A PART
“I love how supportive the environment is at MSM... We all push each other to become better players, but there is also a real sense of community.”
Themba Pieterse (BM ’25) Classical Trumpet
Manhattan School of Music’s Mission Statement
Manhattan School of Music is deeply committed to excellence in education, performance, and creative activity; to the humanity of the School’s environment; to preparing all our students to find their success; and to the cultural enrichment of the larger community. A premier international conservatory, MSM inspires and empowers highly talented individuals to realize their potential. We take full advantage of New York’s abundant learning and performance opportunities, preparing our students to be accomplished and passionate performers, composers and teachers, and imaginative, effective contributors to the arts and society.
The Manhattan School of Music Difference
Artistic Excellence. Community. Opportunity.
For over a century, Manhattan School of Music has helped talented musicians from across the globe realize their full potential, launch successful careers, and build fulfilling musical lives. Students learn from world-class faculty members drawn from NYC’s finest music organizations and put their newfound knowledge and skills into practice alongside talented, creative peers who share their passion for music and the world around them.
We invite you to learn more about our vibrant musical family within these pages, online, and by attending or tuning into the hundreds of annual concerts presented by our students, faculty, and guest artists. Experience the Manhattan School of Music community’s warmth and artistic excellence for yourself to better understand the difference an MSM education can make in your life.
As you consider the next steps on your musical journey, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our Admission team, faculty, and students. We all look forward to getting to know you better and hope you’ll join us as we reach for the stars together!
James Gandre, President
DR. CYNTHIA A.
BOXRUD
BM ’78
Facial Ophthalmic, Cosmetic, and Reconstructive Surgeon Faculty, Jules Stein Eye Institute, UCLA
“ To study music one needs an organized and systematic approach. The art of studying classical music helped me through the rigorous training required in my field and gave me the confidence and skills to pursue a medical career.”
JOSHUA COHEN
BM ’01
2022 Pulitzer Prize Winner for Fiction, The Netanyahus
“ Manhattan School of Music gave me the chance to imagine my own art, while rooting me deeply in the fundamentals.”
J’NAI BRIDGES
BM ’09
Metropolitan Opera Artist
Two-time Grammy Award-winning mezzo-soprano
“I am tremendously grateful to the opera program at Manhattan School of Music. It rooted me in the confidence for sharing my gifts and performing on a stage of any size. It is very important for a young singer to feel comfortable in finding and expressing themselves, and MSM’s opera program grants that space and opportunity!”
RON CARTER
MM ’61, H on DMA ’98
Celebrated jazz icon and multi-Grammy Award-winning musician
MSM Faculty Emeritus
“Manhattan School of Music gave me both a great education and a wonderful introduction to the vast cultural life of New York City.”
ANTHONY ROTH COSTANZO
MM ’08, H on DMA ’22, TRUSTEE
Metropolitan Opera Artist
MSM Trustee and Grammy Award-winning countertenor
“ Manhattan School of Music is a vibrant musical community providing students valuable access to high-caliber faculty with extensive experience and knowledge in all disciplines.”
KIRILL GERSTEIN
BM ’99, MM ’00, H on DMA ’21
Concert Pianist and Grammy-nominated Recording Artist
Avery Fisher Career Grant
First Prize Winner, 10th Arthur Rubinstein Competition
“ Through its excellent teachers and warm atmosphere, the School has taught me many essential skills as a performer and a person.”
KIM GILMAN
PS ’08
Horn, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra
“ My studies at MSM were a great launching pad for my professional career. Learning from Michelle Baker and the other brass faculty really prepared me for the next step.”
SUSAN GRAHAM
MM ’87, H on DMA ’08
Metropolitan Opera Artist
Grammy Award-winning soprano
“ Manhattan School of Music provides a nurturing atmosphere where the budding artist can discover and nurture his/her/their true directions and strengths.”
I-JUNG HUANG
PS ’20
Violinist, New York Philharmonic
“ My education at Manhattan School of Music was the most important stepping stone on the path to achieving my dream of becoming a professional orchestral musician. I’m deeply grateful for the first-rate artistic education I received at the School and continue to be heartened by the flourishing community of current students and alumni!”
ALESHA JETER
BM ’23
Musical Theatre
Book of Mormon National Tour, Show Way The Musical National Tour
“The lessons I learned from the Musical Theatre department at MSM were invaluable. I gained a newfound confidence in myself that I carry with me even now as I prepare for my second-ever National Tour. The relationships I made, the shows I did, and the classes I took all shaped me into the performer I am today. I am so grateful for my time at MSM!”
JEFFREY SHARKEY
BM ’86
Principal,
The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
“ Manhattan School of Music believed in me and supported my wish to be a double major in piano and composition. I felt welcomed, supported, and learned so much from all of my teachers. MSM helped prepare me for my career in the US and UK.”
YOONSHIN SONG
PS ’09, AD ’10, H on DMA ’21
Concertmaster, Houston Symphony
Winner of the Stradivarius International Violin Competition
“ Manhattan School of Music has not only opened up so many possibilities for my career, but also shaped me as a person by connecting me with wonderful mentors and lifetime friends.”
MARK SOPHIA
BM ’14
“ Being an alumnus of Manhattan School of Music has majorly contributed to my success and sustainability in the professional music world as a freelance musician by fostering virtues of consistency and adaptability. The MSM community provided me with an incredible network of colleagues that continue to uplift my career as we support each other in achieving our goals.”
MM ’01
NYC Music Educator
“ I was fortunate enough to begin my relationship with Manhattan School of Music in 1999 when I began my master’s degree in vocal performance, and now I am going on my 20th year as a voice teacher and director of musical theatre in both the Precollege and MSM Summer.”
ALYSIA VELEZ
BM ’22
Musical Theatre
Into the Woods Broadway Cast Member Featured on the production’s 2023 Grammy Award-winning recording (“Best Musical Theatre Album”)
“ MSM prepared me for my Broadway debut by providing real-world experiences, dazzling productions, and access to world-class teachers working in the field. Building relationships with my now-mentors and friends was the most valuable part of my time at the School.”
MSM Alumni Testimonials
Freelance Musician
Manhattan School of Music prepares highly talented students for careers as accomplished and passionate performers and composers, and as imaginative, effective leaders in the arts.
Our students thrive in a supportive atmosphere that encourages excellence, values individuals, and welcomes innovation.
Degree & Certificate Programs
Undergraduate
Bachelor of Music (BM)
A 4-year program for students with a high school diploma who wish to study Composition, Instrumental Performance, Jazz (excluding Jazz Voice and Jazz Composition), Musical Theatre, or Vocal Arts
Graduate
Master of Music (MM)
A 2-year program for students with a Bachelor’s degree who wish to pursue their studies in Collaborative Piano, Composition, Orchestral Conducting, Contemporary Performance, Instrumental Performance, Jazz, Orchestral Performance, or Vocal Arts
Postgraduate
Professional Performance Diploma (PPD)
An individualized 2-year course for students with a Master’s degree who wish to pursue their studies in Collaborative Piano, Composition, Instrumental Performance, Orchestral Performance, or Vocal Arts to hone their craft while developing entrepreneurial career skills necessary to thrive in the 21st century
Professional Studies Certificate (PS)
A 1-year certificate program for students with a Master’s degree who wish to pursue their studies in Collaborative Piano, Composition, Orchestral Conducting, Instrumental Performance, Orchestral Performance, or Vocal Arts at an advanced level for competitions, auditions, or careerentry positions
Artist Diploma (AD)
A 1-year course of study for one exceptional student with a Master’s degree who wishes to pursue their studies in Instrumental Performance or Vocal Arts at a performance level of the highest international standards with a full scholarship
Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA)
A 3-year doctoral program for students with a Master’s degree who wish to pursue their studies in Collaborative Piano, Composition, Orchestral Conducting, Instrumental Performance, Jazz, or Vocal Arts
“MSM stands out as an institution of constant growth: personally, musically, professionally, interpersonally, all of it.”
Caylie Davis (BM ’26) Jazz Trumpet
60 Majors
Distinguished Visiting Artist in Conducting and Orchestral Studies
Leonard Slatkin (HonDMA ’13), Conductor
Classical (BM, MM, DMA, PPD, PS, AD)
Strings
Violin
Viola
Cello
Double Bass
Harp
Pinchas Zukerman
Performance Program (Violin, Viola)
Guitar
Woodwinds Flute
Oboe
Jazz Arts (BM, MM, DMA)
Violin
Guitar
Flute
Clarinet
Saxophone (Alto, Tenor, Baritone)
Trumpet
Trombone (Tenor, Bass)
Musical Theatre (BM)
Clarinet
Bassoon
Saxophone
Brass
Horn
Trumpet
Trombone (Tenor, Bass)
Tuba
Bass (Acoustic, Electric)
Drumset
Piano
Vibraphone
Orchestral Performance (MM, PPD, PS)
Strings
Violin
Viola
Cello
Double Bass
Harp
Woodwinds Flute
Oboe
Clarinet
Bassoon
Brass
Horn
Trumpet
Trombone (Tenor, Bass)
Tuba
Contemporary Performance (MM)
Strings
Violin
Viola
Cello
Double Bass
Woodwinds Flute
Oboe
Clarinet
Bassoon
Saxophone
Brass
Trumpet
Horn
Trombone
Vocal Arts
Percussion
Piano
Collaborative Piano (Instrumental, Vocal)*
Composition
Orchestral Conducting
Voice*
Composition*
Percussion
Piano
Percussion
Voice
Guitar
Faculty
Manhattan School of Music is world-renowned for its impressive faculty and the quality of its instruction. These teaching artists understand firsthand what it takes to build a successful music career in the 21st century.
