Information for prospective conducting students applying to Manhattan School of Music.
All applicants in orchestral conducting are required to upload videos for prescreening purposes in order to be invited for a live audition.
Prescreening videos must be clearly labeled and should be uploaded directly to the online application by December 1. Later submission may be possible by arrangement with the Admissions Office.
When describing the videos, please list what work is being conducted; what group is being conducted; the applicant’s relationship to this group (i.e. regular conductor/music director of a performing ensemble; member of a conducting class leading a student group; etc.); and whether this is a rehearsal or a performance.
Applicants should send representative video of their work in conducting. The repertoire and the group being conducted should be clearly identified in the videos and in your email to the conducting counselor. If possible, show complete movements with contrasting styles and tempi
Video footage should clearly show your gestures and your face. Applicants may be asked to submit additional video or other information during the audition process.
Those applicants who pass the prescreen audition will be invited to come to New York for an in-person audition in March. The repertoire for auditions will be sent to you by the conducting counselor a few weeks prior to your audition. The repertoire will include some orchestral excerpts, at least one passage of recitative, and an aria. The ensemble at your audition will be comprised of 2 pianists, a violinist, and/or a singer. Applicants may also be asked to demonstrate some very basic keyboard and score reading skills. A short interview will follow.
All applicants for the graduate degrees (MM, PS, DMA) in choral conducting are required to upload videos for prescreening purposes in order to be considered for a live audition.
When describing the videos, please list what works are being conducted; what group is being conducted; the applicant’s relationship to this group (i.e. regular conductor/music director of a performing ensemble; member of a conducting class leading a student group; etc.); and whether this is this a rehearsal or a performance.
Applicants should upload a total of 3 videos in the following order:
The camera should be pointed straight at you in all videos, rather than the ensemble, so that faculty can observe your gestures and expressions.
Those applicants who pass the prescreen audition will be invited to come to New York for an in-person audition in March. Applicants will have a 20-minute audition followed by a 30-minute interview with the conducting faculty. During the interview, the applicant will be provided a choral excerpt and will be expected to demonstrate knowledge regarding harmonic analysis, and ability to sight read vocal parts on the piano. The audition is broken down as follows:
917-493-4436 admissions@msmnyc.edu
130 Claremont Avenue New York, New York 10027 212-749-2802
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