Professional Studies Diploma in Piano

The two-year full-time Professional Studies Diploma program is comprised of major lessons, performance coursework, and electives, giving students the opportunity to tailor their advanced course of study.
Develop your talent in a unique learning environment under the guidance of world-class faculty. New York City is at the crossroads of American music, and the faculty who teach at Mannes are active participants in the evolution of the future of music. At Mannes, you will find a mentor who will not only help you develop the advanced technique on your instrument necessary to compete in any setting but also nurture your creative self in a way that will help you chart your own path as a 21st-century artist.

Graduate degree applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited U.S. college or university or the equivalent degree from a foreign college or university. Applicants in the process of completing the bachelor's degree may apply for admission. Admission to the program requires completion of the bachelor's degree.
Complete Essay
In prose form, and in 200 to 500 words, please answer one of the following questions:

Choice 1
Describe the biggest risk you've ever taken.

Choice 2
Why did you decide to pursue music as a career?

Choice 3
The New School brings together a dynamic group of students interested in the performing arts, visual art, design, entrepreneurship, social change, and critical thought. We would like to know more about your interest in joining our community and why you would be a good fit for The New School. We are particularly interested in knowing what will make you a valuable member of your specific school, college, program, area of study, or campus.

Choice 4
Please describe in detail your interest in music improvisation, new music technologies, music entrepreneurship, and/or public engagement. Please also describe how you feel music education can help you pursue your career goals in these areas.
Submit Your Portfolio or Prescreen
Applicants to the Composition, Conducting, Piano, and Voice programs must submit a portfolio or prescreen materials, as detailed on our audition requirements page. After review, those whose portfolios or prescreen materials pass will be invited to submit any additional final recordings and/or schedule an admission video interview.
Submit Two Letters of Recommendation
Two letters of recommendation from professional and/or academic references are required. Recommendations must be submitted by recommenders directly via the online application portal. Instructions are included in the online application.
Submit College Transcripts
Applicants must upload an unofficial transcript, mark sheet, or academic record for each institution (even if you didnt receive a degree) in the Academic History section of the online application.

All uploaded transcripts must be accompanied by a key, a legend, or the back copy of the transcript. Non-English transcripts must be accompanied by an English translation. Records from non-U.S. institutions must have grades or marks and contain a copy of diploma if the degree has been conferred. Make sure your name appears on the transcript/record. Scanned documents must be clear and legible.
Minimum required scores are:

TOEFL iBT 79
IELTS 6.5