May 2, 2025

NEWS RELEASE: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MANHATTAN SCHOOL OF MUSIC SIGNS COMPREHENSIVE AGREEMENT WITH ARTS-MSM, THE MSM PRECOLLEGE DIVISION FACULTY UNION

Five-Year Contract Includes Substantial Annual Hourly Wage Increases, Rewards Faculty Longevity, and Increases Pay Rates for Large Ensemble Classes

 MAY 2, 2025 – Manhattan School of Music has signed a new five-year agreement with ARTS-MSM (NYSUT), the union representing the MSM Precollege Faculty. This will be the third full contract since the Precollege Division faculty chose to be represented by ARTS-MSM in 2009.  The contract was ratified by ARTS-MSM membership on May 2, 2025, and the economic terms of the agreement are retroactive to September 1, 2024.

Under the terms of the new agreement, the minimum hourly wage will immediately rise to between $75 and $82 (determined by years of service).  In future years, these rates will increase to $100 per hour in the fourth year of the contract.  For Faculty already above the minimum, hourly compensation will increase by $3.50 in the first contract year, and then by 3% annually in each subsequent contract year.

The new contract establishes a minimum hourly wage of $125 in the first contract year for teachers whose students pay a tuition surcharge and rises to $150 in the fourth and fifth contract years.  Pay rates for the large ensemble classes were increased based on enrollment caps requested by the union.

Dr. James Gandre, President of Manhattan School of Music, commented: “From early in negotiations toward our third full contract with the Precollege Division Faculty, Manhattan School of Music agreed that wages needed to increase substantially.  We are pleased to have achieved this fundamental and important goal for our greatly valued Precollege Division Faculty, to contractually reward faculty longevity, and to have addressed other concerns stated by the union.  Throughout the negotiating process, MSM proceeded respectfully, intentionally, and honestly, with the priorities of both parties in mind.  Now, with the new contract in place, MSM will assess the realities of institutional fiscal responsibility and sustainability, including future tuition levels based on the significant new costs associated with this contract.”

Manhattan School of Music began its history serving children and remains deeply committed to providing musical and personal growth to the student body in a supportive learning environment.

We are grateful to Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, Scott M. Sommer, Commissioner, for their invaluable assistance in the completion of negotiations.

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May 2, 2025