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Manhattan School of Music (MSM) : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings

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About Manhattan School of Music

Tucked in Morningside Heights, Manhattan School of Music hums from first warmups to final bows. The conservatory is known for disciplined training in classical performance, jazz, composition, conducting, voice and opera, and musical theater. Studio-based teaching keeps the focus on craft. Facilities include acoustically tuned halls, plenty of practice rooms, recording resources, a well-stocked music library, and student services for advising, wellness, and career planning.

Campus life feels focused yet friendly; you'll hear scales in stairwells and laughter in the lobby. Students pack calendars with orchestras, combos, opera scenes, new music workshops, and student-led projects, plus quick escapes to nearby parks and the city's museums and venues. Career prep stays practical with mock auditions, visiting artists, and ties to the city's arts ecosystem. Harlem's legacy, Midtown stages nearby, and neighborhood churches and clubs offer real-world chances to grow. Traditions center on frequent performances that bring the community in. Notable alum: jazz bassist Ron Carter.

Key Institutional Details

Contact & Profile

Location: 130 Claremont Avenue, New York, New York, 10027, USA
Phone: +1 (212) 749-2802
Website: msmnyc.edu
Unit ID: 192712

Academic & Institutional

Control: Private non-profit institution (tuition + donations)
Accreditation: MSCHE
Length of Study: Programs under 2 years (e.g. certificate or diploma)
Calendar System: Semester system (two main terms per year)
Award Levels: Certificate (≥2 yrs), Bachelor's, Postbac Cert., Master's, Post-Master's, Doctorate (Other)
Carnegie Classification: Doctoral Universities: Very High Research 4-Year Focus - Law
Campus Setting: Located in a large city (population of 250,000 or more)
Tuition: In-state: $54,600 (Tuition $53,500 + Fee $1,100) · Out-of-state: $54,600 (Tuition $53,500 + Fee $1,100)
Student Profile:
Total Students: 1,097
Undergraduate: 535
Graduate/Other: 562
Male: 520 Female: 577
Applications:
Total Applicants: 1,432
Admitted: 572
Enrolled: 142
Acceptance: 39.9% Yield: 24.8%
Staff:
Total: 510 Full-time: 211 Part-time: 299

Degree Programs & Career Salary Prospects

Explore degree programs offered at Manhattan School of Music (MSM) with detailed career prospects, starting salary ranges, and job opportunities in New York. See what you can do with your degree and expected earnings after graduation.

How to use this guide:
Click on any academic field that interests you to expand and view available degree programs. Each program shows potential career paths, median salaries in New York vs national averages, and job prospects for graduates. Perfect for answering "What can I do with my degree?" and salary expectations.
Arts (56)
Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance
50.0509 Musical Theatre. (Cert2y+)
A program that focuses on the principles and techniques for integrating theatre, music, and dance into a unified production. Includes instruction in acting, dance, voice, technical theater, musical genres, piano, and history of musical theater.

Graduate Career Earnings in New York

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National New York Avg NY vs US
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $60,800 -$41,440 (-40.5%)
27-2011 Actors N/A N/A N/A
27-2012 Producers and Directors $114,280 $181,530 +$67,250 (+58.8%)
27-2031 Dancers N/A N/A N/A
27-2032 Choreographers $62,020 $109,750 +$47,730 (+77%)
27-2041 Music Directors and Composers $84,230 $109,490 +$25,260 (+30%)
27-2042 Musicians and Singers N/A N/A N/A
50.0903 Music Performance, General. (PostBacCert)
A program that generally prepares individuals to master musical instruments and performing art as solo and/or ensemble performers. Includes instruction on one or more specific instruments from various instrumental groupings.

Graduate Career Earnings in New York

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National New York Avg NY vs US
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $60,800 -$41,440 (-40.5%)
27-2041 Music Directors and Composers $84,230 $109,490 +$25,260 (+30%)
27-2042 Musicians and Singers N/A N/A N/A
50.0904 Music Theory and Composition. (Assoc, Cert2y+, BSc, PostBacCert, MSc, GradCert)
A program that focuses on the study of the principles of sound manipulation as applied to the creation of music, and the techniques of creating and arranging music. Includes instruction in aural theory, melody, counterpoint, complex harmony, modulation, chromatics, improvisation, progressions, musical writing, instrumentation, orchestration, electronic and computer applications, studies of specific musical styles, and development of original creative ability.

