Manhattan School of Music

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Manhattan School of Music

Founded as a community music school by Janet Daniels Schenck in 1918, today MSM is recognized for its more than 1,000 superbly talented undergraduate and graduate students who come from more than 50 countries and nearly all 50 states; its innovative curricula and world-renowned artist-teacher faculty that includes musicians from the New York Philharmonic, the Met Orchestra, and the top ranks of the jazz and Broadway communities; and a distinguished community of accomplished, award-winning alumni working at the highest levels of the musical, educational, cultural, and professional worlds.

The School is dedicated to the personal, artistic, and intellectual development of aspiring musicians, from its Precollege students through those pursuing doctoral studies. Offering classical, jazz, and musical theatre training, MSM grants a range of undergraduate and graduate degrees. True to MSM’s origins as a music school for children, the Precollege Division is a highly competitive and professionally oriented Saturday music program, dedicated to the musical and personal growth of talented young musicians ages 5 to 18. The School also serves some 2,000 New York City schoolchildren through its Arts-in-Education Program, and another 2,000 students through its critically acclaimed Distance Learning Program.

Distance Learning

In 1996, under the pioneering influence of Maestro Pinchas Zukerman, President Marta Istomin, and Dean Christianne Orto, Manhattan School of Music instituted a groundbreaking distance learning program — the first of its kind at a major conservatory — devoted to exploring the use of state-of-the-art videoconference technology for music education and performance. Since its inception, the program has connected students, educators, and distinguished artists around the globe for teaching and learning exchanges and currently reaches over 1,700 students each year from Albuquerque to New Zealand.

Through the development and creative use of broadband videoconferencing and related instructional technologies, Manhattan School of Music Distance Learning provides access to artistic and academic resources that enhance students’ education in musical performance while heightening the global community’s awareness of and participation in the musical arts.

Specifically, the program provides interactive videoconference master classes, private lessons, clinics, workshops, coachings, sectionals, colloquia, educational and community outreach, telementoring, professional development, and humanities exchanges to institutions of higher education, K–12 schools, and performing and community organizations around the world. New program areas currently under development include remote auditioning and recruitment via videoconferencing. 

K-12 Programs 

With over a decade of experience in the field of distance learning and as the first conservatory in the nation to utilize videoconferencing for K-12 music education, Manhattan School of Music has adopted the key elements of presenting successful music education programs via videoconference. In addition to giving students access to world-class musicians and stimulating artistic perspectives, Manhattan School of Music ensures that the quality of videoconference transmissions are of the highest technical standards possible.

Through the
Music Bridges and Virtual Music Studio programs, Manhattan School of Music offers a wide variety of standards-based music and music-related presentations to public and private schools throughout the country. The New York State Learning Standards for the Arts are incorporated in program design, content, and assessment, as well as links to core subjects such as social studies and history. 

Music Bridges is a selection of music programs that feature distinguished Manhattan School of Music artist-faculty teaching elementary, middle, and high schools students. These interactive videoconference programs are designed to engage students in areas ranging from musical performance, to instrumental and vocal coachings, to developing an understanding of the building blocks of music. 

Virtual Music Studio features a variety of videoconference programs developed and presented by a roster of distinguished Manhattan School of Music young artist alumni. These teaching artists -instrumentalists and vocalists who have attained a high level of professional proficiency at their musical craft - are up-and-coming educators who also serve as role models and mentors to students within the context of the dual learning process. Each program includes pre-videoconference teaching materials, one class period–length videoconference presentation, and a post-videoconference development guide.

All of the above programs are fully on-demand. Presentations are scheduled to accommodate the timetable of the requesting school, and can even be modified to better fit certain grade levels, age groups, curriculum needs, or requirements. Please read on for testimonials from past participants on how Manhattan School of Music’s interactive videoconference music education programs have benefited their students.

2021-2022

2020-2021

2019-2020

2014-2015

2013-2014

2012-2013

2011-2012

2010-2011

Honorable Mention

 

Programs by Manhattan School of Music

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¡Fiesta! Music and Culture of Spain and Latin America

Join MSM on a one or two-part cultural journey through her home country of Spain, and then through Latin America! Filled with live music performance, media-rich examples, and interactive demonstrations, ¡Fiesta! celebrates rich cultural traditions...

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Aloha Music: An Introduction to the Ukulele

Aloha Music: An Introduction to the Ukulele Join Manhattan School of Music for an exciting and interactive look at Hawaii’s quintessential musical instrument. Students discover the ukulele’s unique history through live musical examples and media...

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American Music: Tonality, Tradition, and Innovation

American Music: Tonality, Tradition, and Innovation The 20th century has been a time of experimentation and development across all art forms. We can see this in the abstract expressionism of Jackson Pollack, the pop art of Andy Warhol, and the...

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American Voices: Song and Citizenship in the U.S.A.

What do the songs and music you listen to say about you? What does a musical artist’s music say about themselves? Join MSM Distance Learning for “American Voices: Song and Citizenship in the U.S.A.” in which we explore American song throughout the...

