High School FAQs

Important Dates


Applications for the 2018-2019 school year will be accepted starting September 1, 2017.
Click here to complete an application/egister for an audition (required)

Deadline for appplication submission is November 1, 2017

2018-2019 High School Audition Dates

Vocal/Instrumental - Nov 7 & 13-15, 2017
Composition - Nov 16, 2017

High School Open House Dates

Please click here to fill out the RSVP form.
Thu, Oct 19, 6:30pm
Wed, Oct 25, 6:30pm
*Students are encouraged to attend our HS open house dates!

Open Houses will be held at Special Music School High School, located in the Martin Luther King, Jr. Educational Complex at 122 Amsterdam Ave. (btw 65th & 66th Sts), NYC.

General FAQs

Q: What is the mission of Kaufman Music Center's Special Music School High School?
A: The school is uniquely dedicated to providing talented young musicians the opportunity to pursue serious, pre-professional music studies along with a rigorous academic curriculum. Our music curriculum emphasizes the development of the student as a musician for the 21st century.

Q: When did SMS High School open?
A: Special Music School High School opened in the fall of 2013. Its first class of 12th graders graduated in June of 2017. The school achieved a 100% graduation and 100% college acceptance rate. Click here for a list of Class of 2017 college acceptances. The SMS K-8 program celebrate its 20th anniversary during the 2016-17 school year.

Q: Will you have any Information Sessions?
A: Yes, we have three Information Sessions scheduled: October 19 and 25 at 6:30pm. They will all be held in the Martin Luther King Educational Complex at 122 Amsterdam Avenue, between 65th and 66th. Between 6:00 and 6:30 pm, families are welcome to explore the school and meet our current students.

Q: How would you describe the ideal Special Music School High School student?
A: Any instrumentalist, vocalist and/or composer who is passionate about music, and who wants to be musically and academically challenged and who wants to make/study music on a daily basis.

Q: Where is the school?
A: The school is located in the Martin Luther King Educational Complex at 122 Amsterdam Avenue in Manhattan—in the Lincoln Center neighborhood.

Q: How large is the high school?
A: Maximum enrollment is limited to 50 student per grade, with a total student body of 200 students.

Q: Who is eligible to apply?
A: Special Music School High School accepts applications from any current 8th grade student who is, or will be, living in one of the five boroughs of New York City in September 2017. Additionally, any student interested in transferring into the school and will be living in the five boroughs of New York City in September 2017 are also encouraged.

Q: Do I need to know how to read music?
A: Yes. Exceptions may be made for outstanding applicants.

Q: How do I apply?
A: You must submit a Special Music School High School application by November 1, 2017. Additionally, you should list SMSHS, code number A85A, on the DOE high school form. The DOE form, which lists all your high school choices, is submitted to your middle school’s guidance counselor.

Q: Where can I get an application?
A: You can fill out an online application (preferred)  here. Applications for the 2018-19 school year will be available on September 1, 2017. You may email admissions@specialmusicschool.org to receive a hard copy of the application.

Q: Does an applicant need to have studied music for many years?
A: No, the school is designed to educate and nurture both highly accomplished high-school aged musicians and those who have only recently discovered their passion for music.

Q: Do I need to have a classical music background?
A: No, anyone with a strong love of music, in any style, is encouraged to apply.  However, most of our music instruction is steeped in Classical music traditions.

Q: What are the admissions criteria?
A: Acceptance to Special Music School High School is based on your application, audition, and a review of your academic record.

Q: How many audition rounds will there be?
A: There will be one round of live auditions. Anyone interested in the school is encouraged to apply and schedule their audition.

Q: How do I schedule a live audition?
A: You will be scheduled for a live audition once your application has been received.

Q: What do composers do for the live audition?
A: Composers are asked to submit their application with all the supporting musical material as specified in the application. They will be asked to come in and speak with our admissions panel for the live audition.

Q: What are you looking for in a live audition?
A: We are looking to determine your instrumental, vocal, and/or composing abilities.

Q: What will the audition consist of?
A: All applicants will be invited to audition. In addition to the audition, applicants will take a music theory test and will participate in a mini improvisation workshop. In addition: Vocalists and Instrumentalists may be asked to sightread.  Composers will meet with members of the audition panel to discuss their music, ideas and compositional processes.

Q: What instruments are acceptable for an audition?
A: You may audition on any standard classical or jazz instrument.

Q: Will you provide an instrument for the audition?
A: We will provide a piano, electric amp and drums—and a vibraphone (on request). All other instrumentalists, including harpists, must bring their own instrument.

Q: Will there be an accompanist?
A: No, we will not provide accompanists at the audition. Applicants may bring their own accompanist-any and all expenses for a personal accompanist are the sole responsibility of the applicant. Recorded, taped, karaoke, and/or “Music Minus One” accompaniments are not acceptable.

Q: May I audition for more than one concentration or for more than one instrument?
A: Yes, you may audition for one, two or three concentrations and/or on more than one instrument. If you are auditioning for more than one concentration (e.g., guitar and composition or voice, composition and bassoon), you must complete a separate audition for each concentration. If you are auditioning on two instruments (e.g., oboe and piano) please make note of your second instrument in the appropriate place on the application.