MSM’s orchestral faculty are drawn from the city’s great classical music organizations, including nearly two dozen members of the New York Philharmonic, members of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, and other prestigious ensembles. Chamber musicians on faculty include current or former members of the American, Brentano, Mendelssohn, Orion, and Tokyo string quartets; the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra; Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center; among others.
Resident ensembles American String Quartet and Windscape also coach and give seasonal performances. Faculty soloists can be heard in recitals all over New York.
Many of the Vocal Arts faculty at MSM sing at the city's most prestigious venues, from the Metropolitan Opera to Carnegie Hall. They regularly perform around the globe with Lyric Opera of Chicago, San Francisco Opera, Deutsche Oper Berlin, Teatro Colon de Buenos Aires, Vienna State Opera, and Paris Opera, among many others. Faculty also appear as guests with many of the country's leading orchestras, maintaining rich careers both in opera and as recitalists.
MSM's Jazz Arts faculty is comprised of leaders in the field and top performers in the city. Versatile recording and touring artists, many faculty members hold decorated careers as NEA Jazz Masters, Grammy winners and nominees, among other honors. They frequent the city's most well-known jazz clubs, performing at Jazz at Lincoln Center, the Village Vanguard, the Blue Note, and so many more.
The Musical Theatre faculty are professional artists who have created and performed in some of Broadway’s greatest shows, such as Les Misérables, The Phantom of the Opera, Ragtime, Chicago, and countless others. Not only are they highly skilled musicians, but many faculty members also choreograph extensively for premier theatre companies at both national and regional levels.
“Manhattan School of Music is much more than a school with a number of programs and degrees — it’s a vibrant musical community with artist-teachers nurturing talented students through lessons, coaching, master classes, courses, collaboration, and performance.”
Joyce Griggs Executive Vice President and Provost
250 WORLD-CLASS FACULTY
48 STATES + DC + TERRITORIES
54 COUNTRIES
17 STUDENT ORGS
1025 STUDENTS
1000+ ON-CAMPUS PERFORMANCES
765Classical Students (including Graduate Programs in Orchestral Performance and Contemporary Performance Students)
120Musical Theatre Students
140Jazz Students
The MSM Difference:
• World-Class Faculty • Highest standards of musical excellence • Graduate success • NYC connections and opportunities
• Warm and supportive environment
• Beautiful college neighborhood in Manhattan
Programs
Classical Performance Opportunities
Previous principal conductors have included George Manahan (BM ’73, MM ’76), Director of Orchestral Activities; Kent Tritle; and Leonard Slatkin (HonDMA ’13), Distinguished Visiting Artist in Conducting and Orchestral Studies; along with special guests Bernard Labadie (HonDMA ’18), Daniela Candillari, Earl Lee (MM ’13), and Perry So.
Orchestra
MSM Symphony Orchestra
Jazz Studio Orchestra
Opera Orchestra
Senior Opera Theatre Orchestra
Musical Theatre Orchestra
Camerata Nova
OPUS 130
Brass
Brass Ensemble
Percussion
Percussion Ensemble
Division Deans
Winds
Wind Ensemble
Choral
Chamber Choir
MSM Chorale
Chamber Music
More than 100 ensembles, including both vocal and instrumental
Opera Theatre
Graduate Opera Theatre
Mainstage Operas with Orchestra
Chamber Operas with Small Ensemble
Opera Scenes Series
Opera in Concert with MSM Symphony Orchestra
Opera Workshop
New American Songbook Cabaret
Undergraduate Opera Theatre
Fall Opera Scenes (Juniors & Seniors)
Spring Production with Chamber Orchestra
Spring Chamber Opera with Piano
Reiko Füting (DMA ’00), Dean of Academic Core and Head of Composition
Liza Gennaro, Dean of Musical Theatre
Carleen Graham, Dean of Vocal Arts and Collaborative Piano
Jim Saltzman (DMA ’17), Dean of Jazz Arts
JT Kane, Dean of Instrumental Studies and Orchestral Performance
Instrumental Studies
Strings & Harp
Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass, Harp
Nicholas Mann, Strings Chair
String majors are provided with a wide array of performance opportunities and courses taught by a faculty of dedicated teachers and performers. The programs of study for string majors are designed to develop skilled performers who are familiar with the standard solo, ensemble, and orchestral literature for their instruments. Students will achieve a high degree of professional competence and appropriate stylistic approaches to the literature of various historical periods. We are fortunate to have had the American String Quartet in residence at Manhattan School of Music since 1984. The ensemble—whose members are violinists Peter Winograd and Laurie Carney, violist Matthias Buchholz, and cellist Wolfram Koessel—gives a series of concerts and supervises a group of student chamber ensembles. In addition to studies with our expert faculty, students are provided additional opportunities to play for and observe world-renowned guest artists.
Select Notable Alumni
Jinwoo Lee (Concertmaster of Milwaukee Symphony), Jacqueline Choi (Soloist, Boston Symphony Orchestra, New England Philharmonic, cello), Kelly Hall-Tompkins (Soloist, Naumburg International Violin Competition Honorarium Prize, violin), Mélanie Genin (Soloist, Locrian Chamber Players, harp), Viviane Hagner (Soloist, Berlin Philharmonic, Boston Symphony, Cleveland Orchestra, violin), Judith Insell (Sojourner, Greenwich Symphony, viola), Andrew Janss (Solera Quartet, Escher Quartet cello), Ori Kam (Jerusalem Quartet, viola), Gilad Karni (New York Philharmonic, Tonhalle Orchestra Zurich, viola), Dana Leong (Grammy winner, cello), Chang Ho Lim (Bergen Symphony Orchestra, violin), Elmar Oliveira (Tchaikovsky International Competition, Avery Fisher Prize, Naumburg International Competition, violin), Marc Ramirez (Gulbenkian Musica Orchestra, bass), Xiao Wang (Szigeti International Violin Competition, violin), Itamar Zorman (Tchaikovsky International Violin Competition, Borletti-Buitoni Award, violin), Caroline Bembia (Principal Harpist, New York City Ballet), and many more...
Winds
Flute, Clarinet, Oboe, Bassoon, Saxophone
William Short, Woodwinds Chair
Woodwind majors are provided with a wide array of performance opportunities and courses taught by a faculty of dedicated teachers and performers. The programs of study for woodwind majors are designed to develop skilled performers who are familiar with the standard solo, ensemble, and orchestral literature for their instruments. Students will achieve a high degree of professional competence and learn appropriate stylistic approaches to the literature of various historical periods. In addition to studies with our expert faculty, students are provided additional opportunities to play for and observe world-renowned guest artists.
Select Notable Alumni
JeeEun Park (Seoul Philharmonic, principal flute), Brandon Patrick George (Member of Imani Winds), Toyin SpellmanDiaz (former Member of Imani Winds), Mark Dover (Member of Imani Winds), Monica Ellis (Member of Imani Winds), Emma Gerstein (Chicago Symphony Orchestra, flute), Yoobin Son (New York Philharmonic, flute), Grace Shryock (Boston Lyric Opera, Albany Symphony, oboe, English horn), Elise Shope-Henry (Los Angeles Philharmonic, flute), Dean LeBlanc (Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, clarinet), Ingrid Hagan (Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra, Principal Bassoon), Koren McCaffrey (Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, flute), Igor Leschishin (Washington National Opera Orchestra, Principal Oboe), Christopher Jewell (Washington National Opera Orchestra, Assistant Principal Bassoon), Lewis Kirk (Lyric Opera of Chicago Orchestra, Assistant Principal Bassoon), Keisuke Wakao (Boston Symphony Orchestra, Assistant Principal Oboe), Youn Joo Lee (Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra, Associate Principal Oboe), Laura Vincent (London Philharmonic Orchestra, bassoon), Anna Dina Schick Bjørn-Larsen (Royal Danish Orchestra, flute), and many more...
Brass Horn, Trumpet, Trombone, Tuba
Michelle Baker, Brass Chair
The programs of study for brass majors are designed to develop skilled performers who are familiar with the standard solo, ensemble, and orchestral literature for their instruments. Students will achieve a high degree of professional competence and appropriate stylistic approaches to the literature of various historical periods. In addition to studies with our expert faculty, students are provided additional opportunities to play for and observe world-renowned guest artists.
