To help simplify the application process, here is an easy, step-by-step guide to move you closer to admission and your musical aspirations.

• If you are a prospective student interested in attending Manhattan School of Music, the Office of Admission would like to make contact with you. To access our online inquiry form, click here.
• Mail all supporting application materials (e.g., transcripts, recommendation letters, prescreening recordings, etc.) to:



Office of Admission
Manhattan School of Music
120 Claremont Ave
New York, NY 10027

 

Required Application Materials:

1. Application
   Manhattan School of Music has joined other U.S. conservatories in preparing a Unified Application for Conservatory Admission, which you will need to complete and electronically submit to the Office of Admission. The Unified Application must be submitted by the deadline listed on our Admission Calendar. The application is available online at www.unifiedapps.org, and this is the only method of application. If you experience problems with the electronic application, please call the Office of Admission for assistance.



2. Prescreen Requirements

The instruments listed below require the submission of a prescreen recording (CD only, in a standard plastic jewel case) by the December 1st application deadline. Applicants must mail the CD directly to the Office of Admission. CD's must be clearly labeled with your full name, instrument and degree. Please make sure to include a list of the repertoire performed on the CD. We suggest that you attach the list to the inside of the CD case.

Please click on the instrument to view prescreening requirements:

• Classical Voice
• Classical Piano
• Classical Flute
• Classical Clarinet
• Classical Viola
• Classical Violin
• Classical Cello
• Classical Composition — Classical Composers must submit scores and recordings under separate cover by the application deadline. Please refer to the Composition section for requirements.
• Orchestral Flute
• Orchestral Clarinet
• Orchestral Violin
• Jazz Bass
• Jazz Composition
• Jazz Drumset and Hand Percussion
• Jazz Guitar
• Jazz Piano
• Jazz Saxophone, Clarinet and Flute
• Jazz Trombone
• Jazz Trumpet
• Jazz Vibraphone
• Jazz Violin, Viola and Cello
• Jazz Voice (MM program only)
  
  
3. Application Fee
   $100 non-refundable application fee ($50 for current Manhattan School of Music college students, current precollege students and college alumni). Applicants applying to more than one major must submit an additional $100 fee ($50 for current Manhattan School of Music college students, current precollege students and college alumni) for each additional application. A late fee of $50 will be charged for applications submitted after December 1st deadline. All late applications must be approved by the Associate Dean of Enrollment Management.
   
   
4. Transcripts
   All applicants must submit official transcripts from every academic institution attended (translated into English by an official translator and notarized, if applicable).  Undergraduate transfer applicants who have completed at least one academic year of full-time study at an accredited college/university do not have to submit high school transcripts.
   
   
5. International Transcripts
   Due to the difficulty in interpreting international transcripts, it is possible that the School may have questions as to the American equivalency of international studies. Manhattan School of Music therefore requires that transcripts from international institutions, except from the countries noted below, be evaluated by World Education Services (WES). This evaluation will allow the School to determine eligibility at Manhattan School of Music. This will also assist the registrar in evaluating any possible transfer of credit. For more information or to arrange for a WES evaluation, please click here to visit www.wes.org.

   Note these exceptions: The educational systems of some countries—Korea, Taiwan, Japan, and Canada—make transcript evaluation by WES unnecessary. Therefore, applicants with transcripts from these countries most likely do not need to have them evaluated by WES.

6. English Language Test Results
   All applicants whose first language is not English must take the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language). Bachelor of Music, Master of Music, Professional Studies, and Artist Diploma students are recommended to reach a score of 79 iBT (213 computer based), while all Doctor of Musical Arts applicants are required to reach a score of 100 iBT (250 computer based). For more information or to sign up for the TOEFL, please click here.

7. Essay
   It is our intention to get to know you as well as possible through your application and the essay. Your audition and musical credentials help us to learn about you as a musician. The purpose of our essay question is to learn about you as a person. Therefore, in your online application, please write an essay on the following topic:
   
   "How would you describe yourself as a human being? What quality do you like best in yourself and what do you like least? What quality would you most like to see flourish and which would you like to see wither?"
   
   
8. Writing Sample — for Doctoral applicants only
   Please send via regular mail a writing sample from recent academic work. This will be evaluated by the Admission Committee as well as the Doctoral Committee.
   
   
9. Performance Experience
   Highlight your musical studies in your major area in resume format. Include repertoire, recent major public performances, summer festivals attended, and/or honors received. You may also include study in related musical areas. You should create your response in a word processing program and then cut and paste it into position in the appropriate space on your online application. Do not send any separate mailings or email attachments to the office. Composition applicants: List titles of works composed, including instrumentation and performance dates.
   
   
10. Recommendations/Test Scores
    All first-time, first-year undergraduate (freshman) applicants are required to submit two (2) letters of recommendation, one from the high school guidance counselor and one from the private music teacher or high school music teacher.
    
    All undergraduate transfer and graduate applicants are required to submit two (2) letters of recommendation from teachers/professional musicians.
    
    All Doctoral applicants are required to submit three (3) letters of recommendation from teachers/professional musicians.
    
    To download a copy of our Recommendation Form, please click here. Make sure to print one copy for each recommender.
    
    Freshman Applicants: ACT or SAT tests are recommended, but not required. However, students who are home schooled and/or are submitting the GED are required to submit ACT or SAT scores. It is requested that paper copies of ACT and/or SAT scores be submitted to the Office of Admission.
    
    DMA Applicants: GRE scores are recommended, but not required.
    

Recorded DVD Auditions

Applicants residing outside North America and cello, tuba, harp and double bass applicants may either audition live in New York or opt to send a recorded DVD audition (except for composition, accompanying, and Doctoral Program applicants, who must have a live audition).

Transfer Credit

For complete information regarding transfer credit, please contact the Office of the Registrar.

Re-admission

Former students wishing to reenroll (in order to complete a previous program of study at Manhattan School of Music) must schedule an interview with the Dean of Academics to discuss re-admission prior to the regular application/audition procedure.

(Those seeking instruction for primary and secondary school-age children and young adults should read about our Precollege Division and the special requirements for admission to their programs.)