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New Student Application Process

Interested students should complete the Mannes Prep Online Application and pay the nonrefundable application fee of $75. New students are admitted to Mannes Prep after an interview process, submission of a placement video, and completion of an online music theory placement test. Applicants to the Program for the Very Young are not required to complete the theory test or participate in an interview. If you are applying for the Ensemble Major + Private Instruction enrollment option, please review these tips for selecting a teacher at Mannes Prep. If you have any questions, please contact mannesprep@newschool.edu.

Fall 2026 Applications
Cost-of-attendance information for the 2026–2027 academic year is available on the Mannes Prep Tuition and Fees Sheet.

Need-based financial aid is available.

The calendar for 2026–2027 can be found here.

Placement Video Guidelines

• Excerpt your pieces so that your video is no longer than ten minutes.
• Accompanists are not required.
• Your video does not need to be one continuous take, but individual pieces may not be internally edited.
• Make sure that your whole body and hands are clearly visible in the shot.
• A clear video recording with your cell phone is acceptable. We aren't looking for a professional-quality recording; we just want to get to know how you play.
• You will be asked to upload an unlisted YouTube video to submit your video.

Content

Classical Instrumentalists
Your Mannes Prep placement video should contain two contrasting pieces and a major or minor scale of your choice.

Singers
Your Mannes Prep placement video should contain a vocalise of your choosing and two contrasting songs (one of which should be in English).

Classical Percussionists
Your Mannes Prep placement materials should contain an excerpt for any instruments that you play. For example, you may share excerpts on snare drum, timpani, and a mallet instrument.

Jazz Instrumentalists
You should prepare a placement video that includes pieces of different styles and tempos such as swing, jazz ballad, bossa nova, and funk.

Continuing Students Renewal Process

Returning students must renew by May 1 to secure a place for the following year. Renewal instructions are emailed to families by the Prep office, and the process must be completed and the nonrefundable tuition deposit paid by May 1.

For more information about the admission or renewal process, please email us at mannesprep@newschool.edu.