Select Notable Alumni
Raymond Riccomini (Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, trumpet), Nathan Zgonc (Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Acting Principal Trombone), Jonathan Karschney (Seattle Symphony, Assistant Principal Horn), Brad White (Houston Symphony Orchestra, Associate Principal Trombone), Jeffery Karlson (Juneau Symphony Orchestra, Principal Trumpet), Stewart Rose (Orchestra of St. Luke’s, Principal Horn), Joy Branagan (National Symphony Orchestra, horn), Kyle Turner (Orchestra of St. Luke’s, tuba), Andrew Garcia (West Point Concert Band, Principal Trumpet), Charles Giannelli (United States Army Band, tuba), Craig Arnold (United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own,” trombone), Adam McColley (United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own,” trombone), Brian Prunetta (Orquesta Sinfónica del Estado de México, Assistant Principal Trumpet), Euan Harvey (Sydney Symphony Orchestra, horn), Yoo-Suk Kim (Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra, trombone), Andrew Angelos (Spokane and Personnel Manager, horn), Sophia Filippone (Buffalo Philharmonic, horn), ChangHyun Cha (NOVUS NY, trumpet), Jack Grimm (Columbus Symphony, Principal Trombone), Julie Dombroski ( Merrily We Roll Along , Trombone on Broadway), Kevin Paul (US Army Band, trumpet), Alex Bender (Radio City Orchestra, Trumpet on Broadway), Jack Grimm (Philadelphia Orchestra, trombone), Tiago Linck (New Jersey Symphony, trumpet), Nathan McKinstry (Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, trumpet), Lianna Hoffman (NY City Ballet, horn) and many more...
Percussion
Christopher Lamb, Percussion Chair
The programs of study for percussion majors are designed to develop performers with strong fundamental skills and sophisticated musicianship, who can apply these skills to any musical setting: orchestral, solo, chamber, commercial, or nontraditional. Students will achieve a high degree of professional competence and learn appropriate stylistic approaches to the literature of various historical periods.
Select Notable Alumni
Dr. Greg Beyer (Due East ensemble, Arcomusical project), David Cossin (Bang on a Can All-Stars, Talujon Percussion Quartet, Sting), Marc Damoulakis (Cleveland Orchestra), Matthew Decker (Seattle Symphony), Brian Doherty (They Might Be Giants; The Silos), Trey Files (Ethos Percussion Group, 2nd Species, Broadway), Ben Fox (Copenhagen Philharmonic), Richard Graber (Nashville Symphony), Stefon Harris (Grammy-nominated jazz vibraphonist), Gabriela Jimenez (Mexico City Philharmonic), Jason Niehoff (U.S. Navy Band), Jay Ritchie (Detroit Symphony), Sean Ritenauer (Broadway), Glen Velez (Grammy winner), Matt Ward (Talujon Quartet, American Modern Ensemble, Argento Chamber Ensemble), Steven White (Metropolitan Opera Orchestra), Kyle Zerna (New York Philharmonic), Marcelina Suchocka (Principal Percussion, Sarasota Orchestra), Joseph Kelly (Percussion/Assistant Principal Timpani, Toronto Symphony Orchestra), and many more...
Vocal Arts and Collaborative Piano
Embark on an exciting journey in the Division of Vocal Arts and Collaborative Piano, where you’ll receive a comprehensive and dynamic education tailored to meet the demands of an evolving performing arts industry. Here, you’ll hone your vocal, musical, linguistic, and communication skills through a rigorous curriculum, engaging performance opportunities, and master classes with industry professionals in a student-centered environment. Our program challenges and nurtures autonomous artistry, empowering you to confidently forge your own path and explore innovative possibilities in your professional career.
“Manhattan School of Music is a vibrant musical community, providing students valuable access to high-caliber faculty with extensive experience and knowledge in all the disciplines that make opera sing.”
Anthony Roth Costanzo (MM ’08, HonDMA ’22)
Opera Theatre
MSM opera productions have been praised as a significant contribution to operatic life in New York City and numerous performances have been released as commercial recordings. Opera is not a major, but rather a significant feature of the Vocal Arts experience at MSM.
Graduate students develop their artistry under the guidance of eminent artist-teachers while gaining exposure before New York City audiences through a variety of productions. Juniors and Seniors will participate in a fall opera scenes program and in one of two productions – a fully-staged production with chamber orchestra or a chamber opera with piano.
Select Notable Alumni
Kate Aldrich (Metropolitan Opera, San Francisco Opera, Teatro Colón, Bayerische Staatsoper), Justin Austin (Metropolitan Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Lincoln Center Theater, Carnegie Hall, Des Moines Metro Opera, Washington National Opera, New York Festival of Song), SeokJong Baek (Metropolitan Opera), Liam Bonner (Metropolitan Opera, Houston Grand Opera, English National Opera, Minnesota Opera, Opera Philadelphia, LA Opera), Raehann Bryce-Davis (Metropolitan Opera, La Monnaie de Munt Brussels, Glimmerglass Festival, LA Opera, Staatstheater Nürnberg), J’Nai Bridges (Metropolitan Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago, San Francisco Opera, Arena di Verona, LA Opera, Washington National Opera, Dutch National Opera, Seattle Opera), Andrea Carroll (Metropolitan Opera, Houston Grand Opera, Wiener Staatsoper, Vienna State Opera, Den Norske Opera, Dallas Opera), Beth Clayton (Metropolitan Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Glimmerglass Festival, Houston Grand Opera, LA Opera, Canadian Opera Company, Santa Fe Opera, Washington National Opera, Integrative Performance Coach), Anthony Roth Costanzo (Metropolitan Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago, English National Opera, San Francisco Opera, Houston Grand Opera, LA Opera, Teatro Real Madrid, Spoleto USA, Glimmerglass Festival, Finnish National Opera, Carnegie Hall, Kennedy Center, Versailles, Madison Square Garden, President and CEO of Opera Philadelphia), Chanáe Curtis (Metropolitan Opera, Wolf Trap Opera, Welsh National Opera, Opera Memphis, Lincoln Center Theater, Buckingham Palace), Jeanine De Bique (Salzburg Festival, Mostly Mozart Festival, Budapest Festival Orchestra, l’Oera National de Paris, Aix-en Provence,
Theater an der Wien, Konzerthausorchester Berlin, Aspen Music Festival, Houston Grand Opera, Salzburg Festival, San Francisco Opera, De Nationale Opera Amsterdam, Young Concert Artists Prize, Arleen Auger Prize, Opéra National de Paris), Alexandra Deshorties (Metropolitan Opera, Houston Grand Opera, San Francisco Opera, Gran Teatre del Liceu, LA Opera, Cincinnati Opera, Aix-in-Provence, Dallas Opera), Lauren Flanigan (Metropolitan Opera, New York City Opera, La Scala), Susan Graham (Metropolitan Opera, Covent Garden, Paris Opera), Soloman Howard (Metropolitan Opera, Santa Fe Opera, Los Angeles Opera), Barbara Lynne Jamison (General Director & CEO Kentucky Opera), Lauren Jelencovich (World Tour with Yanni, El Morro Puerto Rico, Star Search Grand Prize Winner, Carnegie Hall, Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, Opera Tampa), Sol Jin (Metropolitan Opera, Houston Grand Opera, Carnegie Hall), Brandon
Jovanovich (Metropolitan Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Deutsche Oper Berlin, Vienna Staatsoper, San Francisco Opera, Deutsche Oper Berlin, Wiener Staatsoper, Bayerische Staatsoper), Kathleen Kim (Metropolitan Opera, Opéra de Paris, Opéra Comique, Korean Opera, L’Opera de Montreal, Glyndebourne Festival, Opera Theatre of Saint Louis), Catherine Malfitano (Metropolitan Opera, La Scala, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Paris Opera; MSM Voice Faculty), Jana McIntyre (Bard SummerScape Festival, Opera Santa Barbara, George London Fnd winner, Metropolitan Opera National Council grand finalist, Santa Fe Opera, Heart Beat Opera), Johanna Meier (Metropolitan Opera, Bayreuth), Laquita Mitchell (Lyric Opera of Chicago, Houston Grand Opera, San Francisco Opera, Opéra Comique, New York City Opera, Sara Tucker
Award, Metropolitan Opera National Council Grand Prize Winner, Belvedere Competition Winner, Eleanor McCollum Competition Winner), Warren Mok (Artistic Director Opera Hong Kong), Susan Neves (Metropolitan Opera, Deutsche Oper Berlin, Vienna State Opera, Gran Teatro del Liceu Barcelona, L’Arena di Verona), Simon O’Neill (Metropolitan Opera, Covent Garden, La Scala, Vienna Staatsoper, Bayreuth Festival, BBC Proms), Kyle Pfortmiller (Metropolitan Opera, Beijing Festival, Hong Kong New Arts Festival, Spoletto USA), Amy Shoremount-Obra (Metropolitan Opera), Krysty Swann (Metropolitan Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Michigan Opera Theatre, Lincoln Center Theater), Jonathan Tetelman (Metropolitan Opera, English National Opera, Deutsche Oper Berlin, Oper Frankfurt, Carnegie Hall), Dawn Upshaw (Metropolitan Opera, Glyndebourne, Salzburg Festival), Erin Wagner (Naumburg Foundation Winner, Houston Grand Opera, Carnegie Hall, Aspen Music Festival, New York Festival of Song), Yupeng Wang (Metropolitan Opera, Philadelphia Orchestra, Teatro dal Verme Milan, Danish Opera, Teatro Municpal São Paulo), Melissa Wegner (Exec. Director of Metropolitan Opera Lindemann Young Artist Program & Laffont Competition), Matthew Worth (Dallas Opera, Atlanta Opera, Opêra de Montréal, Beth Morrison Projects, Tanglewood, Oregon Bach Festival), Dolora Zajick (Metropolitan Opera, La Scala, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Founder of Institute for Young Dramatic Voices), and many more...
