Reviews

All of the faculty are extremely learned and passionate, eager to pass their knowledge on to students, even if you're not so interested. There are classes in pretty much every musical subject you might want - theory, aural skills, composition, injury prevention, history, general piano, the list goes on and on. My private lesson teacher is AMAZING - really helpful and all around godly, but as I understand it, you would need to do some research to find the best teacher for you.

The atmosphere is more relaxed than Juilliard, and that suits me. It's by no means low-stress, but nobody is out to sabotage you and we're all friends with each other. The dorms are pretty nice, and it's New York City! What's not to love?

In general, it's a top-notch school. However, it's not a rich school - there is not a lot of scholarship money, and the pianos are in a constant state of needing repair - like the copy machines, heaters in the main building, and the elevators.

Make sure to find a private teacher that is good for you - not jut one that you've heard good things about. Shop around. Also, visit the school so there are no surprises. Keep in constant contact with the office of admission and financial aid as well, it will help you if they know you.

Studious, self-driven, fun loving, eager, music-loving...

One of Manhattan School of Music's most admirable traits is the individual attention it assigns to its students. Although all classes in the same field operate on a standardized curriculum, students have the chance to grow on their own. Not only is there room to progress at your own pace, but the passionate faculty motivates you to learn more - and faster! Never have I been so excited to learn as I have at MSM.

Imagine being surrounded by some of the most talented faculty and students in the world in a small building on the Upper West Side: that is Manhattan School of Music. You're constantly being challenged to learn in a positive way. When you're not learning in class, you're learning from your fellow peers. Once you get the hang of how MSM operates, you'll be exposed to the plethora of performance opportunities you'd like to participate in that aren't even in your designated major. I'm studying as a mezzo-soprano in classical voice but I've already participated in contemporary music ensembles, jazz, piano master classes, and a string chamber group. It's impossible to be bored!

Although MSM is on the pricey side, it is well worth the money. You get a one of a kind experience and a look into the life of a professional musician. Each student is assigned their own private teacher for their respective instrument (which tuition covers), which anyone would pay over $100 for outside of the school (per lesson). Your teacher is assigned based on your audition performance and who the faculty finds appropriate to help you grow into a successful MSM alumnus. You can, if things don't work out, change your teacher throughout the course of the school year. The school's aims are to help you, not limit you, so if you establish good relationships with the staff (both of the academic and financial realm), you'll make the most out of your tuition.

Prepare to become organized! Organization is a form of discipline you'll need to adopt. Procrastination doesn't fly in a conservatory like MSM, where you're expected to do all of your homework, study, write essays, compose counterpoint, memorize pieces, and practice for your lessons on top of that! Don't fall victim to falling behind - make a planner or calendar and get yourself a watch!

Students deeply motivated in music.