Grades 2–4
Students in grades 2 through 4 enter the Junior Program, designed to give the young musician a comprehensive grounding in music fundamentals and collaborative skills and to introduce more advanced topics. Techniques of Music courses include written theory and ear training and introduce works from the literature. Improvisation sessions encourage students to experiment and improve listening skills through collaborative improvisation exercises. All students participate in a large ensemble, in which they build a musical community and learn ensemble skills. Students are invited to participate in regular Mannes Prep workshops, recitals, and special programming tailored to Junior Program students.
Ensemble Major
Techniques of Music (one-hour class)
Large ensembles: String Orchestra, Concert Orchestra, Junior Chorus, Musical Theater
Workshops and recitals
Master classes with guest artists
Ensemble Major + Private Instruction
45-minute lesson
Techniques of Music (one-hour class)
Large ensembles: String Orchestra, Concert Orchestra, Junior Chorus, Musical Theater
Workshops and recitals
Master classes with guest artists
Cost-of-attendance information is available on the Mannes Prep Tuition and Fees Sheet.
Course Descriptions
Elementary Techniques of Music
Students learn basic music material through movement, singing, and listening. Coordination, rhythmic awareness, and basic reading are emphasized during the first two years; fundamentals of music theory and form are stressed in years three and four. Guided listening acquaints children with selections of significant literature and develops their listening skills. Each semester, students have two improvisation sessions, in which they are encouraged to experiment and improve their listening skills through collaborative exercises.
Musical Theater
Musical Theater offers students an opportunity to master music and performance skills while developing social and emotional skills. The original curriculum for Musical Theater, WOKE (World of Kindness Everyday), integrates an exploration of human ideals with mindful practices, singing, storytelling, and crafts. Students learn mindful practices like breathing and mindful movement to develop self-regulation, self-awareness, and awareness of others. Students learn healthy ways to sing and creative ways to experience storytelling.
String Orchestra and Concert Orchestra
The youngest string players will benefit from these first ensemble experiences. Reading skills are required, and placement is at the conductor's discretion. Young wind players may join the Concert Orchestra at the discretion of the Preparatory Division director and the orchestra conductor. The String and Concert Orchestra perform at the end of each semester.
Junior Chorus
Drawing on a diverse repertoire of classical, world, and contemporary music, the Junior and Intermediate Choruses provide an exciting opportunity for younger students to perform in a large ensemble. The Junior Chorus performs at the end of each semester.
Workshops
Workshops, a unique feature of the preparatory program, are scheduled several times every month. In these informal hour-long classes, small groups of students play for and learn from one another. A wide variety of musical topics are explored. Workshops are usually led by a faculty member other than the student's own teacher. Workshop participation is required for performance in a monthly recital, but all students are encouraged to attend weekly workshops, whether or not they are performing that month.
Recitals
Formal recitals, to which family and friends are invited, are held monthly. Individual students and ensembles may perform as often as they are ready, schedule permitting.
Master Classes with Guest Artists
Acclaimed guest artists visit Mannes Prep each semester to work with students through master classes, composition readings, orchestra sectionals, and guest workshops. Guest artists for 2023–2024 include Jennifer Koh (violin, Mannes), Qianwen Shen (violin, Met Orchestra), Mindy Kaufman (flute, New York Philharmonic), Dr. Daria Rabotkina (piano, Texas State University), Dr. Eteri Andjaparidze (piano, Mannes), Simone Dinnerstein (piano, Mannes), Lauren Bernofsky (composer), Yale Whiffenpoofs, Art Beyond the Ink, Kodak String Quartet, and Emissary Flute Quartet.