Manhattan School of Music Degree Programs
This school appears in our ranking of the 10 Best University Jazz Programs.
At the Manhattan School of Music students can earn:
- Bachelor of Music
- Master of Music
- Doctor of Musical Arts
- Artist Diploma
- Professional Studios Certificate
Undergrads will need to choose between studying performance or composition. Jazz Arts majors can pick a program based on the instruments that they play. Programs are available in:
- drum
- guitar
- flute
- cello and other instruments
Undergrads can also choose a Classical Arts major based on the instruments that they play.
The school added a musical theater program for those who want to gain experience in the musical arts. This program requires students to take part in a number of live performances each year. Many of the teachers of these classes have Broadway experience. Students take courses in:
- music and theater history
- dance
- technical production
- performance arts
MSM also offers a joint program with the Bernard College of Columbia. This program allows students from each school to take classes for credit on the other campus. MSM students can take traditional college classes through Bernard College. Bernard students can take music classes and sign up for private music lessons through MSM.
The school now offers programs for younger students as well. One of those is a pre-college program for students who want to study and perform at a higher level. The program is open to students age five through 18. Students take classes on Saturdays from professors. The program allows students to study Classic Arts or Jazz Arts.
MSM has a summer program that is open to students between the ages of five and 17 also. Students will need to submit a digital audition clip that shows them signing or performing music. The school will pick a select number of students and bring them in for an interview and in-person audition.
This program is also open to students who want to study acting. Those chosen for the program will spend all summer taking classes through the school and honing their skills. Students will take part in live performances during the summer session as well. Those who attend one or more of the special programs that the Manhattan School of Music offers have a better chance of getting into one of its full degree programs later.
About Manhattan School of Music
The Manhattan School of Music is one of the primary higher education music schools in the U.S. It was founded in the late 1910s as the Neighborhood Music School by a local pianist. The school offered classes for students with an interest in music. In the 1940s it introduced its first degree program. It awarded graduates a Bachelor of Music. The school later added a Master of Music and a Doctorate of Music to its curriculum. The Institute of Musical Art opened on the campus and offered a number of programs for students. This school later split off on its own and became Julliard.
Students enrolling in MSM today have the chance to devote their studies to music. Each year the musical theater department on its campus puts on a number of:
- live shows
- performances
- events each year
These help students gain stage experience and experience performing live in front of an audience. Students in all programs gain performance experience as well. Around 75% of all students enrolled in MSM programs come from cities across New York. The remaining students come from across the country.
Manhattan School of Music Accreditation Details
MSM primarily offers degree programs in music and related fields. It still has the same regional accreditation that other schools have, which comes from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). This gives incoming students and current students the right to apply for financial aid and use any aid that they receive. Students can also use this type of accreditation to transfer credits to or from the school.
Manhattan School of Music Application Requirements
MSM looks for the most talented students. It offers an application that students can complete online. All applications must arrive at the school by December 1. Prospective students will need to create an account with the MSM admissions website. They can use their accounts to log in later and see if the school made a decision on their applications. The school also asks for an official transcript from the high school that the student attended. Also needed are official transcripts from any colleges they attended. Students must submit any references they want to speak on their behalf as well.
To show their skills and talents, students will need to submit a video of them performing live. The school will view the videos to determine which students will come in for an interview. Some programs only admit those who pass the interview phase and those who do well on an in-person audition. Other programs available through the school do not require an interview or an audition. Those accepted by the school will need to go online and pay a fee that holds their spots for the upcoming school year.
Tuition and Financial Aid
The Manhattan School of Music charges a flat tuition rate of $45,375 a year. This allows students to take a full course load and includes any school fees. When students factor in the cost of living on the school’s campus in Manhattan, they’ll pay close to $59,000 a year. Students will also need to pay for any supplies that they need in their classes and for transportation around the city.
All MSM students receive their own account with the school. They can log in to see the balance due for the coming year and any payments made. Those who qualify for financial aid will see this amount applied to their accounts.
Most students receive federal aid after filing the FAFSA. They may receive one or more grants and have the chance to take out student loans. The school takes part in the federal work-study program that allows students to earn money working for the school. All students can apply for scholarships through the school. Around half of all
Manhattan School of Music receive aid in the form of a scholarship.
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