Mannes School of Music vs. Manhattan School of Music (Viola)

Okay, so I got two acceptance letters from MSM and Mannes! I know a little more about Manhattan School of Music’s reputation than I do about Mannes so I hoping someone could help.

I know MSM has a reputation for its classical program (as well as its jazz program) and it is usually ranked as a better school than Mannes; unfortunately I have not received a merit scholarship from MSM. My understanding is that MSM’s acceptance rate is 46%.

I know very little about Mannes. I know the faculty is stellar, members of the Met Opera Orchestra, NY Philharmonic, etc. I also know Mannes has a small population of undergraduate students - most are graduate students (what does this mean for me if I study there?) My understanding is that Mannes has an acceptance rate of 24%. I’ve also heard that Mannes is very selective and is great for opera singers and pianists, contemporary programs, theory, etc. I should also mention that Mannes has offered me a merit scholarship for about half of tuition.

My concern is that I want a strong classical program. I know that Mannes has great programs for contemporary and jazz, but I’d like to make sure that if I choose Mannes I’d have a strong, great classical education. I’ve read discussions on Mannes and heard great things, but they’re a little dated (from 2008, 2010). I want a competitive yet supportive community who is willing to collaborate (I haven’t had the chance to focus much on chamber music and I’d like to do that as I study towards my Bachelor’s). I also want performance opportunities and masterclasses.I also wanted to know about how connections and/or employment percentages after graduating are for both schools. Both seem like great schools, so either way I feel like I won’t make a bad decision.

Thank you!

P.S. I play the viola.

Have you talked to your private teacher about this?

Congrats on both acceptances. Have you been assigned to your teacher in each school? That will be a huge driver in your decision. The studio will color most everything about your education. Have you appealed your award at MSM? There’s no reason not to.

The teacher I was assigned to at MSM is Isaac Malkin. I haven’t heard back from Mannes yet, but I was told by the admissions office that I should receive that information by the end of the week. And yes, I have appealed my award at MSM - currently waiting for the financial aid department to review Mannes’ financial package offer and get back to me.

I actually haven’t yet. He studied for his Master’s degree at MSM but it’s been a quite a few years since he’s been there so I don’t think he can speak of the school’s classical program now.

Malkin is a well-known pedagogue, for sure. You should try to arrange a lesson with him, if possible, to see if you and he feel compatible with each other. MSM’s program will be larger, with more community and opportunities, but that doesn’t mean you won’t get a good education at Mannes.

I don’t understand. Mannes is a classical program. There is a school of Jazz and Contemporary Music as part of the New School, but Mannes is classical. It has always been strong on theory. in recent years they are trying to forge an image as innovative and encouraging entrepreneurial paths, as well as interdisciplinary work. But it is a classical conservatory, and an excellent one.

Mannes recently hired Jack Quartet as their quartet in residence, which goes towards the point that they are striving to position themselves as innovative. Yes, they are a classical conservatory.

Hello, did you already make a decision?
I also got accepted from MSM and Mannes but still considering

Don’t think about acceptance rate.

Studio teacher is a huge deal as others have said.

But equally if not more important is cost. Appeal MSM (telling them about your Mannes scholarship). Half tuition adds up to a TON of money over 4 years. If it’s loans you’ll thank yourself later. The schools are close enough in quality (and both very good, for that matter) to, in my opinion, not justify a substantial cost difference. That’s somewhat personal of course.