Graduate Career Earnings in New York

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National New York Avg NY vs US
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $60,800 -$41,440 (-40.5%)
27-2041 Music Directors and Composers $84,230 $109,490 +$25,260 (+30%)
50.0906 Conducting. (Assoc, Cert2y+, BSc, PostBacCert, MSc, GradCert)
A program that prepares individuals to master the art of leading bands, choirs, orchestras and other ensembles in performance, and related music leadership. Includes instruction in score analysis and arranging, rehearsal and performance leadership, music coaching, arrangement and performance planning, ensemble operations management, and applications to specific school or professional ensembles.

Graduate Career Earnings in New York

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National New York Avg NY vs US
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $60,800 -$41,440 (-40.5%)
27-2041 Music Directors and Composers $84,230 $109,490 +$25,260 (+30%)
50.0907 Keyboard Instruments. (Assoc, Cert2y+, BSc, PostBacCert, MSc, GradCert)
A program that prepares individuals to master the piano, organ, or related keyboard instruments and performing art as solo, ensemble, and/or accompanist performers. Includes instruction in piano and keyboard pedagogy, ensemble playing, accompanying, service playing, repertoire, keyboard and pedal skills, recital, and personal style development.

Graduate Career Earnings in New York

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National New York Avg NY vs US
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $60,800 -$41,440 (-40.5%)
27-2042 Musicians and Singers N/A N/A N/A
50.0908 Voice and Opera. (Assoc, Cert2y+, BSc, PostBacCert, MSc, GradCert)
A program that prepares individuals to master the human voice and performing art as solo and/or ensemble performers in concert, choir, opera, or other forms of singing. Includes instruction in voice pedagogy, diction, vocal physiology and exercise, expressive movement, repertoire, recital, and personal style development.

Graduate Career Earnings in New York

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National New York Avg NY vs US
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $60,800 -$41,440 (-40.5%)
27-2041 Music Directors and Composers $84,230 $109,490 +$25,260 (+30%)
27-2042 Musicians and Singers N/A N/A N/A
50.0910 Jazz/Jazz Studies. (Assoc, Cert2y+, BSc, PostBacCert, MSc, GradCert)
A program that prepares individuals to study and master the performance and composition of Jazz. Includes instruction in the history of Jazz and related musical styles such as the Blues, Jazz composition and theory, improvisation, Jazz instrument and ensemble performance, and related topics.

Graduate Career Earnings in New York

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National New York Avg NY vs US
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $60,800 -$41,440 (-40.5%)
27-2042 Musicians and Singers N/A N/A N/A
50.0911 Stringed Instruments. (Assoc, Cert2y+, BSc, PostBacCert, MSc, GradCert)
A program that prepares individual to master a stringed instrument and performing arts as solo, ensemble and/or accompanist performers. Includes instruction in playing and personal style development.

Graduate Career Earnings in New York

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National New York Avg NY vs US
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $60,800 -$41,440 (-40.5%)
27-2042 Musicians and Singers N/A N/A N/A
50.0914 Brass Instruments. (Assoc, Cert2y+, BSc, PostBacCert, MSc, GradCert)
A program that prepares individuals to master a brass instrument and performing art as solo, ensemble, and/or accompanist performers. Includes instruction in playing and personal style development.

Graduate Career Earnings in New York

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National New York Avg NY vs US
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $60,800 -$41,440 (-40.5%)
27-2042 Musicians and Singers N/A N/A N/A
50.0915 Woodwind Instruments. (Assoc, Cert2y+, BSc, PostBacCert, MSc, GradCert)
A program that prepares individuals to master a woodwind instrument and performing art as solo, ensemble, and/or accompanist performers. Includes instruction in playing and personal style development.

