Manhattan School of Music has contributed to the vibrant culture of New York City for over 85 years. It is one of the premier private music conservatories in the nation, with nearly 275 faculty members dedicated to shaping over 800 students from 40 countries into world-class musicians. ??It offers degree and diploma programs at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels, with majors in all orchestral instruments, voice, piano, accompanying, composition, saxophone, guitar, organ, conducting, and jazz. All the programs are founded on strong faculty/student relationships. The Precollege Division instructs pre-college-age children and young adults on Saturdays and the various special programs offer interesting and unique ways to learn about music in a variety of formats.??While it is the mission of all fine music conservatories to develop talents and refine skills, Manhattan School of Music has a unique combination of strengths that make it an exceptional place from which to launch a career. At Manhattan School of Music, performance is not simply a goal for students; it is already an integral part of their lives. With over 400 concerts, recitals, and master classes each year, the School resonates with the energy of working musicians.??With extensive performance opportunities on campus and the chance to freelance and begin to develop a network of professional contacts, students are encouraged to think and function as professional musicians while they are still in school. It is this powerful convergence of unmatched opportunity and rigorous training that gives the students the best chance to go as far as their talent, intelligence, and determination will take them.

The undergraduate program at Manhattan School of Music offers the aspiring professional musician rigorous curricula in performance or musical composition. The program consists of four areas of concentration: major field of study, course work in music-related subjects, ensemble performance, and humanities. As part of the bachelor of music degree program, you will take a sequence of courses designed to unify studies in music theory, music history, and the humanities which includes reading, writing, critical judgment, articulate speech, history, politics, philosophy, art, and geography. This program prepares you to take intense, specialized elective courses in your junior and senior years.

Students may choose to pursue a diploma course of study, which is the same as the bachelor’s curriculum minus the humanities core and humanities elective requirements; the diploma represents recognition of accomplishment in the field of music, but does not carry with it the rights and privileges of a college degree.

The graduate programs of study at Manhattan School of Music enable students to perfect their musical competencies and professional artistry in specific fields.

Students may earn the master of music degree through a two-year curriculum. For this program, all students are required to register for major lessons during each semester of their residence at Manhattan School of Music. Students must also successfully meet the requirements for their major field of study, related course work, ensemble participation, jury examinations, and recital in order to qualify for graduation.

Alternatively, students may pursue the Postgraduate Diploma program, which is the same as the master's degree course of study but requires up to six (6) fewer general graduate elective credits. This diploma recognizes accomplishment in the field of music, but does not carry the privileges of a college degree.

In addition, the Professional Studies Certificate Program offers a one-year program for accomplished performers possessing a master of music degree, a postgraduate diploma, or equivalent, who wish to pursue instrumental or vocal study on an advanced level for competitions, auditions, or career-entry positions. Manhattan School of Music and Teachers College Columbia University offer a dual degree at the master’s level. This accelerated program, designed to be completed in three years, gives the student an M.M. (Master of Music) from Manhattan School of Music and an M.A. (Master of Arts) in Music Education with New York State K–12 Music Teacher Certification from Teachers College Columbia University.

The doctor of musical arts program of study is designed for individuals who aspire to reach the pinnacle of musical expertise and excel in a performing career and/or teach at the college level. Completion of the program requires a minimum of 60 credits in approved graduate courses. Students are expected to demonstrate strong academic capabilities in addition to a high level of achievement in performance or composition.

Manhattan School of Music's special programs offer a number of unique learning opportunities beyond our general academic curriculum. These programs enable you to enrich your musical training experience and develop new perspectives on the performing arts.