November 13, 2026

December 1st is right around the corner! Although our fall semester on campus will soon be coming to a close, we are just beginning our audition season with the upcoming deadline for submitting your application to Manhattan School of Music!

This post will serve as a final checklist for all the materials you will need for a complete application. We’ve also included some short descriptions and important information for each material, as well as links to previous blog posts that address these materials in detail. Please send any questions to us at admission@msmnyc.edu!

1. Online Application

2. Prescreening Materials 

• You can review repertoire requirements here.
• Some programs and instruments do not require a prescreening video. These details, as well as other situations that waive prescreening requirements, can be found in the link above.

3. Recommendation Letters

• The Bachelor of Music application requires two letters: One musical recommender (your private teacher or other music teacher) and one musical or academic recommender
• All graduate programs except DMA require two letters: one from your current primary teacher, and one from another musical reference.
• DMA applicants must submit three letters of recommendation: one from your private teacher, and two from other musical or academic recommenders.

4. Repertoire List

• A record of the musical works you have studied and performed through your artistic journey, 1-3 pages in length.
• Include titles, composers, collaborators, and performance venues when possible.

5. Artistic Resume

• Academic Study: schools, dates, and degrees awarded
• Private Study: teachers, date ranges, subjects, and locations
• Performance Experience: concerts, festivals, recordings, and summer programs
• Awards, Distinctions, and Scholarships

Musical Theatre applicants must bring a physical copy on their audition day.

6. Essays

You will be asked to submit responses to two essay prompts designed to give us a better sense of your unique musical voice as well as your potential non-musical contributions to the MSM creative community. Learn how to write your application essays in just 30 minutes by reading this helpful Admission guide.

7. Application Fee

When you are ready to submit your application, you will be asked to pay a $135 application fee. Current MSM and Precollege students, MSM alumni, and applicants to the Barnard/MSM Lesson Exchange Program pay a reduced fee of $80. All application fees are non-refundable. Late applicants must be approved by the Admission Office. If approved, late applications will be assessed an additional $50 fee.

Supplemental Documents

1. Transcripts: Unofficial transcripts must be uploaded to the application portal by January 15. Final official transcripts will only be required if you are accepted and choose to enroll at MSM.
2. GPA: MSM’s recommended minimum GPA is 3.0 or its equivalent. However, applicants whose GPA does not meet this requirement will still be considered for admission within the context of their full application.
3. Personal Photo: All applicants are asked to submit an informal headshot via the application portal checklist. This allows the Admission committee and faculty to recognize you on your audition day! Musical Theatre applicants are required to bring one copy of their headshot with them on the day of their audition.
4. Test Scores: You are not required to submit SAT, ACT, or GRE scores. However, if you feel your test scores positively contribute to your application, we are happy to receive them.

Questions?

Email admission@msmnyc.edu — we’re always happy to help!