Manhattan School of Music occupies a block of Claremont Avenue in Morningside Heights, beside Riverside Church and a few steps from Columbia. It was founded in 1917 and trains classical, jazz and musical theatre performers. Students get a lot of time on stage, in the school's own halls and around the city. A large share of students come from outside the US.
New York, New York, United States
Official website: msmnyc.edu
1917
Private music conservatory
Claremont Avenue, Morningside Heights
Classical, jazz and musical theatre
$55,000 – $60,000
International students, tuition and fees
$22,000 – $30,000
Rent, food and local transport
Approximate figures for 2026-27, please verify. Fees change every year and vary by course, so check the latest amount on msmnyc.edu before you apply.
Bachelor of Music in Performance
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
TOEFL: 79
Master of Music in Performance
Masters DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
TOEFL: 79
Bachelor of Music in Jazz Arts
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
TOEFL: 79
BFA Musical Theatre
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
TOEFL: 79
Professional Studies Certificate
CertificateDuration
24 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
TOEFL: 61
Classical and jazz training in the heart of New York.
A large share of international students.
Musical theatre alongside the conservatory programmes.
Graduates perform with orchestras, opera companies, jazz groups and Broadway productions.
Many teach privately or in schools while building performing careers.
Some continue to doctoral study or professional diplomas.
Undergrad
Main intake
Postgrad
Main intake
The neighbourhood is a university district on the Upper West Side, with Riverside Park by the Hudson and Columbia's campus close by. Many students live in the school's residence hall next door.
The 1 train at 116th Street reaches Lincoln Center and Midtown in about 15 minutes. New York is very expensive, so budget carefully.
Form I-20 issued by Manhattan School of Music
Proof of funds for one academic year
SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt
Completed DS-160 online application
US embassy or consulate interview
Passport valid six months beyond stay
Applications for fall usually close on 1 December. Many instruments need a pre-screening recording, followed by live auditions in February and March.
Students start in the fall semester.
You'll need an F-1 visa. Once you accept your offer and send proof of funding, Manhattan School of Music issues the Form I-20. After that it's the SEVIS fee, the DS-160 form and an interview at a US embassy or consulate.
Performance degrees in classical music, jazz arts and musical theatre are the main options. Admission depends mostly on your audition, plus academic records and TOEFL 79 or equivalent for degree programmes.
MSM awards merit scholarships based on the audition, and international students are eligible. Awards usually cover part of tuition.