Collaborative Piano
John Forconi (BM ’77, MM ’79), Department Chair
Offered at the graduate level, the programs of study in instrumental and vocal Collaborative Piano are designed to offer skilled performers training and experience in the vast collaborative repertory, including songs, opera, duo sonatas and chamber music. Under the guidance of our expert faculty Collaborative Pianists receive weekly lessons and seminars as well as participate in vocal and instrumental lessons and performance classes of singers, strings, woodwinds, and brass students. Included among the many opportunities available for our students are participation in Opera Theatre and in orchestral performances as keyboard players. Additionally, our students participate in vocal and instrumental master classes given by world-renowned guest artists throughout each year.
Select Notable Alumni
David Aronson (Luciano Pavarotti, Renée Fleming, Bryn Terfel), Thomas Bagwell (Renée Fleming, Susan Graham, Denyce Graves, Midori), Christopher Cano (Director of the Cafritz Young Artist Program and the American Opera Initiative at Washington National Opera, Arizona Opera), Margo Garrett (Dawn Upshaw, Barbara Bonney, Lucy Shelton, Kathleen Battle), Myra Huang (Head of Music for the Metropolitan Opera’s Lindemann Young Artist Development Program, Aspen Festival, J’Nai Bridges, Lawrence Brownlee, Nicholas Phan, Sasha Cooke, MSM Faculty), Kamal Khan (Metropolitan Opera, Dallas Opera, Teatro Colón in Buenos Aires, Harolyn Blackwell, Michael Fabiano, Matthew Polenzani, Nadine Sierra, Joshua Bell), Thomas Lausmann (Director of Music Administration at the Metropolitan Opera, Weiner Staatsoper, Bayreuther und Salzburger Festspiele, Vienna Philharmonic, MSM Faculty), Joseph Lawson, Joseph Li (Wolftrap Opera, Houston Grand Opera, Houston Ballet), John Lidal (Norwegian National Opera & Ballet), Robert McDonald (Isaac Stern, Juilliard String Quartet, American String Quartet), Marie-France Lefebvre (Metropolitan Opera, Wolftrap Opera, Santa Fe Opera, Seattle Opera), Kimberly Grigsby (Broadway MD for Spring Awakening ; Caroline, or Change ; The Full Monty, Carrie-Ann Matheson Joyce DiDonato, Susan Graham, Thomas Hampson, Eric Owens), Steven Philcox (Canadian Opera Company, Head of Collaborative Piano at University of Toronto), Craig Terry (Music Director of the Ryan Opera Center at Lyric Opera of Chicago, Metropolitan Opera, Jamie Barton, Stephanie Blythe, Janai Brugger, Lawrence Brownlee, Joyce DiDonato, Renée Fleming, Ailyn Periz, Nicholas Phan, Amber Wagner), Bryan Wagorn (Assistant Conductor at the Metropolitan Opera, Glyndebourne Festival, Ravinia Steans Music Institute, Marlboro Music Festival, MSM Faculty), Weiyi Xu (Stanford University, San Diego Symphony), Brian Zeger (Artistic Director of Juilliard Vocal Arts, Marilyn Horne, Deborah Voigt, Anna Netrebko, Piotr Beczala, Joyce DiDonato, Denyce Graves), and many more...
Piano
Alexandre Moutouzkine (MM ’03, PS ’05, AD ’06) & Inesa Sinkevych (PS ’06, DMA ’10), Co-Heads
MSM’s programs for piano majors offer an in-depth study of the vast repertoire for the instrument, emphasizing performance in all styles. They are designed to develop skilled performers familiar with piano repertoire, performance practices, and interpretive traditions.
Select Notable Alumni
Sara Davis Buechner (NY Philharmonic, San Francisco Symphony, Shanghai Symphony, New Japan Symphony), Jovianney Emmanuel Cruz (Manhattan Philharmonia, Philippine Philharmonic, Orquesta Sinfonica Nacional de Cuba), Gustavo DíazJerez (Budapest Festival Orchestra, Tenerife Symphony), Wael Farouk (North Czech Philharmonic Orchestra, Academy of the Arts Orchestra, Manhattan Symphony, MSM Faculty), Kirill Gerstein (National Symphony Orchestra, Los Angeles Philharmonic, New York Philharmonic), Hyung-Ki Joo (Igudesman & Joo, recording artist with Billy Joel), Joseph Joubert ( The Color Purple , Billy Elliot , Leap of Faith , Caroline, or Change), Youngho Kim (Manhattan Chamber Orchestra, Busan Philaharmonic, Gwangju Symphony), Adam Marks (Mission Chamber Orchestra, Manchester Symphony Orchestra, Into the Woods), Steven Mayer (Leipzig Gewandhaus, Prague Symphony, San Francisco Symphony), Anne-Marie McDermott (La Jolla Summerfest, Mostly Mozart, Caramoor, Chamber Music Northwest), Marc Peloquin (Palacio de Belles Artes, Darmstadt Festival, Merkin Concert Hall), Dmitry Rachmanov (Steinway Artist, American Liszt Society), Yuan Sheng (Tenerife Symphony, Gran Canaria Philharmonic, China Philharmonic, National Orchestra of Cuba), Jiaxin Tian (Steinway Artist), Dmitri Vorobiev (Casagrande International Piano Competition), Lu Wang, Xiayin Wang (Baltimore Symphony, Vienna Chamber Orchestra, Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Orchestra Sinfonica di Roma), and many more...
Guitar
David Leisner, Department Chair
Students of classical guitar become thoroughly acquainted with the history, literature, and pedagogy of the guitar, while developing their skills for a career in professional performance. Guitar majors will demonstrate the advancement of their musical abilities and knowledge of solo and chamber music repertoire through participation in performance classes and ensembles.
Select Notable Alumni
Stanley Alexandrowicz (Albany Records artist, Duo "Voice and Guitar"), Rupert Boyd (Boyd Meets Girl duo), Jorge Caballero (Walter W. Naumburg International Competition), Bradley Colten (Caramoor Music Festival, New World Symphony Orchestra, Arc Duo), Nicholas Goluses (Los Angeles Philharmonic, Colorado Symphony, Rochester Philharmonic), Richard Jacobowski (D'Addario artist), Seth Josel (BBC Symphony Orchestra, Berliner Philharmoniker, Rundfunksinfonie Orchester Berlin, Catch quartet), Daniel Lippel (International Contemporary Ensemble), Pablo Villegas (Berlin Philharmonic, Chicago Symphony, Philharmonic of Israel, Los Angeles Philharmonic), João Luiz (Latin Grammy winner, Brasil Guitar Duo, Concert Artists Guild winner), Yen Lee (Vassar College, Indiana International Guitar Competition), Steve Cowan (eight first prizes at international guitar competitions, GFA Competition Second Prize with the CC Duo, Canadian Guitar Quartet), Gabriele Leite (Koblenz International Competition winner, Augustine Artist), Gulli Björnsson (1st prize winner in both performance and composition international competitions, University of Kansas Electronic Composition professor), Robert Belinic (Young Concert Artists winner), and many more...
Composition
Reiko Füting (DMA ’00), Head
The programs of study for composition majors equip students with the knowledge and skills required for the fullest development of their creative gifts. Specialized courses include counterpoint, instrumentation/orchestration, form and analysis, notation, score reading, operatic composition, and electronic music. In addition to studying with MSM’s expert faculty, student composers are given opportunities to present their work in master classes by world-renowned guest composers and performers.
Select Notable Alumni
Michael Abene, David Amram, Angelo Badalamenti (Grammy winner), Christopher Cerrone, Anna Clyne (Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Scottish Chamber Orchestra), Michael Colgrass (New York Philharmonic, Boston Symphony Orcestra, Pulitzer Prize, Guggenheim Fellow), John Corigliano (Grammy winner, Pulitzer Prize, Grawemeyer Award for Music Composition, Academy Award), Sebastian Currier (Berlin Philharmonic, New York Philharmonic, Grawemeyer Award for Music Composition), Michael Daugherty (Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, National Symphony at the Kennedy Center, Grammy winner), James Diaz, Elliot Goldenthal (Academy Award, Golden Globe Award), Adolphus Hailstork (Detroit Symphony, Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, Kansas City Lyric Opera), Ted Hearne (Los Angeles Philharmonic, San Francisco Symphony, A Far Cry), Larry Hochman (Emmy winner, Tony Award winner), Rupert Holmes (Tony Award winner), Fredrick Kaufman (Warsaw Philharmonic, Israel Philharmonic, Moscow Chamber Orchestra), Aaron Jay Kernis (Grammy winner, Pulitzer Prize, American Classical Music Hall of Fame), Alex Mincek (National Endowment for the Arts, Guggenheim, Radio France, Wet Ink Ensemble), John Musto (Caramoor Festival, Glimmerglass Festival), Jack Perla (Seattle Opera, Los Angeles Opera, Music Without Walls), Tobias Picker (New York Philharmonic, Santa Fe Opera, Grammy winner), Don Sebesky (Grammy winner), Joseph Trapanese ( Lady and the Tramp , Straight Outta Compton , The Greatest Showman ), Jie Wang (New York City Opera, The League of Composers Orchestra), and many more...
