Programs

The Orto Center

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The Orto Center's distance learning and digital education programs connect students, educators, and distinguished artists around the globe.

Manhattan School of Music launched its groundbreaking Distance Learning program in 1996, the first of its kind at a major conservatory, under the pioneered vision of maestro Pinchas Zukerman, then president Marta Casals Istomin, and Christianne Orto. Since then, using state-of-the-art interactive videoconference technology, we have developed programs to connect students, educators, and distinguished artists around the globe to enhance the MSM student curriculum. Additionally, our live-streamed concerts and master classes, featuring MSM student ensembles and acclaimed faculty, now attract a worldwide audience.

MSM Distance Learning’s award-winning programs, including higher education master class exchanges with international peer institutions and “Music Bridges” for K-12 & Community audiences, offer master classes, private instruction, seminars for music students and educators, standards-based classical and jazz programs for K-12, and a variety of selections for lifelong learners.

Explore these pages to find out what MSM’s Distance Learning Program can offer you!

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Polycom MSM Distance Learning Spotlight

Our Polycom technology

Watch a video about Manhattan School of Music, and how it uses Polycom RealPresence Desktop with Music Modeâ„¢ for our Distance Learning classes.

Read the full article here.

SLIDESHOW: Examples of MSM's Distance Learning program


MSM’s Orto Center is the proud 6 time recipient of the CILC Pinnacle Award from 2011-2015 and 2019-2021.

Meet Our Staff

Distance Learning and Recording Arts, Room 312
Manhattan School of Music
130 Claremont Avenue, New York, NY 10027

  • Chris Shade

    Assistant Dean for the Orto Center | Distance Learning and Recording Arts
    917-493-4075
    cshade@msmnyc.edu

  • David Marsh

    Assistant Director for the Orto Center | Distance Learning and Recording Arts
    917-493-4514
    dmarsh@msmnyc.edu

  • Mohit Diskalkar

    Network Systems Engineer, The Orto Center | Distance Learning and Recording Arts
    917-493-4350
    mdiskalkar@msmnyc.edu

Strategic Partners

Manhattan School of Music recognizes the following partners for their ongoing collaboration and support of the Conservatory’s Distance Learning program:

“Thank you for such a wonderful opportunity. My students begged for more. Please share your talents, knowledge and expertise with us again.”

Pine Crest School

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