The teaching staff at the Manhattan School of Music started a weeklong strike Saturday.

Faculty, alongside other union workers, rallied in front of the conservatory in Morningside Heights.

The teachers say they need a contract that accounts for industry standards and the cost of living in Manhattan.

The union says a majority of precollege faculty currently earn 43% less than their colleagues at similar institutions.

“We’ve been working without a contract since last August. The school is putting proposals on the table that would lock in substandard wages,” said Adam Kent, president of ARTS-MSM, the union representing the teachers. “We know the school is extremely profitable. We know we’re a big cash cow for the school. But they don’t want to pay us fairly, so this is largely about getting better wages.”

In a statement, the Manhattan School of Music says they are “extremely disappointed” that the union has opted for a strike.

“MSM has engaged in negotiations with the union’s negotiating team in good faith since June 2024 and has made a significant contract proposal, which will increase the current minimum hourly wage,” a spokesperson for the school said in part.

About three weeks ago, 98% of the membership was in favor of authorizing a strike, according to Kent. He says they’re also prepared to go on a more extended strike if necessary.