Fortunately for those of us who grew up in the “internet generation,” almost everything is available online. Some things, however, are meant for you to find out in person, because nothing is as real as a personal experience. When you’re about to make a decision on your college choice, it could be tough and confusing, especially if you haven’t been to the school. Here are some key factors to look for when you visit Manhattan School of Music campus and see for yourself if the environment is right for you!
1.) The residence hall.
Andersen Hall is MSM’s only on-campus dormitory building. Connected to the main building of the school (five minutes from your bed to the class), Andersen Hall has 10-out-of its 18 stories for campus residents (Floors 5 to 14). As a Co-ed building, on every floor except the sixth (designated for female students only) is for all genders. The floors are divided into undergrads and graduates. Though there is no kitchen, almost every floor has two or more practice rooms built in right in front of the elevators, and the building’s second floor is entirely dedicated for practice rooms, open 24/7. First and second-years are required to live in the dorms, but you can always opt out if you have other off campus housing.
As a former student who lived in this building for three years, I remember having some of the best time of my life hanging out with my fellow residents here! Consider all of the above and request a tour on your next visit. Keyword diversity.
2.) The library.
Located on the third floor in the main building, MSM library is one of the most resourceful libraries I have ever seen when it comes to music related texts, scores, and recordings. When you first enter, it may seem a bit small in scale, but wait till you see numerous shelves with basically any book or score that you would ever hope to find. Multiple copies are available for popular finds, and the online library catalog is super helpful too. The CD and DVD room has almost every recording that you’re looking for! Sure, the space isn’t as large as a university library, but it’s not too hard to find a seat (unless you go in on a pre-college Saturday). The library is definitely one of MSM’s best assets for sure!
3.) Dining Hall.
Mitzi-New-house Pavilion is located on the “basement floor” of the main building. You’ll have to see this in person, but when you do, you’ll realize that it’s actually built on street level. It’s designed that way because the school building was founded on a hill. The sunlit, ever-changing dining hall offers a hot grill bar (two or three main course and about four sides), cold section (including sandwiches, sushi, and desserts), coffee and tea island, fresh sushi stand, fresh sandwich stand, salad bar, snacks, fruits, and drinks. The hot grill also has breakfasts and burgers ready, depending on what time you ask! Come down the grand staircase to the dining hall and grab a bite!
Deciding if MSM is the way to go? Check out what the nightlife is like to see if it’s a match.
4.) Practice rooms and classrooms.
On third and fourth floor are practice rooms with a piano. Every room has a grand piano in it. Pro tip for pianists: try the third floor pianos. They are way better! The rest of you won’t have to worry as much, because the rooms themselves are fine! The fifth and sixth floors are comprised of classrooms, each one with a grand piano (or two, sometimes) as well. Classes and rehearsals are held in these rooms! Also, if you’re into writing music using computers, ask the staff to show you the computer rooms on the sixth floor; they’re pretty well equipped!
5.) Concert halls.
MSM has performance spaces of all sizes and purposes. The coolest ones to check out are as follows: Borden Auditorium (a big hall with 500+ seats and a magnificent stage), Greenfield Hall (200+ seats and an amazing acoustics), and Miller Hall (one of the newest). Better yet, consult the performance calendar and see a concert in action. Some of NYC’s better halls for classical and jazz music besides Carnegie and Lincoln Center are all here!
Bonus tip: Check out this article on the things to avoid at MSM and ask your tour guide about a few.
Sara Hong is a New York City-based classical pianist, teacher, translator, and writer. She has graduated from Manhattan School of Music with a Bachelor’s (2011), Master’s (2013), and Professional Studies degree (2014). She specializes in short stories, travel journals, good eats recipes, and articles on performance and pedagogy.