Performance is the main activity of Mannes students, and the training of aspirant professional musicians is the College's mission. Mannes has developed a distinctive approach and environment in which to implement it. Through an intensive curriculum in ear-training, dictation, theory, harmony, composition, and analysis, Mannes students are provided with a thorough understanding of the theory, structure, and history of music. The enrollment limit of about 290 students seeks to ensure highly personalized instruction and close interaction among students, faculty members, and administrators. Students receive individual lessons from their major teachers and participate in small performance groups.
Class size is kept small to maximize individual attention.
Mannes prides itself on being a community of musicians dedicated to advancing art through a personal and humanistic approach to education. Each concert features a student performance of a solo work with orchestra. Participation in chamber music ensembles is an essential part of the performance training of any musician, and Mannes activities include performances for all standard instrumental groups as well as Percussion Ensemble, Piano Ensemble, Guitar Ensemble, Baroque Chamber Players, and the Contemporary Ensemble. Student chamber music groups regularly perform works by student composers. The Opera Department presents programs of opera scenes and excerpts, and, in the spring, a full chamber opera production is mounted.