Conducting
George Manahan (BM ’73, MM ’76), Director of Orchestral Activities
The Orchestral Conducting program is a highly selective specialized training for graduate students who intend to become professional conductors, and offers courses for graduate and undergraduate students who wish to develop the skills and sensitivities required for many musical disciplines. The conducting major is offered for graduate and postgraduate students only. The orchestral conducting program is highly selective, allowing each student extensive experience with MSM ensembles.
Select Notable Alumni
Ankush Kumar Bahl (Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Orchestre National de France, National Symphony Orchestra at the Kennedy Center), Charles M. Barker (American Ballet Theatre), Donato Cabrera (Las Vegas Philharmonic, California Symphony, San Francisco Symphony Youth Orchestra), Richard A. Clark (Manhattan Chamber Orchestra), Anton Coppola (Radio City Music Hall, New York City Opera), Glen Cortese (Wolftrap Opera, Oregon Mozart Players), Marlon M. Daniel (Ensemble du Monde, Praga Sinfonietta), Alondra de la Parra (Queensland Symphony Orchestra), Salvatore Di Vittorio (Chamber Orchestra of New York, San Diego Symphony), Scott Dunn (LA Philharmonic’s Hollywood Bowl Orchestra), Kristjan Järvi (Absolute Ensemble, MDR Leipzig Radio Symphony Orchestra, Baltic Sea Philharmonic), Earl Lee (Boston Symphony Orchestra), George Manahan (American Composers Orchestra, New York City Opera, Portland Opera, Richmond Symphony Orchestra; Director of Orchestral Activities, MSM), George Mathew (Music for Life International, Ubuntu-Shruti Orchestra), Malcolm J. Merriweather (Dessoff Choirs), Joseph T. Rescigno (Florentine Opera), Michael Rossi (Miami Music Festival, Chinese National Opera Orchestra), Tara Simoncic (Ballet West), Carl Topilow (National Repertory Orchestra, Cleveland Pops Orchestra), and many more...
“MSM was so open to my professional development that by my last semester I was already leading a professional organization, being represented by professional management. I couldn’t have had a better path and a better space to develop musically and professionally. I have great memories of every one of my teachers. I can’t stress enough how much I love this institution.”
Alondra
de la Parra
(BM ’06, MM ’08), Conductor
“Not only are you getting top-tier jazz education from the leading voices in this music today, but you’re in the best place to kickstart your career, NYC. MSM gives you the connections and the location to realize your full potential as a musician.”
Kellin Hanas (BM ’24) Jazz Trumpet
Jazz Arts
Designed to develop skilled performing artists, composers, arrangers, and jazz educators in preparation for a professional career, the Jazz Arts Program is one of the richest of its kind for young jazz musicians. The program offers systematic and rigorous conservatory training, combined with singular New York City performance and networking opportunities. Student ensembles perform regularly at Dizzy’s Club/Jazz at Lincoln Center and have performed at Birdland, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Cooper Hewitt, and other New York City venues. Guest artists have included Terence Blanchard (HonDMA ’17), Sean Jones, Miguel Zenón (MM ’01), Jason Moran (BM ’97), Ambrose Akinmusire (BM ’05), Cecile McLorin Salvant, Aaron Parks (BM ’02), Harish Raghaven, Jen Shu, Jeff Watts, Kurt Rosenwinkle, The Westerlies, Dan Weiss (BM ’99), Carmen Staaf, Allison Miller, Brian Blade, and Jon Cowherd.
Performance Opportunities
Jazz Orchestra
Jazz Philharmonic
Student Jazz Composers’ Nonet
Select Notable Alumni
Student Jazz Composers’ Big Band
Repertoire and Reading Big Band
Over 20 small combos: traditional, contemporary, experimental, swing, bop, Latin, Brazilian, Indian, electronic, and more
Ambrose Akinmusire (trumpet, Grammy nominee), Fabian Almazan (piano, Grammy nominee), Patrick Bartley (saxophone), Donald Byrd (trumpet, Grammy nominee, NEA Jazz Masters Fellow), Ron Carter (double bass, Grammy winner, NEA Jazz Masters Fellow), Harry Connick Jr. (voice, Grammy winner, Emmy winner), Kate Davis (double bass, voice), Justin DiCioccio (drums; former Associate Dean and Chair of MSM Jazz Arts), Sullivan Fortner (piano, Grammy winner), Herbie Hancock (piano, Grammy winner, Academy Award, NEA Jazz Masters Fellow), Stefon Harris (vibraphone, Grammy nominee, former Associate Dean and Director of MSM Jazz Arts), Yusef Lateef (flute, composition, Grammy winner), John Lewis (piano, Grammy nominee, NEA Jazz Masters Fellow), Hugh Masekela (trumpet, Grammy nominee), Jane Monheit (voice), Jason Moran (piano, Grammy nominee), Adam O’Farrill (trumpet), Linda Oh (bass, Grammy winner), Aaron Parks (piano, Grammy nominee), Chris Potter (saxophone, Grammy winner), Max Roach (drums, Grammy nominee, NEA Jazz Masters Fellow), Christian Sands (piano), Joe Saylor (drums), Kimberly Thompson (drums), Joe Wilder (trumpet, NEA Jazz Masters Fellow), Bernie Williams (guitar), Phil Woods (saxophone, Grammy winner, NEA Jazz Masters Fellow), Miguel Zenón (saxophone, Grammy winner, MacArthur and Guggenheim Fellow), and many more...
Musical Theatre
Manhattan School of Music’s Musical Theatre program starts with the cornerstones of training—acting, singing, and dancing—but recognizes that our contemporary performers must also be trained beyond the “triple threat” model. Now more than ever, multifaceted musical theatre artists are in demand. MSM’s Musical Theatre faculty is a stellar collection of artist-educators who combine exemplary teaching with the highest level of professional know-how. In addition to acquiring essential skills as performers, MSM Musical Theatre students learn how to manage their careers, audition effectively, and negotiate the challenges of a highly competitive field. They are encouraged to develop their artistic interests and are given the opportunity to investigate areas beyond performing, including directing, choreographing, writing, and composing. We embrace individuality and honor each student’s journey. At MSM we are passionate about the arts and the next generation of musical theatre artists.
Performance Opportunities
Four Fully-Produced Musicals Freshman Cabaret
Senior Showcase
Musical Theatre Lab Series and more
View previous productions at MSMNYC.EDU/PROGRAMS/MUSICAL-THEATRE/PREVIOUS-PRODUCTIONS
Select Notable Alumni
Jasmine Amy Rogers ( Tony-nominated for the title role in Boop! The Musical on Broadway, Mean Girls National Tour, Becoming Nancy), Kyle Barisich (The Phantom of the Opera, Fox TV's The Following), Willie Beaton II (A Wonderful World on Broadway), Judith Blazer (A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder, Me and My Girl, Titanic), Kimilee Bryant (The Phantom of the Opera), Cooper Grodin (The Phantom of the Opera National Tour), Lars Hafell (The Book of Mormon National Tour), Shuler Hensley (The Ferryman, Young Frankenstein, Les Misérables, Oklahoma, Tony Award winner), Lyda Jade Harlan (Scouts Off-Broadway), Alesha Jeter (The Book of Mormon National Tour), Amy Justman (The Phantom of the Opera, In Transit, A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder, White Christmas, Company), Jose Llana (The King and I, Rent, Street Corner Symphony, Flower Drum Song, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Here Lies Love, Drama Desk Award ), Alicia Hall Moran (The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess), Nathan Patrick Morgan (Cats, The Phantom of the Opera), Lindsay O’Neil (A Christmas Story The Musical, The Phantom of the Opera, Cats), Torinae Norman (My Fair Lady National Tour), N’Kenge Simpson Pacurar (Caroline, or Change; Motown: The Musical), Lisa Hopkins Seegmiller (La Bohème, Tony Award winner), Sarah Thorne (Othello on Broadway), Alysia Velez (Into the Woods on Broadway), and many more...
“MSM prepared me for my Broadway Debut by providing real-world experiences, dazzling productions, and access to world-class teachers working in the field. The relationships I built with my now-mentors and friends was the most valuable part of my time at the School.”
Alysia Velez (BM ’22) Into the Woods
Orchestral Performance
David Chan, Head
The Graduate Program in Orchestral Performance, chaired by David Chan, concertmaster of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, seeks to produce polished musicians of the highest artistic caliber. Students are prepared intensively in the orchestral repertoire for careers as symphonic players by a faculty made up of principal players of major New York orchestras. The advanced curriculum features master classes with principal players from orchestras such as the Berlin Philharmonic, Vienna Philharmonic, Chicago Symphony, and Cleveland Orchestra, as well as vigorous training in audition preparation.
