kids. Ziobro said, “We are also extremely excited about making sure this is a welcoming space for class trips. We want school kids, specifically middle and high school kids, to be coming to visit constantly. We hope that when those students come, they will fall in love with Monmouth and want to be future Hawks one day.”
The docent volunteer program will be in full swing this spring, and Ziobro is encouraging everyone to come and check out the unique feature of Monmouth campus, The Bruce Springsteen Center For American Music.
