Critics have always been met with skepticism—especially in the creative world. It’s not uncommon for a critic to dismiss a work that fans adore, leading to backlash from passionate followers.
One of the most recognized voices in music criticism today is Anthony “Tony” Tommasini, whose reviews are regularly published in The New York Times. Born in Brooklyn, Tommasini has built a reputation as one of the most respected music critics in the industry. Learn more about his journey on i-brooklyn.
A Life Immersed in Music
Tony Tommasini was born in 1948 in Brooklyn and grew up in a large family in Malverne, Long Island. From an early age, he was fascinated by music, and by 16, he had mastered the piano well enough to win a prestigious competition at Town Hall in New York City.
Devoting much of his time to music, Tommasini never doubted that it would be his lifelong career. After graduating from St. Paul’s School in Garden City, he attended Yale University, where he studied the arts. He then continued his education at the Yale School of Music, eventually earning a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from Boston University.
This extensive musical background would later prove invaluable in his career as a music critic. Critiquing an art form requires more than just casual knowledge—it demands deep expertise. Merely playing an instrument is not enough to evaluate music at a professional level.
A Career Launched in Boston
After earning his doctorate from Boston University, Tommasini stayed in the city to teach music at Emerson College. He had by then become a true expert in the field, periodically leading masterclasses at Yale and Brandeis University.
However, as academic positions changed, Tommasini made a bold career shift—transitioning from teaching and performing to writing about music.
In 1986, he began working as a freelance music critic for The Boston Globe, a role he held for ten years. In 1996, he was hired as a staff music critic for The New York Times—one of the most prestigious newspapers in the world.
Just four years later, he was promoted to chief music critic, solidifying his place at the top of the field.
Mentorship and Musical Criticism
Tommasini specialized in classical music, a genre that, despite his background, was new territory for him as a writer. Recognizing the need for guidance, he sought mentorship from Virgil Thomson, a renowned composer and critic for the New York Herald Tribune, and Richard Dyer, a 30-year veteran critic for The Boston Globe.
Through his interactions with these seasoned professionals, Tommasini absorbed decades of critical insight, refining his analytical and journalistic skills.
Writing and Recording Classical Music
Beyond journalism, Tommasini authored several books on music. His first book, Virgil Thomson: Composer on the Aisle, won several prestigious literary awards.
He also wrote The Essential Canon of Classical Music: A Critic’s Guide to the 100 Most Important Works and the Best Recordings, providing music lovers with a curated guide to classical masterpieces.
In addition to writing, Tommasini recorded classical music, though his true claim to fame among New Yorkers remains his influential role as a critic.
Personal Life
Anthony Tommasini is openly gay and is married to Ben McCommon. The couple lives on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, near Central Park.
What It Takes to Be a Music Critic
Contrary to popular belief, being a music critic is not an easy job. The essence of their work is objective analysis of musical compositions—a task that leaves no room for personal biases.
Critics examine both the strengths and weaknesses of a piece, providing an informed evaluation rather than a subjective opinion.
Music criticism is closely tied to journalism, as critics must publish their work in major media outlets. They are writers, analysts, and editors all in one. Beyond understanding music, they must possess strong journalistic skills—able to articulate their insights clearly so that both experts and casual readers can grasp their analysis.
The Role of Critics in the Music Industry
Some musicians fear critics, but it’s important to distinguish professional critics from amateurs.
A true music critic does more than just offer praise or condemnation—they help uncover the deeper meaning behind a composition. Sometimes, a critic can interpret an artist’s work in ways even the creator never considered.
Moreover, critics play a key role in helping musicians find their place in the music world and society at large.