The Manhattan School of Music’s rich history dates back to 1917 when Janet D. Schenck founded it as the Neighborhood Music School.
Guided by the inspiring motto “Macte Virtute, sic itur ad Astra” (Those who excel, thus reach the stars), MSM has evolved from its humble beginnings to becoming a globally recognized institution.
Under Dr. James Gandre’s visionary leadership, MSM continues to honor its founding mission while expanding its reach.
The school now nurtures a diverse community of approximately 960 students from 45 countries, all striving to become the next generation of artistic leaders.
Let’s dive into the Manhattan School of Music, its background, acceptance rate.
Manhattan School of Music Acceptance Rate (2024)
The acceptance rate into the Manhattan School of Music is 40%.
This is according to data from the National Center for Education Statistics.
That means only about 2 of every 5 applicants get accepted, making MSM a competitive music school.
In the most recently released data, MSM had 1,432 students apply, and accepted about 573 of them. Of those who were accepted, about 25% ended up attending, which is in line with other major conservatories.
One thing to know about the applicant pool at MSM is that it is self-selecting.
In other words, the typical applicant who applies to MSM is a well-trained, experienced musician committing themselves to a conservatory program.
Quick Facts & Statistics
Here are some quick facts about MSM.
Number of students: 960 (source)
Number of Faculty & Staff: 350
Tuition: $55,750 (source)
Performances per year: 600 (source)
Tips for Getting Accepted to MSM
In my experience as a college consultant, securing a trial lesson with a teacher at can be a valuable step for both performance and composition applicants.
While it doesn’t guarantee admission, it can help establish important connections within the school.
MSM’s summer program, aptly called MSM Summer serves as an excellent pathway for aspiring students.
This program offers sessions for instrumentalists, composers, and musical theatre students, often leading participants to eventual enrollment at MSM.
Most programs at MSM require a prescreening, making the quality of your initial recordings crucial. It’s essential to put your best effort into these prescreening materials to advance in the application process.
For jazz musicians applying to MSM, I strongly recommend performing with live instrumentalists in your submission videos. Using real musicians instead of backing tracks like iRealPro can significantly enhance the quality and authenticity of your audition.
Finally, if you are a high school student and living in or near NYC, you could consider applying for the Manhattan School of Music Precollege program, which boasts many of the same faculty as the college itself.
Manhattan School of Music Ranking
Manhattan School of Music is typically ranked among the top 15 schools in the country.
Here are some notable rankings including the Manhattan School of Music:
- Niche ranks it in the top 15.
- Careers in Music ranks in the top 5.
- Thebestschools.org ranks it number 3.
I stress often to my students that rankings are just a starting point, and I personally no longer publicly rank schools on Music School Central anymore.
That said, these rankings are a good representation of MSM’s reputation and the respect it has earned by publications with big readerships.
Notable Alumni of MSM
Among MSM’s notable alumni is Herbie Hancock, the legendary jazz pianist and composer who has shaped the landscape of modern music.
Another distinguished graduate is John Corigliano, the Pulitzer Prize-winning composer known for his innovative orchestral works and film scores.
In the world of opera, MSM has produced stars like Isabel Leonard, a mezzo-soprano who has graced the stages of the Metropolitan Opera and other prestigious venues worldwide.
The school’s jazz program boasts alumni such as Jason Moran, a pioneering pianist and composer who has redefined the boundaries of jazz in the 21st century.
Another jazz and pop culture icon, Harry Connick Jr., stands out as a multi-talented performer who has found success as a singer, pianist, and actor.
In the field of film composition, Angelo Badalamenti, known for his haunting scores for David Lynch films, honed his craft at MSM.
The school’s impact extends to the world of popular music as well, with alumni like Melissa Manchester, the Grammy-winning singer-songwriter who has left an indelible mark on the industry.
Notable Faculty of MSM
The Manhattan School of Music boasts an exceptional faculty roster, featuring some of the most accomplished musicians in New York City and the world.
Among them is Timothy Cobb, the principal bassist of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra.
Pinchas Zukerman, an important violinist, offers world-class instruction to master’s level students at MSM.
I’ve had several students benefit from lessons with Karen Ritscher, an outstanding viola instructor who is also an exceptional teacher.
Classical guitar students at MSM have the privilege of learning from David Starobin, a Guitar Foundation of America Hall of Fame inductee.
The jazz department features luminaries like John Riley, a drummer who has performed with icons such as Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, and Stan Getz.
Robert Langevin, who has held principal flute positions with both the New York Philharmonic and Pittsburgh Symphony, brings his orchestral expertise to the woodwind department.
Another noted faculty member is composer Valerie Coleman, one of the most frequently performed composers in the world today.
How to Determine If MSM Is the Best Fit for You
For students who thrive in intimate educational settings, MSM’s small student body of less than 1,000 creates an ideal environment.
The school’s favorable student-to-teacher ratio ensures ample one-on-one interaction, fostering close mentorship opportunities.
MSM’s location in the heart of New York City is perfect for those drawn to the energy and cultural offerings of a major metropolis.
Aspiring orchestral performers will find MSM particularly appealing, as many faculty members are active performers with prestigious ensembles like the New York Philharmonic and Metropolitan Opera Orchestra.
However, MSM may not be the best choice for students seeking a traditional university experience or those who prefer smaller cities or rural settings.
Additionally, if your focus is on songwriting or pop performance, you might want to explore other institutions that specialize in these areas.
As a college consultant, I’ve seen a number of my students thrive at MSM. They consistently report significant growth as musicians and express great satisfaction with their teachers.
Ultimately, the decision to attend MSM should align with your musical goals, preferred learning environment, and comfort with urban living.
It’s an excellent choice for those seeking intensive, conservatory-style training in classical and jazz traditions within a vibrant city setting.
PS
Interested in attending MSM?
See what Ashley, who was accepted to MSM, has to say about working with Music School Central.
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