Special Music School (03M859) 
129 West 67 Street, Manhattan, NY 10023, Manhattan
Phone: 212-501-3318
Email: hsadmissions@specialmusicschool.org
Hours: 8:00am - 3:05pm
Principal: Katherine Banucci-smith
School Website: https://www.kaufmanmusiccenter.org/sms/
NYCDOE Website: https://www.myschools.nyc/en/schools/high-school/03M859/
Quality Snapshot: View snapshot
Building Access Profile: View profile
Subway: 1 to 66th St-Lincoln Center; 2, 3 to 72nd St; A, B, C, D to 59th St
Bus: BxM2, M10, M104, M11, M20, M5, M57, M66, M7, M72
Show commute
My Info
Program Details
Performing Arts
We offer students the opportunity to major in Instrumental Music, Voice, or Composition. Students receive approximately 10 hours of music instruction throughout the week. Professional musicians lead large ensembles, chamber groups, and private study. Students work with visiting artists through master classes. Upperclassmen choose from a variety of interest-based electives including Orchestral Conducting, Entrepreneurship, Recording and Production, Jazz History and Theory.
- (Group 1) Continuing 8th graders
- (Group 2) New York City residents
Student & Admissions Statistics
SWD applicants/seats:
This data was gathered from various NYC DOE reports: https://infohub.nyced.org/reports/students-and-schools/school-quality/information-and-data-overview
About the School
SMS is a public school for musically gifted students. The school admits 50 students per grade and combines rigorous academics with intensive music study. The school is a partnership between Kaufman Music Center and the NYCDOE. Our mission is to develop students who have the skills, competencies, and knowledge necessary for successful 21st Century music careers. The 21st Century musician can analyze, compose, and perform music at the highest level, has a strong sense of one's own artistic voice, and is fluent in current music technologies. They possess strong academic knowledge, skills, and habits, and is also community-minded, inventive, and resourceful. Special Music School has two campuses. The HS is located at 122 Amsterdam Avenue.
Other Features: 10th Grade Seats Available, College Trips, Community Service Expected, Health Center, Online Grading System, Program(s) with 1 SWD Applicant Per Seat, Program(s) with 3+ GE Applicants Per Seat
School Features:
Offers 10th Grade Seats
School whose primary location is co-located with another school
Guidance Counselors, Social Workers, Bilingual Social Workers
Upcoming Events
October 23, 2024 @ 6:00 pm Special Music School Virtual Information Session 
- October 29, 2024 @ 6:00 pm Special Music School Fall Open House
- November 6, 2024 @ 6:00 pm Special Music School Open House
AP Courses, Languages, Sports, Art
Survey Summary & Data (2023-24)
Note: Yellow bars indicate city-wide averages for the associated category
Academic Summary & Data (2022-23)
Unknown 19.00%
School Demographics (2023-24)
Female 51.50%
Black 6.60%
Hispanic 16.90%
White 41.50%
Other 13.70%
Other 43.50%
This data was gathered from the NYC DOE's demographic snapshots: https://infohub.nyced.org/reports/students-and-schools/school-quality/information-and-data-overview