Performance Opportunities
OPUS130
Camerata Nova
MSM Symphony Orchestra
Art of Orchestral Performance
Master Class Series
Select Notable Alumni
Mock Auditions
Repertoire Readings with invited guest conductors
Commencement Brass
Chamber Music
Opera Orchestra
Musical Theatre Orchestra
Faculty Panel Discussions
Special Performances (off-campus opportunities)
OP alumni have won jobs at the New York Philharmonic, the Fort Wayne, Los Angeles, and Orlando Philharmonics; with the orchestras of the Lyric Opera of Chicago, Kennedy Center Opera, and Metropolitan Opera; with the New World Symphony and the Charleston, Colorado, Detroit, Jacksonville, Louisiana, Nashville, Des Moines, Milwaukee, New Jersey, Phoenix, Puerto Rico, San Antonio, San Francisco, Seattle, Vancouver, Virginia, and Winston-Salem Symphony Orchestras; in Germany with the Gewandhaus Orchestra of Leipzig and SWR Radio Symphony in Stuttgart; in Spain with the Seville Orchestra and the orchestra of the Palau de les Arts “Reina Sofía” in Valencia; with the Stockholm Philharmonic and the Royal Danish Opera; with the KZN Philharmonic in South Africa, the New Japan and Hong Kong Philharmonics, the Auckland and Western Australian Symphonies; and in Mexico with the Symphony Orchestra of Monterrey and the Orquesta Sinfónica del Estado de México, and many more...
Contemporary Performance
Erin Rogers & Matt Ward (BM ’98), Co-Artistic & Administrative Advisors
The Graduate Program in Contemporary Performance offers advanced performers the opportunity to focus on the music of our time through lessons, coachings, and classes with expert faculty. Students work with living composers, develop new works, and perform 20th- and 21st-century masterpieces in the critically acclaimed ensemble Tactus.
Performance Opportunities
Tactus
Composer Workshop/Reading
Composer/Performer Project Performing with Electronics
“When I heard about the Contemporary Performance Program at MSM, I knew that was where I wanted to be. Without all of the friends and teachers I met there (who are now my closest collaborators and colleagues), I would not be where I am. The school and the people in it changed my life. This program gave me the stepping stones to become the performer that I am today.”
Vicky
Chow (MM ’09)
pianist, Bang on a
Composer Concerts
Select Notable Alumni
Andy Akiho (percussion), Vicky Chow (piano), Joshua Modney (violin), TAK (Laura Cocks, flute; Liam Kinson, clarinet; Charlotte Mundy, voice; Marina Kifferstein, violin; Ellery Trafford, percussion) ; Loadbang (Carlos Cordeiro, clarinet; Andy Kozar, trumpet; Jeffrey Gavett, voice; William Lang, trombone) ; Mivos Quartet (Olivia De Prato, violin; Victor Lowrie, viola; Mariel Roberts, cello) ; andPlay (Hannah Levinson, viola) ; The Rhythm Method (Leah Aher, violin; Marina Kifferstein, violin; Carrie Frey, viola; Meaghan Burke, cello) ; RighteousGIRLS (Gina Izzo, flute; Erika Dohi, piano), and many more...
Campus
Welcome to New York City
MSM’s location gives students the opportunity throughout the year not only to hear, but also perform, music in some of the greatest venues in the world. In recent years, MSM student ensembles have performed in Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Jazz at Lincoln Center, Birdland, National Sawdust, the Apollo, and the Cathedral of St. John the Divine. Students also perform as individual artists throughout the city.
Welcome to the neighborhood
Situated in Morningside Heights/West Harlem on Manhattan’s West Side, MSM shares its “college town” neighborhood with Columbia University, Barnard College, and Teachers College, among other institutions. Bordering Riverside Park and the Hudson River Greenway bike path, the School is also literally steps away from the Riverside Church, International House, and Grant’s Tomb. Within easy reach, you’ll also find many of the world’s artistic treasures – Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, the Metropolitan Opera, New York City Ballet, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Students enjoy the variety of local restaurants, markets, and coffee shops that surround MSM’s campus. In fact, it is common to find MSM community members at their favorite spots, especially in post-concert celebrations!
RIVERSIDE CHURCH
A great performance venue a block away from MSM
SAKURA PARK Right across the street from MSM
LINCOLN CENTER A quick 15-minute subway ride away
MANHATTAN
Performance Venues
NEIDORFF-KARPATI HALL
With seating for 626 people
ADES PERFORMANCE SPACE
With seating for 120 people
PFORZHEIMER HALL
With seating for 50 people
HALL
With seating for 270 people
MIKOWSKY RECITAL HALL
With seating for 74 people
BOSSI-COMELLI STUDIO
With seating for 75 people
Residence Life
RECITAL HALL
With seating for 137 people
With seating for 35 people
HALL
With seating for 24 people
Andersen Residence Hall is home to more than half of the MSM student body. Adjoining the school’s main building, Andersen Hall is a dynamic 19-story building with performance, academic, and residential spaces, featuring five student lounges, laundry facilities, 28 state-of-the-art Wenger SoundLok practice rooms, a well-equipped fitness room, and 24-hour security. A dining facility is also located in the School’s main building adjacent to the residence. While most of the rooms are doubles, each student is provided with a private phone line and an Ethernet jack. A highlight for many students are the incredible views of the city visible from their windows.
Students from all over the world live on campus and participate in social activities, study groups, recreation, clubs, and student organizations. The Office of Residence Life hosts more than 100 social and educational events each year to give students a break from their rigorous daily routine. All freshmen, firstyear transfer, and sophomore students are required to live in Andersen Hall.
GREENFIELD
MILLER
MYERS RECITAL HALL
RAHM
Student Affairs Division
The Student Affairs Division supports academic endeavors while working to build a sense of community and pride at Manhattan School of Music, both inside and outside the classroom. It is the goal of Student Affairs to create engaged citizens who, following their own individual paths, become the next generation of contributing adults in the arts and the world. Student Affairs organizes a wide variety of activities, including Orientation, Friends & Family Weekend, neighborhood outings, and community service opportunities.
Leadership Opportunities
“Gaining leadership opportunities in student organizations like Student Government, Black Student Union, QueerPBS, and Womxn was an important part of my MSM experience.”
Chira Bell (BM ’22) Classical Voice
After completing a year on campus, students are invited to apply for student leadership positions such as Resident Assistant, Orientation Leader, and International Peer Advisor. These students serve as representatives of MSM and go through training to provide mentorship and support for the rest of the student body
Health & Counseling
Manhattan School of Music offers a holistic approach to health and wellness, with on-campus resources and counseling available to all students at the School. Our experienced counseling staff offers each student 8–10 free sessions of short-term and confidential counseling. Our Counseling Center is conveniently located on the first floor of MSM’s main building. Students can stay fit with our Andersen Residence Hall gym or take advantage of our discounted rates at the Columbia University gym next door.
Student Organizations
Alpha Psi Omega, Better than Blues, Beyond the Binary, Black Student Union, Chess Club, Chinese Student Association, Intervarsity Christian Fellowship, Jewish Student Union, Latine Student Alliance, MSM Briefing, MSM Lavender Society, MSM Run Club, MSM Soccer Club, MSM Womxn, Student Government Association, South West Asia and North Africa (SWANA) Student Union, The Black Rose Literary Society, and The MSM Film Photography Club
Student Government
With 18 different student organizations, including Student Government, the Black Student Union, MSM Womxn, and Queer People for the Betterment of Society, our students are able to build leadership and interpersonal skills while contributing to the MSM community. Student organizations form around varied shared interests ranging from playing soccer to making connections across cultures. Students are encouraged to establish new organizations each year which contribute to our dynamic campus life. Visit MSMNYC.EDU/STUDENT-ORGANIZATIONS to learn more.
Cultural Inclusion Initiative
The Cultural Inclusion Initiative (CII) was launched in August 2019 to provide support and opportunities for members of the MSM Community. The CII mission is to foster inclusion and equal access for all by auditing current MSM practices, identifying areas where additional attention is needed to achieve change, and creating regular discussion forums for students, faculty, and staff.
Land Acknowledgement
We want to acknowledge that we gather as Manhattan School of Music on the traditional land of the Lenape and Wappinger past and present, and honor with gratitude the land itself and the people who have stewarded it throughout the generations. This calls us to commit to continuing to learn how to be better stewards of the land we inhabit as well.
Exciting Opportunities
Partner Conservatories
Sydney Conservatorium, Sydney, Australia
Central Conservatory of Music, Beijing, China
Royal Danish Academy of Music, Copenhagen, Denmark
Royal College of Music, London, England
Sibelius Academy, Helsinki, Finland
Conservatoire de Paris, Paris, France
Humanities Classes at Barnard
State University of Music and Performing Arts
Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
Amsterdam University of the Arts, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Norwegian Academy of Music, Oslo, Norway
Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Glasgow, Scotland
MSM undergraduates have the opportunity to take academic Humanities classes at Barnard College during their junior and senior years to meet their Humanities elective requirements.
