Mannes is a unique place, one where you will find the flexibility and freedom to direct your development as a composer, mentored by renowned and revolutionary performers who will also help you find your place in the landscape of contemporary music found in New York City.
Hone your skills alongside some of the most preeminent and accomplished composers working today, including David T. Little, Missy Mazzoli, Huang Ruo, Paul Moravec, and Lowell Liebermann. This wide range of active teaching voices fosters a healthy environment in which you can develop, experiment, and flourish.
With New York City as your classroom, you'll find ways to jump-start your career from the moment you set foot on campus. As a composition student, you'll write five major compositions, including one for orchestra. Spend your time in weekly private lessons, a composers' forum that meets eight times a semester, and competitions to have your work read by the Mannes Orchestra and Mannes American Composers Ensemble, as well as opportunities to have Mannes chamber ensembles perform your works in frequent composition department concerts.
While studying alongside star faculty, learn to engage with the world through music. In our Bachelor of Music program, combine rigorous conservatory training with a range of complementary studies. Mannes's entrepreneurship courses give you the tools to make your own opportunities as an artist. With liberal arts electives at Lang and design electives at Parsons, learn how to make an impact through your art in new ways on a rapidly changing world.
As a graduate student in our Master of Music program, you'll take part in an elite two-year program focused on advancing all aspects of your musical study and compositional skills. The broad range of opportunities available at Mannes will prepare you for any career you can imagine as a professional artist.