September 15, 2021

It’s time to apply to college. Now what?

Nearing the end of high school and thinking about your future can be tough. You’ve spent hundreds of hours over the years devoting yourself to music, going to rehearsals and performances, summer programs and lessons. All this has led you to your next big step of applying to music school.

You are possibly asking yourself, “Which music school is the best? What are the differences between them? What would my life be like there?”

When making the decision to apply to music school, we suggest you think of three things:

1. Who do I want to learn from?
2. What community do I want to join?
3. Where do I want to be?

The who, what, and where of the college experience is unique to each institution, and in this period of applying to colleges, you get to decide what is best for you.

Manhattan School of Music offers a conservatory experience like no other. Our students have the unique opportunity to study with world renowned performer educators, live in a welcoming collegiate neighborhood, and experience unbeatable opportunities in the cultural capital of the world.

What are the who, what and where of Manhattan School of Music?  Here are our answers to help you!

1.  Who do I want to learn from?

• Our world-renowned New York City based faculty will inspire, nurture, and help you jump start your career. See your professors performing in the New York Philharmonic, singing at the Metropolitan Opera, gigging at Dizzy’s Coca Cola Club, or being part of the orchestra in a Broadway show. The faculty you work with at MSM will become your colleagues in the professional world — studying with them in NYC gives you a major career advantage from day one.

2. What community do I want to join?

• Manhattan School of Music’s community is not only rich in musical and artistic excellence – our students are welcomed into a nurturing and encouraging family. Join likeminded friends in one of our many student organizations or enjoy a game night or movie marathon in Andersen Residence Hall. Our campus, located in Morningside Heights, is just steps away from Columbia University and Barnard College, nestled between NYC parks and historical landmarks – it will give you the experience of a true college community. Enjoy your studies in a quiet, safe, and friendly neighborhood full of students, professors, and college staff.

3. Where do I want to be?

• Located just steps away from the subway, Manhattan School of Music students have a quick and easy access to the hustle and bustle of New York City. The convenient 1 train will take you downtown to iconic performance venues like Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, the Broadway Theatre district in Times Square and more. Learning to navigate the exciting and opportunity-rich city of New York is easy, and as a student at Manhattan School of Music, you will have access to it all.

If our Who, What and Where fits you, and you’ve made the decision to apply to Manhattan School of Music, it’s easy to get the process started.

You can find the application on our website at www.msmnyc.edu/how-to-apply.

The application is due on December 1 along with your:

• Artistic Resume
• Repertoire Studied
• Essays

Recommendations, unofficial transcripts, and other supplemental documents will be due by January 15.

Most programs require a pre-screening audition to be submitted by December 1. Learn more about your program and the audition requirements at https://www.msmnyc.edu/programs/.

• Pre-screening decisions will be released by Mid-December and invited applicants will have the opportunity to schedule an in-person audition on our campus.
• Musical Theatre auditions will be held between January 15-17 and January 29-30.
• All other auditions will be held between February 25 – March 4.
• Admissions decisions will be released by April 1.

Contact Us!

Be sure to reach out to the Office of Admissions with any questions. Our Admissions Counselors are always happy to guide you through the application process.

Admissions@msmnyc.edu