Pre-College offers a comprehensive conservatory-style music program for students 8–18 years old who exhibit the talent, potential and ambition to pursue serious music study at the college level. Students work with world-class faculty—many of whom are on the Juilliard college faculty—to develop technical proficiency while fostering creativity and intellectual curiosity. Full- and partial-tuition scholarships are available for eligible admitted students.

MSM’s Precollege program gives talented students professional instruction and multiple performing opportunities in a supportive environment, as well as collaborative time spent with like-minded peers, many of whom become life-long friends and colleagues.

Instruction each Saturday throughout the school year includes a weekly private lesson and classes such as theory, ear training, composition, orchestra, chorus, and conducting. Students also take part in numerous performances held in our various recital halls.

Mannes Prep combines a warm and supportive atmosphere with thorough pre-professional training. Our continuing personal interest in the musical growth of each student is central to the spirit of Mannes.

Mannes Prep welcomes students ages 4-18 (pre-K through high school), from beginners through advanced students aspiring to professional careers. Each student's curriculum is individually tailored to include age- and level-appropriate class and ensemble assignments. Under the direction of a faculty dedicated to creating a supportive community, students learn to encourage one another to reach their full potential.

The New York Youth Symphony is one of the most awarded youth programs of its kind in the nation, including the 2022 Grammy Award for Best Orchestral Performance - Classical. It is recognized for its innovative, educational programs for talented young musicians. Founded in 1963 as an orchestra to showcase the metropolitan area’s most gifted musicians ages 12-22, its activities have since grown to encompass programs in chamber music, conducting, composition, jazz, and musical theater songwriting with performances at world class venues including Carnegie Hall and Jazz at Lincoln Center. Through its commissioning program, First Music, the NYYS has commissioned over 170 works from young composers since 1984.

Coached by New Jersey Symphony musicians, the New Jersey Symphony Youth Orchestra gives qualified middle- and high-school students—especially Black and Latino youth in the Greater Newark area—unparalleled opportunities to achieve personal and musical excellence.

The All-State Orchestras and Intermediate Orchestra in NJ consist of the highest-performing high school and middle/junior high school musicians, respectively. In March, string auditions are held for the All-State Orchestra, while auditions for the Winds/Brass/Percussion/Piano/Harp are based on their All-State Band auditions. Eligible students who have participated in their corresponding regional ensembles can audition, and those who are accepted can perform in November at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City and NJPAC in Newark.