Manhattan School of Music is more than a school with a number of programs and degrees. It is a vibrant musical community in which artist-teachers nurture talented students through lessons, coachings, master classes, courses, collaboration and performance. While enjoying New York City’s tremendous cultural energy, MSM’s distinctive atmosphere promotes high standards in a supportive environment. We aim to foster creativity while keeping great traditions fresh and vital. Courses in music history, music theory and humanities deepen artistic understanding and add to the intellectual vitality of the School. As MSM students prepare for the widest possible spectrum of opportunities, we offer innovative programs to meet 21st-century challenges in the ever-changing world of music.

As a New York institution for more than 90 years, Manhattan School of Music plays an important role in one of the great musical cities of the world. Our faculty is drawn from the city’s great classical music organizations, including the New York Philharmonic and the Metropolitan Opera; MSM’s jazz faculty are top performers in the city, and faculty soloists can be heard in recitals and chamber music programs all over New York. We enjoy arranging for students to perform in some of New York’s storied venues, and our roster of faculty and world-class guests provide excellent opportunities for connection and growth. In addition to all this, MSM’s outreach and distance learning programs continue to bring the excitement and joy of music to school children in the city and to communities of learners all over the world.

The Offices of the Vice Presidents for Performance and Academics are in charge of all the degree programs of the school, all lessons and classes, and the overall plans for ensemble performances. We are responsible for maintaining the quality and integrity of the artistic and academic offerings at the School. Vice President David Geber oversees orchestral instruments and orchestral performance, piano, chamber music and jazz. Vice President Marjorie Merryman oversees voice and opera, choral music, accompanying, composition and contemporary performance, as well as entrepreneurship and all academic subjects. Information about specific programs and courses can be found in the MSM Catalog, and many questions regarding courses, substitutions, and timing of studies are best answered by the Registrar. Students and faculty with other questions, comments and ideas are very welcome to come to us. We are happy to help you.

Whether you are a prospective student or parent, a visitor to New York, or a member of the city's music-loving public, please come and join us for some of the nearly 600 performances we offer during the academic year. All MSM concerts are open to the public and most are free; concerts requiring tickets are very modestly priced. This artistic community of students, faculty and distinguished visiting artists performs an extraordinary variety of concerts, master classes and recitals. Your attendance supports this important world-class conservatory. We invite you to join our growing and enthusiastic audiences. Take a look at the concert calendar here online. Join us!


David Geber, Vice President for Instrumental Performance
Marjorie Merryman, Vice President for Academics and Performance