[2] Founded in 1917, the school is located on Claremont Avenue in the Morningside Heights neighborhood of New York City, adjacent to Broadway and West 122nd Street (Seminary Row).

In 1943, the artistic and academic growth of the school resulted in a charter amendment to grant the bachelor of music degree.

In 1956, Dr. Schenck retired and Metropolitan Opera baritone John Brownlee was appointed director, a title later revised to president.

President Brownlee initiated the idea of relocating the school to the Morningside Heights neighborhood; his death occurred only months before his efforts were realized.

[citation needed] John O. Crosby, founder and general director of the Santa Fe Opera, was appointed president in 1976.