The Master of Music program draws dedicated pianists interested in intensive conservatory-style training coupled with professional, practical preparation for a career in music. Applicants choose between M.M. programs in Piano Performance with concentrations in either Solo or Collaborative Piano, and complement their performance studies with courses in Music History and Theory, Music Education, Music Technology, and Music Business and Performing Arts Administration, choosing from a colorful array of electives to suit their professional aspirations. The Solo Concentration is a 36-point degree completed in three or four semesters. The Collaborative Concentration is a four-semester, 39-point degree emphasizing the art of chamber playing and vocal accompaniment. For pianists interested in the Advanced Certificate, please contact Grant Wenaus directly for information.

Course Offerings and Requirements

Students work with their advisor to tailor the curriculum towards their personal interests and career goals. Requirements include private lessons, chamber music coachings, and piano literature courses, as well as seminars in music history and practical research methodologies. For pianists concentrating on Solo Performance, one recital is required. For those concentrating on Collaborative Performance, two recitals are required, featuring solo and chamber repertoire. In conjunction with these recitals, degree candidates complete a research project examining the repertoire from historical or theoretical perspectives, considering aspects of aesthetics and performance practice. Students choose electives from NYU Steinhardt’s rich course offerings in pedagogy, theory, history, aesthetics, and performance practice; also open to pianists are courses in Music Business, Music Technology, and professional career training.

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

Performance Opportunities

NYU Steinhardt graduate pianists frequently perform in solo and collaborative contexts. They play in recitals, showcase concerts, on the nationally acclaimed Artist Master Class Series, and in collaboration with vocalists, chamber groups, and larger ensembles including the NYU Symphony and New Music and Dance Ensemble. Each semester, Steinhardt pianists play to enthusiastic audiences at a host of on-campus venues, and on series featuring the Pianists of NYU Steinhardt : "Steinhardt at Saklad" (Saklad Auditorium), "Pian@poly!" (NYU Polytech), and "Music with a Vue" (The Bellevue Atrium).