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Caroling Around the Country

Sing into the holiday season with MSM! Join our teaching artists in a holiday themed multi-point sing-a-long, bringing schools together from all over the United States to get into the spirit of the season!

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Chamber Ensemble Coaching

Chamber Ensemble Coaching A notable Manhattan School of Music faculty member will work with a group of student instrumentalists to cover areas such as technique, phrasing, and other topics as requested. Classroom teachers are encouraged to...

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Choral Ensemble Coaching

Chamber Ensemble Coaching Based upon jazz or classical repertoire selected by the classroom teacher, a noted Manhattan School of Music teaching artist will work with a select group of vocalists to improve musicality, breathing, style...

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Classical Meets Pop: How the Two Fall in Love

Classical Meets Pop: How the Two Fall in Love An exploration into what defines music to be classical or to be pop. With live and recorded examples, we compare the two styles, discuss historical contexts, and discover how the two are one of the...

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Duke Ellington: America's Composer

Duke Ellington: America's Composer Duke Ellington is regarded as one of America’s most prolific and important composers. Join MSM's Distance Learning band as they lead students on an interactive exploration of “The Duke’s” life and times – listen...

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Ensemble Coaching

Ensemble Coaching Want to give your student ensemble an edge? An MSM ensemble coach will work with you and your students to prepare for an upcoming audition or performance. A great way to fine tune your ensemble - for choirs, concert bands...

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Feet Got The Beat

Rhythm: It's the groove that makes you move; it's the beat that moves your feet! Students will embark on a cultural journey through music and dance. A movement-based experience that gets students up on their feet, Feet Got the Beat helps...

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From Hamilton to West Side Story: Identifying Our American Experience through Song

What do a Founding Father, the Pacific Theater of WWII, and a mid-century Puerto Rican street gang all have in common? Find out in MSM Distance Learning’s “From Hamilton to West Side Story: Identifying Our American Experience through Song.” In...

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Instrumental and Vocal Lessons

Instrumental and Vocal Lessons Select students at partner schools are eligible for applied instructional private or small-group lessons with a professional teaching artist. Lessons are available in forty-five minute sessions, and partner schools...

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Jazz Ensemble Coaching

Jazz Ensemble Coaching Student instrumentalists and/or vocalists will have the opportunity to work with a distinguished Manhattan School of Music faculty member on subjects ranging from improvisation, rehearsal techniques, and other areas as...

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Jazz's Biggest Hits: From the Charleston to Herbie Hancock

Jazz's Biggest Hits: From the Charleston to Herbie Hancock Take a trip through history as you rediscover jazz’s greatest hits. Join our teaching artist trio on a whirlwind musical voyage from the 1920s to the present day. Hear familiar tunes and...

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Jazzy Themes, Classical Matters

Jazzy Themes, Classical Matters What did Jelly Roll Morton learn from Johann Sebastian Bach? How is Oscar Peterson's musical style similar to that of Claude Debussy? Our teaching artists explore these very questions as they show you how some of...

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Journey Through Jazz

Journey through Jazz MSM's Distance Learning band take students on a field trip through jazz in this presentation. Come along for the ride as the musicians introduce their instruments and each of their “roles” in the trio; hear them talk about the...

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K-12 Music: A Distance Learning Program Overview

K-12 Music: A Distance Learning Program Overview This live videoconference introduces teachers and administrators to the interactive and engaging educational programs offered by Manhattan School of Music Distance Learning. Our staff will give an...

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Latin Jazz: The Spanish Tinge

Latin Jazz: The Spanish Tinge Have you ever wanted to know about the rhythms behind the merengue, salsa, cha cha cha, or mambo? Here's your chance to learn the beats of your favorite dance music while our talented teaching artist trio turn you...

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Music and Nationalism: Sounds of Change

Music and Nationalism: Sounds of Change What do Wagner and Grieg have to do with nationalistic uprisings in 19th century Europe? Learn about the nationalistic trajectories in several European countries, through live musical performance...

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Music of the Big Band Era

Music of the Big Band Era Join us for an entertaining program where our musicians show you how to swing! Find out what a standard jazz big band looks and sounds like, learn about each instrument’s role in the group, and discover the “swing feel”....

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Music of the Cold War

Music of the Cold War At a time when two nations competed on all fronts to assert their superiority, music was on the front line. Explore the ways in which music defined the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War - with live...

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Music, Melody & Me

Music, Melody & Me Guided by a Manhattan School of Music teaching artist, students learn how instrumental sounds are fashioned into musical compositions, generating skills to examine the components of themes in music. These concepts are...

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Musical Math

Musical Math Fractions are all around us, especially in music! MSM's teaching artist reveals the mathematical secrets behind music, with interactive, audio-visual activities and fun mathematical models. Using these math exercises, students create...

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Musical Theatre Coaching

Musical Theatre Coaching Based on popular musical theatre repertoire selected by the classroom teacher, a notable teaching artist will work with individual vocalists to improve stage presence, breathing, stylistic considerations and other...

