Overview

Orchestral Performance from Manhattan School of Music is the first accredited degree program of its kind in the United States. Chaired by Glenn Dicterow, the former concertmaster of the NY Philharmonic, the program produces polished musicians of the highest artistic caliber, who are prepared intensively in the orchestral repertoire for careers as symphonic players.

Learning Goals

Students are trained to participate fully in both performance and other nonmusical aspects of life in the modern orchestra, such as orchestra governance, artistic planning, community engagement, and audience development.

The program incorporates curricula specifically designed to train the exceptional, advanced student in both performance and non-musical aspects of life in the modern orchestra. In addition to individual instruction with some of the leading players on the classical scene, these young musicians form the core unit of Chamber Sinfonia and Manhattan School of Music Symphony. Students are seated in leadership roles through competitive auditions.

Orchestra Performance Majors

Violin

Viola

Cello

Double Bass

Harp

Flute

Clarinet

Oboe

Bassoon

French Horn

Trumpet

Trombone

Tuba

Percussion

Career Results

Program graduates have accepted positions with the following philharmonics, orchestras, and symphonies worldwide:

New York Philharmonic

Fort Wayne Philharmonic

Los Angeles Philharmonic

Orlando Philharmonic

Chicago Lyric Opera Orchestra

Kennedy Center Opera Orchestra

Metropolitan Opera Orchestra

Colorado Symphony Orchestra

Detroit Symphony Orchestra

Louisiana Symphony Orchestra

Nashville Symphony Orchestra

Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra

New Jersey Symphony Orchestra

Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra

San Francisco Symphony Orchestra

Seattle Symphony Orchestra

Vancouver Symphony Orchestra

Virginia Symphony Orchestra

Gewandhaus Orchestra of Leipzig (Germany)

Orchestra of the Palau de les Arts “Reina Sofía” in Valencia (Spain)

Stockholm Philharmonic (Scandinavia)

KZN Philharmonic (South Africa)

New Japan Philharmonic (Asia)

Auckland Symphony (New Zealand)

Western Australian Symphony (Australia)

Symphony Orchestra of Monterey (Mexico)

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Major Instrument and Repertoire Coaching

Orchestral Repertoire Coaching

Orchestral Music: Baroque to Classical

The Musician as Educator

Chamber Sinfonia Core

Large Performing Ensemble

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-03 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

120

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Credits

52 SCH

52-57

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

New York City, United States

Disciplines

Music Performance View 326 other Masters in Music Performance in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

120

Take A Free Practice Test!

Other requirements

General requirements

The two-year full-time Master of Music program requires a Bachelor’s degree. The Bachelor’s degree does not need to be a degree in music or related field to audition.
All applicants whose native language is not English must have an official Duolingo Online English Test Score (DET) submitted to Manhattan School of Music (MSM).
All applicants are asked to submit an informal headshot via the application portal checklist.
Applicants are required to upload an artistic résumé.
All applicants are required to submit letters of recommendation.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

58000 USD / year

≈ 58000 USD / year
Out-of-State

58000 USD / year

≈ 58000 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

58000 USD / year

≈ 58000 USD / year

Living costs

New York City

United States

1819 - 3968 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Orchestral Performance.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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