Grades 9–12
The Senior Program is designed for students in grades 9 through 12. All students participate in a large ensemble, in which they build a musical community and strengthen their ensemble skills. Theory instruction centers on advanced chromatic harmonic studies as well as counterpoint in all species. Realization of figured bass, harmonic analysis, and more advanced forms are also taught. Ear training is focused on advanced dictation, sight-singing in all the clefs, complex rhythmic patterns, and score reading. Improvisation sessions challenge students to build upon their musical knowledge and develop their individual voice as improvisers. Students are invited to participate in regular Mannes Prep workshops, recitals, and special programming tailored to Senior Program students. Various electives, including courses on chamber music and composition, are offered each semester.
Ensemble Major:
Techniques of Music one-hour class
Large Ensembles: Advanced Vocal Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, Chamber Orchestra, Philharmonic Orchestra, Piano Performance and Literature
Workshops and recitals
Master classes with guest artists
Ensemble Major + Private Instruction:
One-hour private lessons
Techniques of Music course (one-hour class)
Ear Training course (one-hour class)
Large Ensembles: Advanced Vocal Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, Chamber Orchestra, Philharmonic Orchestra, Piano Performance and Literature
Workshops and recitals
Master classes with guest artists
Cost-of-attendance information is available on the Mannes Prep Tuition and Fees Sheet.
Course Descriptions
Techniques of Music
Theory instruction centers on advanced chromatic harmonic studies as well as counterpoint in all species. Realization of figured bass, harmonic analysis, and more advanced forms are also taught. Levels I through VI are offered. Each semester, students take part in two improvisation sessions, in which they are challenged to build upon their musical knowledge and use their instrumental skills to begin developing their individual voices as improvisers. Students explore different compositional tools, experimenting and improving their listening skills through collaboration while building their storytelling abilities and awareness of emotion and discovering their artistic identity.
Ear Training
Ear training is focused on advanced dictation, sight-singing in all the clefs, complex rhythmic patterns, and score reading. Significant works from the repertoire are often used to demonstrate theoretical concepts.
Philharmonic
The Philharmonic provides some of the most thorough orchestral training available to pre-college musicians in the New York metropolitan area. Students work with coaches from such renowned ensembles as the New York Philharmonic, the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, the Met Opera Orchestra, and the Orchestra of St. Luke's, performing masterworks and developing and refining the fundamental skills needed to play in both large and small ensembles. Instrumentalists wishing to play in the Philharmonic must participate in an ensemble placement in September.
Advanced Vocal Ensemble
Advanced Vocal Ensemble offers students an opportunity to hone their vocal skills in a collaborative setting. Through a curriculum centered on diverse repertoire, students explore individual vocal techniques and build ensemble skills. The vocal ensemble performs at the end of each semester.
Chamber Orchestra
The Chamber Orchestra is a high-level training orchestra. Students in the Chamber Orchestra perform works from a variety of periods and styles throughout the year. Students are assigned seats in the Chamber Orchestra after an ensemble placement in September. The Chamber Orchestra performs at the end of each semester.
Jazz Ensemble
The Jazz Ensemble provides students with the opportunity to study an art form that is fundamental to nearly all American music. In this course, students learn the standard jazz repertoire, study harmonic and rhythmic theory, and explore musical technique and style through improvisation and collaboration. The ensemble uses lead sheets instead of predetermined arrangements, allowing students to listen to one another, make creative musical choices in real time, and take ownership of their performance. The Jazz Ensemble 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 students' own teachers. 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.