Collaborative artistry is a vital part of study and performance at Manhattan School of Music. Every classical instrumentalist and vocalist is required to take part in chamber music and ensemble performance at some point in their degree program (with the exception of the doctoral program where chamber music is an option). There is a fixed band of time reserved in the School's daily schedule for chamber music and ensembles, during which most classes cease and the whole school participates in instrumental or vocal chamber music ensembles.

Every semester, over 90 chamber music ensembles for instrumentalists are formed. They range from trios to octets of various instrument combinations. The contemporary ensembles TACTUS and the Claremont Ensemble provide additional opportunities for the performance of new music. For singers there are ensembles as well as performance classes that fulfill students' "Performance Ensemble" requirement, which include Opera Studio, American Musical Theater, Baroque Aria Ensemble, Vocal Chamber Music, Vocal Accompanying, Vocal Performance Class, German Lieder, French Vocal Chamber Music, and others.

Manhattan School of Music has two ensembles in residence: the American String Quartet and Windscape, a woodwind quintet. (See ensembles page for further information.)

Students are placed into instrumental and vocal ensembles by their department chairpersons in collaboration with the manager of chamber music and ensembles. Students are encouraged to submit individual requests to participate in a specific type of ensemble, as well as request a particular chamber music coach. Groups that are already in formation may also make a request to study together.

Pianists are able to earn chamber music credit through regular chamber groups, through Instrumental Studio Accompanying, or in vocal accompanying ensembles.

In addition to studies with our expert chamber music faculty, students are provided additional opportunities to play for and observe world-renowned guest artists.

Past master classes in chamber music have included the American Horn Quartet; Pamela Frank (coaching string sonatas, concertos, and chamber music); Robert McDonald (accompanying); Mstislav Rostropovich (strings, cello, and chamber music); and Joseph Seiger (Class of 1951 — discussing "The Art of the Sonata").

Toward the end of each semester, the manager of chamber music and ensembles holds auditions for the Lillian Fuchs Memorial Chamber Music Concert. Coaches recommend groups who audition for this series, which is a public event. Many of the vocal ensembles perform publicly each semester as well. Chamber Music Festivals — weekend-long series of string, piano, woodwind, guitar, and vocal ensembles — take place each winter and spring.