How a Juilliard Pianist Earned a Columbia MBA (and Joined J.P. Morgan)

From piano keys to private-banking: A conversation with a former Juilliard pianist, Columbia Business School MBA, and J.P. Morgan Private Banker, Matthew Maimone

Even as a Private Banker at J.P. Morgan, Matthew still finds time to perform

I first “met” Matthew three years ago on a Zoom call in my MBA Admissions group coaching service, MBA ABC, the program I had justI launched to give applicants structured guidance and peer support at low cost. 

It was during those weekly MBA application sprints that this Juilliard-trained pianist first shared his top MBA ambition. And it turned out it was not just in the arts, but in business too. Fast forward: Matthew earned a spot at Columbia Business School’s full-time MBA program (and won a scholarship), and is now thriving as a Private Banker at J.P. Morgan Private Bank (and won their community engagement award). 

I’m delighted to catch up with Matthew and explore how the right team, whether in music, business school, or admissions coaching, can help transform dreams into reality.

Q: Matthew, your background is so unique: a Juilliard‑trained pianist turned MBA Graduate and Private Banker. Did creative discipline inform your approach to business school and beyond?

It absolutely did! Transitioning from the performing arts into private banking was a challenging but rewarding journey. It wouldn’t have been possible without years of honing my creative discipline. 

When I was just ten years old, I practiced the piano eight hours a day in preparation for my first audition at Juilliard. After being accepted as one of the youngest students in Juilliard’s Pre-College Division history, I learned early on that hard work and consistency create meaningful and tangible results. 

That same mindset still shapes who I am today and inspires how I serve my clients at J.P. Morgan Private Bank. The dedication I once poured into perfecting a Chopin Sonata or Rachmaninov Concerto is the same energy I now bring to ensuring my clients receive thoughtful, high-quality advice and service.

Q: Now, let me tell you what’s on the mind of anyone who hears your story. Even with an MBA and especially in this market, how the heck were you able to successfully pivot into finance? I mean, that’s a dream career for so many! 

I definitely feel lucky to have found a career I’m passionate about, that’s for sure!

For me, the recipe for success was twofold: pleasant persistence and a TON of reading and self-study.

Because of the intense competition in the world of finance and MBA applications, my only path forward was to gain expertise through my own personal due diligence. I read 50 books on investing in the two years leading up to my MBA applications, and this allowed me to speak to my passion eloquently and with confidence. My librarian knew me by name at the end of the application process!

Then, when I wasn’t getting the interviews I had hoped for, I aimed to be pleasantly persistent —  asking for coffee chats and relying on my network for any ounce of connection. It all culminated with me landing at J. P. Morgan in Greenwich, CT where I truly feel I belong! 

Q: I know My MBA Path’s group coaching service came on your radar through a GMAC Tours event. What made you join? How did it become clear that working with My MBA Path offered more value than other options or than going through your MBA application alone?

Right away, Petia’s deep industry expertise, professionalism, and ability to curate each student’s recommendations for their MBA path forward struck me as remarkable. In the live sessions with Petia, she provided invaluable advice on how I should showcase my transferable skills on my applications and express my genuine interest in finance. I feel blessed to have met Petia, and would recommend her to anyone in the hunt for an MBA! 

Q: You’ve just entered the role at J.P. Morgan’s Private Bank. What has surprised you most about the job and how do you see your artistic background fitting into the culture?

 The team here at J. P. Morgan has been warm and welcoming. We work as a unified group, with no one person being too busy to make time to go deeper into a complex topic, help with a proposal, or be present at a big client meeting. 

That sense of teamwork and shared success reminds me a lot of performing in a chamber ensemble, where every person’s contribution matters, and the success of the performance is dependent on each individual working in unison.

Q: For MBA hires, what aspects of your training (Juilliard or Columbia) give you a competitive edge in this client-facing, relationship-driven role?

I would say that my diversity of study is what has prepared me best for my relationship-driven role as a Private Banker. Of course, having market expertise and the ability to tailor investment strategies to each client’s specific needs is crucial in building a book of business. However, honing personal skills that complement investment knowledge is what sets the most successful bankers apart. 

Juilliard taught me focus and presence under pressure. Columbia honed my analytical and strategic thinking. Together, both institutions gave me the balance I need to serve clients thoughtfully and connect with people from all walks of life.

Q: What advice would you give to others with non‑traditional backgrounds, especially arts or humanities, who are considering business school or finance?

Always follow your passions, wherever they lead you! Even a single step, if taken at the bottom of a mountain, still brings you closer to the top.