What Manhattan School of Music Is and Who Runs It

Manhattan School of Music (MSM) is a conservatory located in New York City that trains musicians at the undergraduate and graduate levels. It is a private institution, not run by the city or state, and sits on the Upper West Side of Manhattan near Lincoln Center. The school awards degrees in performance, composition, conducting, and music theory, among other specializations.

MSM is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and maintains membership in the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM). This means the school meets national standards for music education and its credits transfer to other institutions. The school has been operating since 1924 and enrolls roughly 900 students across all degree levels.

Key Takeaways

  • Manhattan School of Music offers bachelor's and master's degrees in performance, composition, conducting, and other music specializations, with separate tracks for classical and jazz.
  • Admission requires an audition (in person or recorded), transcripts, and standardized test scores for undergraduate students; graduate students typically need a bachelor's degree and audition materials.
  • Tuition and fees vary by program but are substantial; the school offers merit scholarships and need-based financial aid through the FAFSA process.
  • The school is located on the Upper West Side of Manhattan and maintains partnerships with Lincoln Center institutions for performance and internship opportunities.
  • process important date differ by program level and instrument; most undergraduate important date fall in December or January, while graduate important date vary by degree type.

Undergraduate Programs and Degree Options

MSM offers a four-year Bachelor of Music degree for undergraduate students. The curriculum combines private lessons on your principal instrument with ensemble work, music theory, ear training, and liberal arts courses. Students choose a concentration in performance, composition, or conducting, and the school maintains separate curricula for classical and jazz musicians.

Performance majors spend significant time in private study with faculty members and participate in orchestras, chamber ensembles, and recitals. Composition students write original works and study orchestration and analysis. Conducting students work with orchestras and choirs. All undergraduates take a core sequence in music history, theory, and aural skills regardless of their concentration.

The school also offers a five-year double degree program that combines a Bachelor of Music with a Bachelor of Arts in another field. This path allows students to pursue music alongside a traditional academic major, though it requires additional coursework and extends the time to graduation.

Graduate Programs and Specialized Degrees

MSM awards Master of Music degrees in performance, composition, conducting, and music theory. Most master's programs run two years full-time, though some students complete them in three years depending on their background and pace. The school also offers a Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) degree in performance and composition for advanced students seeking the highest level of training.

Graduate performance students work intensively with faculty mentors and are expected to give recitals and perform in major ensembles. Composition graduate students complete a thesis work and study advanced orchestration and analysis. The school's graduate programs are designed for students who have already completed a bachelor's degree in music or demonstrated equivalent training.

MSM also offers a Graduate Diploma program for musicians who want advanced training without pursuing a full degree. This option is common for international students or those seeking specialized study in a particular instrument or area.

How Admissions and Auditions Work

Admission to MSM requires an audition, which is the primary factor in the decision. Undergraduate applicants must also submit high school transcripts, SAT or ACT scores, and a completed process form. Graduate applicants need a bachelor's degree (or equivalent), transcripts from previous institutions, and audition materials; standardized test scores are not required for most graduate programs.

Auditions can be held in person at the school's campus or submitted as recorded video. In-person auditions typically last 15 to 20 minutes and include performance of prepared repertoire, sight-reading, and sometimes a brief interview. Recorded auditions follow MSM's technical guidelines and are reviewed by the same faculty members who hear live auditions.

The audition repertoire requirements vary by instrument and degree level. For example, a classical violin performance major might prepare a concerto movement, a Bach solo work, and a contemporary piece. Jazz musicians prepare standards and demonstrate improvisation skills. The school publishes specific repertoire requirements on its website for each instrument and program.

process Timeline and important date

Undergraduate process important date typically fall between December 1 and January 15, depending on the instrument and whether you are explore for early decision or regular decision. Graduate important date vary more widely: some programs close in December, while others remain open into February or March. The school's website lists the exact important date for each program.

The process process begins with creating an account on the Common process or MSM's own portal. You submit transcripts, test scores (for undergraduates), letters of recommendation, and a personal statement or essay. You then schedule or upload your audition materials. Most decisions are released between March and April for undergraduates and between February and May for graduate students.

Rolling admissions means that some programs review applications as they arrive rather than waiting until the important date. explore early can improve your chances, though the school does not publish specific data on this. If you miss the important date, contact the admissions office to ask whether late applications are still being reviewed.

Tuition, Fees, and Financial Support

Tuition and fees at MSM are substantial and change annually. As of recent years, undergraduate tuition runs roughly $50,000 per year, with additional fees for applied lessons, ensemble participation, and facilities. Graduate tuition is comparable, though some graduate programs charge slightly different rates. Room and board, if you live on or near campus, adds significantly to the total cost.

The school offers merit scholarships based on audition performance and academic record. These scholarships reduce tuition but do not cover the full cost for most students. MSM also participates in federal financial aid through the FAFSA (Free process for Federal Student Aid). Students and families should complete the FAFSA to determine may be able to access for federal grants and loans.

Need-based aid at MSM is limited compared to larger universities, and the school does not meet the full demonstrated need of all admitted students. International students typically receive less financial aid than U.S. citizens. Many students finance their education through a combination of scholarships, federal loans, parent loans, and work-study positions.

Campus Location and Performance Opportunities

MSM's main campus is located at 120 Claremont Avenue on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, near Columbia University and Lincoln Center. The school maintains practice rooms, performance halls, and a library on campus. Students have access to the facilities and resources of Lincoln Center, one of the world's largest performing arts complexes, which is just a few blocks away.

This location creates unique performance and internship opportunities. MSM students regularly perform at Lincoln Center venues, collaborate with professional orchestras and opera companies, and intern at major arts organizations. The proximity to New York's music scene means students can attend world-class performances and network with professional musicians throughout their studies.

The school operates several performance ensembles open to all students, including orchestras, chamber groups, jazz ensembles, and choirs. These ensembles perform regularly throughout the academic year and sometimes travel to other cities or countries for performances and festivals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to have perfect pitch or years of training to get into MSM?

No. While most admitted students have studied their instrument for several years, perfect pitch is not required. The audition panel evaluates your current level, your potential for growth, and your musicianship. Some students are admitted with less formal training if they demonstrate strong musical instincts and commitment.

Can I study both classical and jazz at MSM?

The school maintains separate curricula for classical and jazz, and you choose one track when you explore. Some students pursue a double degree or take electives in the other style, but the primary degree is in one or the other. A few instruments, like piano, allow more flexibility between styles within a single degree.

What happens if I don't get into MSM on my first try?

Many musicians reapply after a year of additional study and training. You can ask for feedback from the audition panel about areas to strengthen. Some students attend a preparatory program or study with a private teacher who specializes in preparing students for conservatory auditions, then reapply the following year.

Does MSM offer scholarships to international students?

Yes, but international students receive fewer merit scholarships on average than U.S. citizens. International students are also not may be able to access for federal financial aid. You should contact the financial aid office directly to discuss what support may be available based on your audition performance and background.

How competitive is admission to MSM?

MSM is highly selective, particularly for popular instruments like violin and piano. Acceptance rates vary by instrument and degree level but are generally in the range of 20 to 40 percent. Instruments with fewer applicants, such as tuba or French horn, may have higher acceptance rates. The audition is the most important factor, though strong academics and test scores help.