Manhattan School of Music

Today, we commemorate the 500th edition of our ThrowBackThursday series with a digital collage that highlights many of the photographs from MSM’s distinguished history shared since the series began in 2015.

Read our news release about the launch of MSM's new BFA Online Degree Completion Program! Are you a seasoned performer looking to take your career to the next level? The MSM Bachelor of Fine Arts is a new, flexible, online degree completion program and the only one of its kind — Translate your lived experience and resume into academic credit!
Applications now available through September 1. Classes begin January 2026.

News Release: Manhattan School of Music Announces Fully Online Bachelor of Fine Arts for Performing Artists - Manhattan School of Music The flexible new “degree completion program” will allow experienced performing artists to transform their work experience into academic credit via the School’s groundbreaking Prior Learning Assessment, propelling students towards a Bachelor of Fine Arts in as little as one year. Learn more her...

During This Week in 1976, 1986, 1989, 1992, and 2005: Five of MSM’s nine former presidents begin their tenures — John Crosby [1976], Gideon Waldrop [1986], Peter Simon [1989], Marta Casals Istomin [1992], and Robert Sirota [2005].

MSM participated in the New York City Pride March again this year. Enjoy these photos from the fun filled day! 🌈

Anna Yatskevich, photography

MSM launches NEW BFA Online Degree Completion Program! Are you a seasoned performer looking to take your career to the next level? MSM is pleased to announce the launch of its new, flexible, online degree completion program: a Bachelor of Fine Arts, the only one of its kind — Translate your lived experience and resume into academic credit!

Applications now available through September 1. Classes begin January 2026. Learn more:

Online Degree Completion Program: BFA in Performing Arts - Manhattan School of Music Designed for experienced performing artists, the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Performing Arts (BFA Online), an online Degree Completion Program at Manhattan School of Music, offers a flexible, career-focused pathway to earning your degree.

On This Date in 1972, 1994, and 2012:

A meeting of MSM’s Board of Trustees Executive Committee is held [1972] where discussions include the receipt of an award by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation of $500,000 “for use in strengthening and developing the School” and approving a five-fold budget increase for the Ruth M. Knight Counseling Service;

MSM staff members John Blanchard and James Gandre (right and center), along with Gandre’s mother, participate in the NYC Pride March [1994], commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Stonewall riots;

Participants in the MSM Summer Voice Festival [2012] are in final dress rehearsal for their presentation of Francesco Cavalli’s “La Calisto.”

FINAL DAY TO SUPPORT! From celebrity meet-and-greets to exclusive performances and luxury experiences, all proceeds benefit MSM's College Scholarship Fund and help nurture rising talent.

To learn more: https://www.charitybuzz.com/support/msmnyc

Support the next generation of world-class musicians by participating in Manhattan School of Music’s auction on Charitybuzz.com! From celebrity meet-and-greets to exclusive performances and luxury experiences, all proceeds benefit MSM’s College Scholarship Fund and help nurture rising talent. Don’t miss your chance to make a difference, now through June 26, 2025!

More information here: https://www.charitybuzz.com/support/msmnyc

MSM News Release: Jim Saltzman is Appointed Dean of Jazz Arts at Manhattan School of Music.

The acclaimed composer, conductor, and saxophonist succeeds Ingrid Jensen and will assume the role effective July 1, 2025.

Hailed by the Boston Globe as a “postmodern jazz saxophonist [who] plays with passion and intensity” and by All Music as “a force to be reckoned with,” Dr. Saltzman has taught at MSM for 14 years (starting on the Precollege faculty in 2011 and joining the Jazz Arts faculty in 2015).

Read the full announcement here: https://www.msmnyc.edu/news/news-release-jim-saltzman-is-appointed-dean-of-jazz-arts-at-manhattan-school-of-music/

Congratulations to MSM Vocal Arts alumnus, basso profondo Edwin Jhamaal Davis (MM ’17)! He’s featured as the Commander in the cast in an off-Broadway production of “Mozart’s Don Giovanni: A Rock Opera,” sung in English and backed by a rock orchestra. 🎶👏

Performances take place June 30 and runs through August 26 at The Cutting Room, 44 East 32nd St. Learn more here: https://www.dgrocks.com/

Today in our Summer Rewatch Series is Opus 130, conducted by David Chan, head of MSM’s Orchestral Performance Program. This performance features works by Unsuk Chin, Ludwig van Beethoven, and Béla Bartók.

WATCH HERE: https://www.msmnyc.edu/livestream/opus130-2024-09-18/

A great study/working trip to Italy!! MSM faculty member, Susan Botti and five MSM students and alumni were hosted by the Conservatorio di Turin last month thanks to funding from the Italian Ministry of University and Research — MSM faculty and students participated in extended lessons, workshops, a special analysis class, and performed in a concert.

Student conductor Emily Frederick led a concert as well as a Brass Band rehearsal, receiving feedback from Turino faculty.

Ariana Mascari and Tiffany Leard were featured performers in concert; they premiered two works, one by a recent graduate of the Turino Conservatorio and one by MSM faculty emeritus, Nils Vigeland.

MSM Composition students, Tongyu Lu and Daniel Powers had their compositions read by students from Turino Conservatory as well as extra lessons on their musical instruments.

MSM is grateful to the Turino Conservatory, especially Director Francesco Pennarola and Faculty member Susan Botti for giving our students this enriching collaborative experience.

In photo, left to right:
Tongyu Lu, Tiffany Leard, Daniel Powers, Francesco Pennarola (Director, Torino Conservatory), Susan Botti, Ariana Mascari, Emily Frederick

On This Date in 2021: MSM and New York City Opera co-present “A Juneteenth Celebration” with composer Anthony Davis (HonDMA ’21), hosted by Alexa Smith (MM ’10), and featuring bass-baritone Kevin Short and soprano Marsha Thompson.