Global Conservatoire
Manhattan School of Music, Conservatorium van Amsterdam, the Royal College of Music (London), the Royal Danish Academy of Music, and the mdw – University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna have joined forces to form the Global Conservatoire, an ambitious digital learning environment that will expand each institutional partner’s course offerings, opening up a new and flexible world of asynchronous courses against a rich cultural backdrop. This innovative partnership brings faculty and students from each of the five institutional partners into an online classroom, cultivating an international exchange of ideas. GLOBALCONSERVATOIRE.COM
Distance Learning (The Orto Center)
Using state-of-the-art interactive videoconference technology, the Orto Center (which houses MSM’s groundbreaking Distance Learning program) offers students the opportunity to learn from renowned faculty and artists and engage with fellow student musicians around the world. Through Music Bridges, students can expand their skills as teaching artists, presenting applied music instruction over videoconference to K–12 and community-based learners located in the U.S. and abroad. Additionally, the Orto Center’s livestreamed concerts, featuring MSM student ensembles and acclaimed faculty, now attract a worldwide audience. MSMNYC.EDU/PROGRAMS/DISTANCE-LEARNING
The Center for Career Readiness & Community Impact (CCRCI)
The mission of The Center for Career Readiness & Community Impact is:
• To support our students’ educational and professional growth as they pursue personally meaningful career paths
• To provide experiential learning opportunities
• To reflect our goal of graduating culturally responsive artist-citizens
In addition to career-advancing coursework, the program’s highlights include: a series of arts partnerships with local K–12 schools and memory care facilities; MSM performances for visiting school groups; teaching placements for CCRCI participants; a dynamic calendar of Setting the Stage workshops; resources for current students/alumni (including the Hire A Musician referral service, Private Teacher Directory, and Online Opportunities Board); and one-on-one career advising. In addition, the CCRCI continues to oversee the pipeline degree program in music education with Teachers College, as well as the newly expanded internship program that offers an array of experiential learning opportunities to enhance students’ education. MSMNYC.EDU/CCRCI
DICTION HUMANITIES
MUSIC THEORY 1
SYMPHONIC CHORAL RECITAL PIANO 1 PRACTICE
REHEARSING FOR A FRIEND’S
PRACTICE CHAMBER REHEARSAL ORCHESTRA REHEARSAL
On campus at MSM, our students enjoy busy and varied class schedules with lessons, rehearsals, classes, and concerts, but they also have access vibrant neighborhood and the rest of New York City, just a subway ride AURAL SKILLS
JAZZ HARMONY/ COUNTERPOINT
HUMANITIES
JAZZ EAR TRAINING
schedules filled access to
ride away.
STUDIO VOICE
MAJOR LESSON
PRACTICE
JAZZ COMBO CONCERT GIG AT SMALLS IN THE WEST VILLAGE
What institutions do our graduate students attend before coming to MSM?
Here are the top 18 most represented previous institutions (other than MSM) in the incoming class of graduate students:
The Juilliard School
New York, New York
New York University
New York, New York
Eastman School of Music
Rochester, New York
Mannes the New School
New York, New York
New England Conservatory of Music
Boston, Massachusetts
IU Jacobs School of Music
Bloomington, Indiana
Peabody Conservatory of Music
Baltimore, Maryland
Berklee College of Music
Boston, Massachusetts
Yonsei University
Seoul, South Korea
China Conservatory of Music
Beijing, China
Seoul National University
Seoul, South Korea
Central Conservatory of Music
Beijing, China
McGill University
Montreal, Canada
Conservatorium Van Amsterdam
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Xinghai Conservatory of Music
Guangzhou, China
Ewha Womans University
Seoul, South Korea
Recent institutions our GRADUATE STUDENTS previously attended: CALIFORNIA California State University Long Beach (Long Beach) ; Diablo Valley College (Pleasant Hill) ; San Francisco Conservatory of Music (San Francisco) ; San Francisco State University (San Francisco) ; University of California Irvine (Irvine) ; University of California Los Angeles (Los Angeles) ; University of Southern California (Los Angeles) ; University of the Pacific (Stockton) COLORADO Colorado State University Fort Collins (Fort Collins) ; Community College of Denver (Denver) ; University Northern Colorado (Greeley) FLORIDA Florida Southern College (Lakeland) ; Florida State University (Tallahassee) ; University of North Florida (Jacksonville)
Georgia Columbus State University (Columbus) ; Georgia State University (Atlanta) ; Mercer University Atlanta (Macon) ILLINOIS Columbia College Illinois (Chicago) ; Elmhurst College (Elmhurst) ; Roosevelt University (Chicago) ; University Illinois Urbana (Urbana) INDIANA
Indiana University (Bloomington) KANSAS University of Kansas (Lawrence) LOUISIANA
Louisiana State University (Baton Rouge) ; Loyola University New Orleans (New Orleans)
MARYLAND Peabody Conservatory of Music (Baltimore) MASSACHUSETTS Amherst College (Amherts) ; Berklee College of Music (Boston) ; Boston Conservatory at Berklee (Boston) ; Boston University (Boston) ; New England Conservatory of Music (Boston) MICHIGAN Lansing Community College (Lansing) ; Michigan State University (East Lansing) ; University of Michigan (Ann Arbor) ; University of Michigan Ann Arbor (Ann Arbor) NEVADA University of Nevada,
Reno (Reno) NEW JERSEY Bergen Community College (Paramus) ; Brookdale Community College (Lincroft) ; Princeton University (Princeton) ; Rutgers University (Piscataway) NEW YORK Bard College (Annandale Hudson) ; CUNY (City University of New York) Brooklyn College (Brooklyn) ; Eastman School of Music (Rochester) ; Ithaca College (Ithaca) ; The Juilliard School (New York) ; Manhattan School of Music (New York) ; Mannes School of Music, The New School (New York) ; Nazareth College of Rochester (Rochester) ; New York University (New York) ; Stony Brook University SUNY (State University of New York) (Stony Brook) ; SUNY (State University of New York) Purchase College (Purchase) NORTH CAROLINA Elon University (Elon) ; University North Carolina School of the Arts (Winston-Salem) ; University of North Carolina Chapel Hill (Chapel Hill) OHIO Case Western Reserve University (Cleveland) ; Cleveland Institute of Music (Cleveland) ; Oberlin College and Conservatory (Oberlin) ; Ohio State University Columbus (Columbus) OKLAHOMA Oklahoma State University (Stillwater) PENNSYLVANIA Gettysburg College (Gettysburg) ; Haverford College (Haverford) ; Temple University (Philadelphia) SOUTH CAROLINA Furman University (Greenville) TENNESSEE Belmont University (Nashville) ; Vanderbilt University (Nashville) TEXAS Austin Community College (Austin) ; Southern Methodist University (Dallas) ; University of North Texas (Denton) UTAH Brigham Young University (Provo) VIRGINIA George Mason University (Fairfax) ; Shenandoah University (Winchester) ; University of Virginia (Charlottesville) Wisconsin Lawrence University (Appleton)
AUSTRALIA Edith Cowan University (Perth) ; University of Melbourne (Southbank) ; University of Queensland (Brisbane) ; University of Sydney (Sydney) BELGIUM Royal Conservatory of Brussels (Brussels) CANADA Humber College (Toronto) ; McGill University (Montreal) ; University of British Columbia (Vancouver) ; University of Toronto (Toronto) ; University of Western Ontario (London) CHINA Beijing Normal University (Beijing) ; Beijing Normal University - Hong Kong Baptist University United International College (Zhuhai) ; Central China
Normal University (Wuhan) ; Central Conservatory of Music (Beijing) ; China Conservatory of Music (Beijing) ; Communication University of Zhejiang (Hangzhou) ; Guangdong University of Education (Guangzhou) ; Harbin Conservatory of Music (Harbin) ; Hunan Normal University (Changsha) ; Jiangsu Second Normal University (Nanjing) ; Liaoning Normal University (China) ; Nanjing University of the Arts (Nanjing) ; Northwest Normal University (Lanzhou) ; Renmin University of China (Beijing) ; Shandong University of Arts (Jinan) ; Shanghai Conservatory of Music (Shanghai) ; Shenyang Conservatory of Music (Shenyang) ; Sichuan Conservatory of Music (Chengdu) ; Sichuan Normal University (Chengdu) ; Soochow University (Suzhou) ; Suzhou University of Science and Technology School of Music (Suzhou) ; Tianjin Conservatory of Music (Tianjin) ; Wuhan Conservatory of Music (Wuhan) ; Xiamen University (Xiamen) ; Xinghai Conservatory of Music (Guangzhou) ; Zhejiang Conservatory of Music (Hangzhou)
COLUMBIA Universidad de Antioquia (Medellin) DENMARK Det Jyske Musikkonservatorium
Aalborg (Aalborg) FRANCE
American School of Modern Music (Paris) ; Conservatoire National
Superior Musique de Paris (Lyon) JAPAN Toho Gakuen College Music Department (Tokyo)
MEXICO Universidad Panamericana (Mexico City) NETHERLANDS Prince Claus Conservatoire (Groningen) NEW ZEALAND Victoria University Wellington (Wellington) PORTUGAL Escola Superior de Música de Lisboa (Lisbon) RUSSIA Moscow Tchaikovsky Conservatory (Moscow)