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Rat Pack Favorites: Music from Frank, Sammy, and all their pals

Rat Pack Favorites: Music from Frank, Sammy, and all their pals Everyone knows the Rat Pack – the ultimate in cool back in the 1960s. But just how did this random group of musicians and actors become the inimitable Rat Pack? What songs do you...

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Singing Legends, Dancing Lions

Singing Legends, Dancing Lions: An Exploration of Chinese Music Traditions Travel to the Far East for an exciting exploration of Chinese music traditions. Teaching artist Jing Yang reveals the secrets behind Beijing Opera and the Lion Dance with...

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Story of a Composer: George Gershwin

Story of a Composer: George Gershwin The 1920s saw a young nation, now free from war, able to develop its own rich culture. Major cities became centers for innovation in music, shunning European classicism for a freedom that was strictly...

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Talking Tabla: Drums of India and Beyond

Explore tabla drums from India and take a journey through the world of percussion instruments.

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The History of Jazz: Swinging Through Time

The History of Jazz: Swinging Through Time In this presentation, MSM's Distance Learning band will trace jazz from its beginnings in New Orleans, to its growth in the big cities of New York and Chicago, and on to its success on the international...

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The Jazz Composer

The Jazz Composer NEW! Join our teaching artists as they discuss the unique musical approaches of four diverse jazz composers: Billy Strayhorn, Bill Evans, Thelonious Monk and Wayne Shorter. Discover interesting details of their education...

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The Music of World War II: Songs of Hope and Love

The Music of World War II: Songs of Hope and Love Learn about the historical and cultural circumstances behind some of the best-known and most-loved songs from the World War II era. How were the composers able to write such beautiful tunes during...

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The Sounds of Classical Music Today

The Sounds of Classical Music Today Join us as we debunk the popular myth that classical music is “old and boring.” Exploring music written since 1950 through the present, we discover the fresh, exciting, and outrageous sounds of what classical...

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More About This Provider

Type of Organization

Performing Arts

Contact

David Marsh   dmarsh@msmnyc.edu
130 Claremont Avenue
New York NY 10027
9174934514
United States

https://www.msmnyc.edu/programs/distance-learning/k-12-community-programs/

Primary Disciplines

The programs of Manhattan School of Music cover:

Art
Career & Technical Education (CTE)
Culture
Fine Arts
International
Language Arts/English
Math
Performing Arts
History & Social Studies
Music Performance

Awards, Quotes, Testimonials

"It sparked an interest [in my students], and now they want to know more. It is important musical material; it relates very well to other academic areas. Along with the content of the materials being great, it was an opportunity for my students to see and hear live musicians. Another great way to use technology!"
Traci Brandt / Amy Gibson
Heath Middle School
Heath, OH

“My students were remarkably changed by this experience. They were excited about learning from a professional violinist and when he spoke and played the students were mesmerized. He was so engaging that the students wanted to try when he said and really seemed to enjoy the interaction. It was so wonderful to collaborate with such amazing teachers and to get more ideas about how to present instruction and material. It was just wonderful. Just to have the opportunity to interact with someone from MSM is an honor, and the depth of knowledge and resources from your school to our students is worth its weight in gold! I was especially impressed with the fact that our instructors were so willing to meet the students at their level – without excuse or admonishment – and created a positive learning environment where the students felt comfortable and excited to learn. It was wonderful! Thank you for everything!”
Syndy Ortwein
Perry Meridian High School
Indianapolis, IN

“The program is an extreme benefit to this school, to be able to know what’s going on outside…because this school is so large, we hardly know what’s going on in other music classes, so to be able to see what’s going on at other high schools and especially at Manhattan School of Music, and having them present this type of program to us, is extremely beneficial. It definitely helped them [students] musically and educationally.”
Ira Goldstein
Forest Hills High School
Queens, NY

“This was our first VTC with a conservatory and I learned that children enjoyed it immensely! I anticipate many repeats. I would recommend this…I believe all of these children would understand and benefit from this program. We had experts play for us and teach us!!! How many times can we bring all these instruments in an elementary school? (Not often). Presenters were very knowledgeable and engaging – a very cool way to learn music.”
Adina Popa
Potowmack Elementary School
Sterling, VA

"We loved the VC with Lauren and Shane yesterday! The performance quality was superb. I hope you were able to see the faces of our young students. For me that is the best part of any program: watching their rapt attention and sheer enjoyment. After this performance, the students were not only complimentary to the performers, but they wanted more!"
Lucy Cassidy-Van Hoff
Glenwood Landing School
Glen Head, NY

“Thank you for such a wonderful opportunity. My students begged for more. Please share your talents, knowledge and expertise with us again.”
Mimi Larkin
Martin High School
Arlington, TX

“Videoconferencing has advantages over field trips. It allows students to collaborate with other schools and to hear responses from other schools to the same programs — it’s a clear advantage. It’s good for them [students] to know that people are listening to their questions and giving them immediate responses.”
Heidi Best
DeWitt Clinton High School
Bronx, NY