We offer an M.M. and Ph.D. in Music Composition

Conceived as an eclectic program, a composition student may follow Traditional/General Composition studies, or specialize in Electronic and Computer Music Composition, Composition for Music Theater, or Composition for Film, Multimedia and Television.

Our students are actively involved in the scheduling and performance of their own works, in concerts and readings by NYU performance groups in residence, school performing ensembles, as well as chamber groups specially hired for specific composition concerts. There is a very active weekly meeting of our department's Composers Forum in which students have a great variety of activities: meeting and working with world-renowned composers and performers, preparing two student showcases per semester, and attending highlights in the New York City new music concert season.

Insofar as our large department includes dance and theater programs, our composers have countless opportunities to collaborate with performers, dancers, actors, and multimedia applications. Within the department there are very active collaborations with the Music Technology, Jazz Studies, and Instrumental and Vocal Performance Programs. In addition, we have a very active collaboration with musicians and other artists from New York City.

For more information regarding our Advanced Certificate Program, designed specificially for masters degree holders, please click here.

The composition faculty consists of internationally recognized composers. Many are recipients of prestigious awards and prizes: Prof. Justin Dello Joio is a recipient of a Guggenheim Fellowship and has regular performances and recordings of his works by major artists and ensembles. Prof. Mark Antonio Consoli is a winner of two Guggenheims and has a special collection of his compositions housed at the Lincoln Center Library. Prof. Robert Rowe, who worked at IRCAM in Paris with Pierre Boulez, is a much sought after composer of interactive computer music and has written two major books (M.I.T. Press) on electronic music. Prof. Joseph Church, the music director of “The Lion King” on Broadway, teaches students interested in composition for music theatre. Prof. Ron Sadoff has written scores for films that have won major awards including an Academy Award.

Application Portfolio Requirements

Master of Music in Composition — M.M. Degree Requirements
(Degree code:MTAC )

This program requires the completion of a minimum of 36 points. Prior to starting the program, students are required to take evaluation tests in music theory, aural skills and music history.

Students showing deficiencies in any of the above tests, may be required to take courses in addition to the minimum of 36 points required to graduate.

We also offer M.M. specialization tracks which require 9 additional points of carefully selected courses (total of 45 points required):

• Composition for Music Theatre

• Computer Music Compostion

• Composition for Film and Multimedia: This specialization is led by Dr. Ronald Sadoff.

The Doctor of Philosophy in Music Composition — Ph.D. Requirements
(Degree code: PhD:MUCP:CMP)

This degree program has a minimum of 45 points required for graduation. A doctoral degree represents highly personalized study working closely with doctoral advisors. General areas of study are designated with specific recommendations made in consultation with doctoral advisors.