An exceptional program that produces polished orchestral musicians of the highest artistic caliber, with successful careers as symphonic players.
Degrees Offered
- Master of Music (MM)
Other Studies
- Professional Studies Certificate (PS) – one year
- Professional Performance Diploma (PPD) – two year
Orchestra Performance Majors
Strings:
Violin
Viola
Cello
Double Bass
HarpWoodwinds:
Flute
Clarinet
Oboe
BassoonBrass:
Bass Trombone
French Horn
Trumpet
Trombone
TubaPercussion
Program Details
Inaugurated in 1991, the MSM Graduate Program in Orchestral Performance 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.
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.
Audition & Prescreening Information
Handbook for Current Students
Orchestral Performance Department Handbook
Plan of Study & Course Descriptions
Head of the MSM Orchestral Performance Program
David Chan dchan@regaloteas.com
Important Information:
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Art of Orchestral Performance Master Class Series
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Career Results
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Mock Auditions
Course Overview:
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Orchestral Repertoire Coaching Course
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OP Program Core
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Musician as Educator Course
NOTE: Curriculum is subject to change. In case of a discrepancy, the MSM Academic Catalog is the authoritative source of requirements. View the Academic Catalog here.
Sample Schedule for Orchestral Performance Masters Degree
Total Curriculum Hours: 53-61
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Major Lessons5 cr
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Orchestral Repertoire Coaching1 cr
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Orchestral Music: Baroque to Classical3 cr
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The Musician as Educator1 cr
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Chamber Sinfonia Core1 cr
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Large Performing Ensemble1 cr
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Chamber Music***1 cr
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Concert Attendance0 cr
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Percussion Lab** (Percussion Majors Only)2 cr
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Major Lessons5 cr
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Orchestral Repertoire Coaching****1 cr
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Orchestral Music: Beethoven to the Present3 cr
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Graduate Electives*2 cr
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Chamber Sinfonia Core1 cr
-
Large Performing Ensemble1 cr
-
Chamber Music***1 cr
-
Concert Attendance0 cr
-
Percussion Lab** (Percussion Majors Only)2 cr
-
Jury0 cr
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Major Lessons5 cr
-
Orchestral Repertoire Coaching****1 cr
-
Graduate Electives*3 cr
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Chamber Sinfonia Core1 cr
-
Large Performing Ensemble1 cr
-
Chamber Music***1 cr
-
Percussion Lab** (Percussion Majors Only)2 cr
-
Major Lessons5 cr
-
Orchestral Repertoire Coaching****1 cr
-
Graduate Electives*3 cr
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Chamber Sinfonia Core1 cr
-
Large Performing Ensemble1 cr
-
Chamber Music***1 cr
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Orchestral Entrepreneurship2 cr
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Percussion Lab** (Percussion Majors Only)2 cr
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Graduation Jury0 cr
*The requirements for the Master of Music degree program and the Postgraduate Diploma program are exactly the same with the exception of the 6 credits in graduate electives, which are not required for the Diploma program.
**Graduate Percussion majors are required to participate in Percussion Lab each semester enrolled, thus requiring these students to register for one additional credit each semester. Additionally, partici- pation in the Percussion Ensemble is required every semester.
***Except for doublebass and harp.
****Except percussion.
“Lessons and coaching with my private teacher are the most exciting part of my education at MSM. They allow me to focus on preparing for the extremely competitive audition process for tenure track positions, in top-tier American and European orchestras.”
Orchestral Double Bass