Graduate Career Earnings in New York

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National New York Avg NY vs US
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $60,800 -$41,440 (-40.5%)
27-2042 Musicians and Singers N/A N/A N/A
50.0916 Percussion Instruments. (Assoc, Cert2y+, BSc, PostBacCert, MSc, GradCert)
A program that prepares individuals to master percussion instruments and performing art for a variety of musical settings, including orchestral, solo, chamber, commercial, or nontraditional. Includes instruction in playing and personal style development.

Graduate Career Earnings in New York

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National New York Avg NY vs US
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $60,800 -$41,440 (-40.5%)
27-2042 Musicians and Singers N/A N/A N/A

Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs

Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students

Estimated Total Cost
(In-state)
$78,050
Estimated Total Cost
(Out-state)
$78,050
In-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$54,600
Tuition and fees for students residing in-state
Out-of-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$54,600
Tuition and fees for non-resident students
Room & Board
$17,350
Housing and meal plan expenses
Books & Supplies
$1,500
Average yearly cost of books and study materials
Other Expenses
$4,600
Miscellaneous personal and institutional expenses
Other Expenses (with family)
$4,600
Estimated cost for students living with family
Graduate In-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$54,600
Graduate tuition rates for in-state students
Graduate Out-of-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$54,600
Graduate tuition rates for non-resident students

Financial Aid & Student Support

Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students

30%
FTFT Aid Recipients
Avg. Grant
$22,868
Avg. Loan
$7,557
Avg. Federal Loan
$5,488
Additional
Students with Any Grant
131
Students who received any type of grant aid
Students with Any Loan
44
Students who received any type of loan-based aid
Students with Federal Grant
15
Students who received a federal grant
Avg. Institutional Grant
$21,947
Average amount of institutional grant awarded
Show more financial aid data

Student Success Metrics

Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.

78%
Graduation Rate
Percentage of students who successfully graduate from the institution
93%
First-Year Retention Rate
Percentage of first-year students who continue for a second year
Median Earnings Over Time
$11,725 – $52,252
Salary Range (25th–75th Percentile, 10 Years)
$11,725 (25th %) $52,252 (75th %)
*Median Salary After 10 Years: $26,878
Median Salary After 6 Years
$18,815
Average annual earnings of former students six years after starting college.
Median Salary After 10 Years
$26,878
Average annual earnings of former students ten years after starting college.

Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes

Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.

3-Year Loan Repayment Rate
65.5%
Share of borrowers who repaid loans within 3 years
Repayment Rate (Graduates Only)
68.6%
Repayment rate among students who completed their program
Median Student Loan Debt
$26,994
Median federal loan debt of undergraduate completers at time of graduation.
Repayment by Income
High 57.6%
Repayment by Dependency

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to the most common questions about Manhattan School of Music (MSM)

How much does it cost to attend Manhattan School of Music (MSM)?

The annual tuition at Manhattan School of Music (MSM) is $54,600 for in-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $78,050 for in-state students. Additional costs include room and board $17,350 and books and supplies $1,500.

Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.

What academic programs and degree levels does Manhattan School of Music offer?

Manhattan School of Music (MSM) offers 62 academic programs across 1 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Certificate (≥2 yrs), Bachelor's, Postbac Cert., Master's, Post-Master's, Doctorate (Other).

Most popular program areas include:

  • Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance (56 programs)

Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.

What is the acceptance rate for Manhattan School of Music?

Manhattan School of Music (MSM) has an 39.9% acceptance rate and a 24.8% yield rate, making it highly selective.

Admission statistics breakdown:

  • Total applicants: 1,432
  • Students admitted: 572
  • Students enrolled: 142

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Admission statistics may vary by program and application cycle.

What financial aid and scholarships are available at Manhattan School of Music?

Manhattan School of Music (MSM) provides financial aid to 30% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $22,868 and average loans of $7,557.

Average financial aid amounts by type:

  • Pell grants: $5,605
  • State/Local grants: $6,208
  • Institutional grants: $21,947
  • Federal loans: $5,488

The university supports 131 students with grants and 44 students with loans annually.

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.

What is the average salary for Manhattan School of Music graduates?

Manhattan School of Music (MSM) graduates earn a median salary of $18,815 after 6 years and $26,878 after 10 years.

The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $11,725 (25th percentile) to $52,252 (75th percentile).

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.

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