SINGAPORE Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (Singapore) ; National University of Singapore (Singapore) SOUTH AFRICA University of Cape Town South African College of Music (Cape Town) SOUTH KOREA Ewha Womans University (Seoul) ; Hanyang University (Seoul) ; Keimyung University (Daegu) ; Kookmin University (Seoul) ; Kyunghee University (Seoul) ; Seoul National University (Seoul) ; Sungshin Women’s University (Seoul) ; The University of Suwon (Suwon) ; Yonsei University (Seoul) SWEDEN Skurups folkhögskola (Skurup) TAIWAN National Taichung University of Education (Taichung) ; Soochow University (Taipei) ; University of Taipei (Taipei)
TURKEY Ankara Music and Fine Arts University (Ankara) UNITED KINGDOM Royal College of Music (London) ; Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (Glasgow) ; Royal Northern College of Music (Manchester)
Recent UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS previously attended over 150 different schools from across the globe! CALIFORNIA Alexander Hamilton High School (Los Angeles) ; Alta Vista Alternative High School (Santa Barbara) ; Arnold O Beckman High School (Irvine) ; California School of the Arts - San Gabriel Valley (Sierra Madre) ; Chaminade College Preparatory (West Hills) ; Golden Valley Charter School (Ventura) ; Idyllwild Arts Academy (Idyllwild) ; Northgate High School (Walnut Creek) ; Temple City High School (Temple City) ; Windward School (Los Angeles) ; Woodside Priory School (Portola Vally) CONNECTICUT Hall High School (West Hartford) ; Kingswood Oxford School (West Hartford) ; Sullivan Homeschool (Wilton) ; Trumbull High School (Trumbull) DELAWARE Appoquinimink High School (Middletown) FLORIDA
Archbishop Mccarthy High School (Southwest Ranches) ; Citizens High School (Orange Park) ; Cocoa Beach Junior/Senior High School (Cocoa Beach) Miami Arts Studio (Miami) ; Montverde Academy (Montverde) ; New World School of the Arts (Miami) GEORGIA Dekalb School of the Arts (Avondale Estates) Iowa Osage Community High School (Osage) ILLINOIS The Chicago Academy for the Arts (Chicago) ; Evanston Township High School (Evanston) LOUISIANA New Orleans Center for Creative Arts (New Orleans) ; Saint Amant High School (Saint Amant)
MASSACHUSETTS Boston Arts Academy (Boston) ; Ipswich High School (Ipswich) ; Walnut Hill School (Natick) ; Westborough High School (Westborough) Maryland Dulaney High School (Timonium) MAINE Freeport High School (Freeport) MICHIGAN Interlochen Arts Academy (Interlochen) MINNESOTA Cotter High School (Winona) Missouri Waynesville High School (Waynesville) MONTANA Hellgate High School (Missoula) NORTH CAROLINA Charlotte Country Day School (Charlotte) NEW JERSEY John P. Stevens High School (Edison) ; Kittatinny Regional High School (Newton) ; Morris Knolls High School (Rockaway) ; Northern Valley Regional High
School (Old Tappan) ; Red Bank Regional High School (Little Silver) ; Ridgewood High School (Ridgewood) ; Tenafly High School (Tenafly) ; West Orange High School (West Orange) NEVADA Lake Mead Christian Academy (Henderson) NEW YORK Albany High School (Albany) ; Ballston Spa High School (Ballston Spa) ; Beacon High School (Beacon) ; Bronx High School of Science (Bronx) ; Doane Stuart School (Rensselaer) ; Fayetteville-Manlius High School (Manilus) ; Frank Sinatra School of the Arts (Astoria) ; Fusion Academy Long Island (Woodbury) ; Laguardia High School of Music & Art (New York) ; Professional Children’s School (New York) ; Saint Anthonys High School (South Huntington) ; Spackenkill High School (Poughkeepsie) OHIO Centerville High School (Centerville) ; Ehove Career Center (Milan) ; Lake Ridge Academy (North Ridgeville)
Oregon Oregon City High School (Oregon City) PENNSYLVANIA Abington High School (Abington) ; Bridgeway Academy (Catasauqua) ; Conrad Weiser High School (Robesonia) ; Southern Lehigh High School (Center Valley) PUERTO RICO Escuela Libre de Musica Ernesto Ramos Antonini (San Juan) SOUTH CAROLINA Charleston Country School of the Arts (North Charleston) TEXAS Dawson High School (Pearland) ; James E. Taylor High School (Katy) ; Kinder High School for the Performing and Visual Arts (Houston) ; Langham Creek High School (Houston) ; William Howard Taft High School (San Antonio) AZERBAIJAN School No. 263 (Bakun) CANADA Cardinal Carter Academy for the Arts (Toronto) ; Pierre Elliot Trudeau High School (Markham) ; Saint John’s School (Vancouver) CHINA Affiliated Secondary Art School of Nanjing University of the Arts (Nanjing) ; Central Conservatory of Music Middle School (Beijing) ; Central Conservatory of Music
Preparatory School (Beijing) ; Chaoyang Kaiwen Academy (Beijing) ; Dehui No.8 Middle School (Dehui) ; Deyang Boya Mingde High School (Deyang) ; Hangzhou Shuren Specialized School (Jiaxing) ; Huitong School (Shenzhen) ; Middle School Affiliated to China Conservatory of Music (Beijing) ; Music Middle School Affiliated to Shanghai Conservatory of Music (Shanghai) ; Music
Middle School Affiliated to Zhejiang Conservatory of Music (Bengbu) ; Nanjing No.1 Middle School (Nanjing) ; New Channel Shanghai School (Shanghai) ; North America International School (Shanghai) ; Shenzhen American International School (Shenzhen) ; The Music School
Attached to Xinghai Conservatory of Music (Guangzhou) ; Xi’an Conservatory of Music Affiliated
Secondary Music High School (Xi’an) ; Yehudi Menuhin School Qingdao (Qingdao) FRANCE Lycée Saint-Sernin (Toulouse) JAPAN Kunitachi College of Music Senior High School (Tokyo)
KOSOVO “Halit Kasapolli” School of Music (Peje) MACAU S.A.R. Premier School Affiliated with Hou Kong Middle School (Macau) POLAND Complex of Ludomir Rozycki State Music Schools in Kielce (Kielce) Portugal Academia de Amadores de Música (Lisbon) ; Curso de Música Silva Monteiro (Porto) SOUTH KOREA Seoul Arts High School (Seoul) ; Sunhwa Arts High School (Seoul) SPAIN IES Miguel Hernandez Alicante (Alicante) TAIWAN National Tainan Girls’ Senior High School (Tainan) ; Tainan National University of the Arts (Tainan) ; Taipei City Municipal Zhongzheng Senior High School (Taipei) ; Taipei Municipal Fuxing Senior High School (Taipei)
Admission at a Glance
How To Apply
Applicants must submit an online application at APPLY.MSMNYC.EDU/APPLY.
MSM offers in-person auditions on campus from late February through early March. Virtual auditions may also be available, depending on an applicant's program of study and place of residence.
See MSMNYC.EDU/ADMISSION/WHAT-YOULL-NEED-TO-APPLY-TO-MSM-COLLEGE for more information.
Some programs require applicants to submit prescreening videos in order to be invited to audition in person.
See MSMNYC.EDU/AUDITION to view requirements for your major of interest.
Application and Audition Schedule
September 1 Application Opens
December 1 Application Due
January 17-18 & 24-25 Musical Theatre Auditions
February 28-March 7 Classical, Jazz, Contemporary Performance and Orchestral Performance Auditions
April 1 All Admission Decisions Released
Late applications are accepted as space allows following regular auditions. Late auditions are conducted via recorded video submissions during April and May.
Email admission@msmnyc.edu after April 1 to inquire about availability.
English Language Assessment
All applicants whose native language is not English must submit a Duolingo exam score by December 1, 2025. Duolingo is MSM’s required exam that can be taken at home at ENGLISHTEST.DUOLINGO.COM. DuoLingo exam scores accompanying a Fall 2026 application must be from after September 1, 2025. Students with low English proficiency may be required to attend MSM’s Summer English Study program..
Virtual Events
The Manhattan School of Music Admission Team is excited to connect with you both on campus and virtually this year! MSM’s events are offered both in-person and online, covering a variety of topics, from the application and admission process to the student experience. To register for a campus tour, visit MSMNYC.EDU/CAMPUS/VISIT-MSM . To register for a virtual event, visit APPLY.MSMNYC.EDU/PORTAL/VIRTUALEVENTS . To be notified about upcoming events, submit an inquiry form at APPLY.MSMNYC.EDU/REGISTER/INQUIRY
“Manhattan School of Music is a beacon of musical excellence and creativity.” Marty Scott (MM ’24)
2025–2026 Tuition and Fees
Use our net price calculator at MSMNYC.EDU/NETPRICE
MEAL PLANS
(declining balance, can add funds at any time)
Scholarships and Financial Aid
MSM scholarships are awarded based on an applicant’s financial need and on an applicant’s talent as captured by the entrance audition, application, academic records, and social and community engagement. Applicants who demonstrate a high level of talent and do not demonstrate financial need are eligible to receive more limited scholarship assistance through the MSM Presidential Scholarship. In addition, US citizens and Permanent Residents may apply for federal financial aid, which may include loans and grants.
See MSMNYC.EDU/ADMISSION/SCHOLARSHIPS-FINANCIAL-AID for more information.
Information
For more information, visit MSMNYC.EDU/ADMISSION
Contact us at admission@msmnyc.edu or 917-493-4436
Office of Admission
Manhattan School of Music
130 Claremont Ave, New York, NY 10027
NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY Manhattan School of Music admits students of any race, color, nationality, or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the School. It does not discriminate on the basis of gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, race, color, or national or ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and other school-administered programs. Manhattan School of Music is fully accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, the New York State Board of Regents, and the Bureau for Veterans Education.