Q: What is Kaufman Music Center?
A: Special Music School is a partnership between the NYC DOE and Kaufman Music Center, a music education and performance nonprofit that provides the funding for the school's music program. A national leader in the field of music education and one of New York City's most vibrant cultural organizations, Kaufman Music Center is home to Special Music School; Merkin Concert Hall; Lucy Moses School, New York's largest community arts school; and the acclaimed youth new music ensemble Face the Music.

Vocal FAQs:

Q: I don’t read music, can I still apply?
A: Many vocalists have not studied music reading in-depth. While we prefer that you have at least a basic knowledge of musical notation, we will hear auditions from all applicants.

Q: What songs are considered “Classical” or “Musical Theater”?
A: Classical songs are either operatic arias or art songs. They can be in a variety of languages, including English. Examples are: “The Daisies” by Samuel Barber, any selection from “24 Italian Songs and Arias”, or a Schubert Lied.
Musical Theater selections are drawn from popular musicals. Both classics, such as “The Sound of Music” or “Kiss Me, Kate”, and modern musicals, such as “Wicked” or “Once”, are acceptable.

Q: I don’t know any classical or musical theater songs. Is there anything else I can sing?
A: Please sing one of the following selections:
"The Water is Wide"
"Amazing Grace"
"Summertime"
"America the Beautiful"
"Happy Birthday to You"

Q: Can I sing a pop song?
A: No. Please sing something from the classical repertoire or from the list above.

Q: Should I bring music to my audition?
A: Yes. Please bring two (2) copies for the panel.

Q: Should my music be memorized?
A: For vocalists, it is recommended, but not required.

Q: Am I required to use an accompanist for an audition?
A: No, you may audition without any accompaniment.

Q: Will there be an accompanist?
A: No, we will not be providing accompanist at the audition.

Q: May I use my own accompanist?
A: Yes, you may bring your own accompanist to your audition; however, all arrangements and costs are your responsibility.

Q: May I audition for more than one concentration?
A: Yes, you may. But you will need to fill out the appropriate portion of the application.

Instrumental FAQs

Q: Does an applicant need to have studied their instrument for many years?
A: No, the school is designed to educate and nurture both highly accomplished high-school aged musicians and those who have only recently discovered their passion for music.

Q: Do I need to know how to read music?
A: Yes, you must be able to read rhythmic and pitch notation.

Q: Do I have to have a classical music background to apply?
A: No, applicants who are passionate about any style of music are encouraged to apply.

Q: What is the format of an instrumental audition?
A: All auditions are live auditions. Please bring a copy of your music to your audition.

Q: What do I need to prepare for my audition?
A: You must prepare a selection, or selections, totaling at least 3 minutes in length, plus a two-octave scale of your choice.

Q: Is there specific music that I have to audition with?
A: No, there is no specific music that you must play, however, we do have some general requirements found here.

Q: Am I required to use an accompanist for an audition?
A: No, you may audition without any accompaniment.

Q: Will there be an accompanist?
A: No, we will not be providing accompanist at the audition.

Q: May I use my own accompanist?
A: Yes, you may bring your own accompanist to your audition; however, all arrangements and costs are your responsibility.

Q: Is it a requirement to perform from memory in the audition?
A: No, you are not required to perform your audition from memory, but it is encouraged for strings and piano.

Q: Will I have time to warm up at the audition?
A: You should come warmed up as we cannot guarantee the timing or availability of warm-up rooms. In addition, you should arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your audition time.

Q: May I audition for more than one concentration or instrument?
A: Yes, you may audition for one, two or three concentrations and/or on more than one instrument. If you are auditioning for more than one concentration (e.g., guitar and composition or voice, composition and bassoon), you must complete a separate audition for each concentration. If you are auditioning on two instruments (e.g., oboe and piano) please make note of your second instrument in the appropriate place on the application.

Composition FAQs

Q: Does a composition applicant need to have been composing for many years?
A: No, the school is designed to educate and nurture both highly accomplished high-school aged musicians and those who have only recently discovered their passion for music.

Q: Do I need to know how to use music notation programs to apply?
A: No, but you must be able to write basic music notation. Admitted applicants will be encouraged to learn and use music notation software such as Finale, Sibelius, or Noteflight.

Q: Do I have to have a classical music background and/or compose ‘classical’ music only to apply?
A: No, you do not need to be classically trained. We invite applicants who are passionate about any style of music to apply.

Q: What is the format of a composition audition?
A: There is an initial screening and a live audition. All composition initial screening are by submission of your application, scores, recordings, etc.  All composition live auditions will be in person.

Q: Can I submit my piece if I don’t have a written musical score for it?
A: Yes, you can. More information can be found here.

Q: How do I submit scores and recordings?
A: Please check here.

Q: What are you looking for in a live audition?
A: It is important to us to meet you and learn a bit about how you think about the creative task of composition. We value composers with broad intellectual curiosity, a strong creative voice, flexible creative problem-solving skills, enthusiasm, and an ability to work collaboratively.

Q: What is the format for the live audition?
A: The live audition will include a short interview in which we will talk with you about the music you submitted. Based on your short interview, you may be asked to take a music theory test and participate in a mini improvisation workshop.

SPECIAL MUSIC SCHOOL

Admissions

Grades K-8:
Tel: 212 501 3390
admissions@specialmusicschool.org

High School:
Tel: 212 501 3395
admissions@specialmusicschool.org

Administrative Offices

Grades K-8:
Tel: 212 501 3318
office@specialmusicschool.org

Grades 9-12:
Tel: 917 441 3692
office@specialmusicschool.org

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