The Manhattan School of Music (MSM), a renowned conservatory in New York City, offers a variety of rewarding careers for musicians, educators, and administrators passionate about classical music, jazz, and contemporary performance. Located at 120 Claremont Avenue in the Morningside Heights neighborhood, MSM attracts top talent seeking jobs at Manhattan School of Music due to its prestige and proximity to world-class venues like Lincoln Center. Positions range from tenure-track faculty to staff roles in student services, all contributing to training the next generation of professional musicians.
Understanding jobs at MSM starts with recognizing the institution's focus on performance-based education. Unlike traditional universities, a conservatory like MSM emphasizes practical training, making roles centered on teaching technique, ensemble work, and artistry. Current openings often include professors of violin, voice, or composition, orchestral managers, and development officers. AcademicJobs.com lists these opportunities, helping candidates navigate the competitive landscape.
Founded in 1917 by pianist and educator Janet D. Schenck, MSM began as a community music school before evolving into a degree-granting conservatory in 1922. It gained independence in 1938 and relocated to its current state-of-the-art campus in 1969, designed by architect Pietro Belluschi. Today, under President Ron Squitieri since 2021, MSM enrolls over 500 students from 40 countries, boasting alumni like Grammy winners Jessye Norman and Harry Connick Jr.
This rich history shapes jobs at MSM, prioritizing innovation in music education. The school's evolution from local lessons to global leader influences hiring, favoring candidates with both performance credentials and pedagogical vision.
MSM offers Bachelor of Music (BM), Master of Music (MM), and Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) degrees across departments like Orchestral Instruments, Voice, Piano, Jazz Arts, and Composition. Specialized programs include musical theatre and the Contemporary Performance program, blending classical and modern techniques.
Jobs at Manhattan School of Music align with these offerings. Faculty teach private lessons, lead masterclasses, and direct ensembles, while staff support operations in these areas. For instance, a Professor of Cello might mentor BM students while performing with the MSM Symphony.
Careers at MSM span faculty, administration, and support. Faculty positions include tenure-track professors and adjunct instructors in instruments like brass, woodwinds, or percussion. Administrative roles cover admissions, financial aid, and career services, crucial for recruiting diverse talent. Support staff handle facilities, IT, and library services tailored to music collections.
For a full breakdown of university job types, including lecturer jobs and professor jobs, visit our resource page. MSM also posts openings for specialized roles like orchestra personnel manager or recording engineer.
Most faculty jobs at Manhattan School of Music require advanced degrees: DMA or PhD for tenure-track, MM for adjuncts. A Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) is the terminal degree in performance, involving recitals, lectures, and dissertations on musical topics.
Administrative roles often need a bachelor's in music or arts management, with master's preferred for senior positions.
While MSM prioritizes performance over traditional research, faculty must demonstrate expertise through recordings, commissions, or publications. Jazz faculty focus on improvisation and contemporary styles; classical on historical performance practices.
Candidates with 5+ years teaching, major orchestra experience, or grants from organizations like the National Endowment for the Arts stand out. Publications in journals or solo albums enhance applications.
Key skills include advanced musical proficiency, teaching pedagogy, collaboration, and digital tools for remote lessons. Soft skills like mentoring diverse students and event management are essential.
Conservatory: A specialized school focused on professional training in performing arts, emphasizing practice over broad liberal arts.
DMA (Doctor of Musical Arts): Terminal professional degree for performers, combining advanced study, recitals, and scholarly work.
Tenure-track: Academic position leading to permanent employment after review, typically 5-7 years.
Adjunct Professor: Part-time instructor hired per course, common in music schools for specialized skills. See adjunct professor jobs.
The application process for jobs at Manhattan School of Music begins on their careers page, requiring a CV, cover letter, references, and audition video for faculty. Deadlines align with academic cycles; tenure-track searches run in fall.
Actionable tips:
MSM commits to diversity through the Trailblazers Fellowship for underrepresented graduate students and partnerships with organizations like Sphinx for Black and Latinx musicians. The Office of Student Affairs offers bias training, and hiring prioritizes inclusive candidates. In 2023, 45% of students identified as people of color, reflecting ongoing efforts.
Work-life balance at MSM benefits from a semester structure, with summers for performances and professional development. Faculty enjoy health benefits, retirement plans, and tuition remission. Campus life thrives with free concerts, proximity to Juilliard and Columbia University, and NYC's cultural scene—Central Park recitals to Broadway auditions. Wellness programs include yoga and counseling, fostering sustainability amid intense schedules.
Jobs at Manhattan School of Music offer unparalleled opportunities in music education amid New York's vibrancy. Explore more higher ed jobs, higher ed career advice, university jobs, or post a job on AcademicJobs.com. Leverage resources like employer branding secrets and lecturer guides to excel.
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