This program requires the completion of 130 points (credits); 90 in music, and 40 in liberal arts. As part of the program, students receive training in professional skills such as solo, chamber music, orchestral performance and extended techniques. Conceptual skills are emphasized through analytical, theoretical and historical studies.

Myriad performance opportunities are available to our students both within and beyond the NYU community. While we offer the highest level of solo repertoire study and performance opportunities, we also emphasize intensive training in chamber and orchestral repertoire. Student ensembles are formed at the start of each semester, taught by renowned performance faculty and often choose to remain together throughout their years at NYU and after graduation. Extraordinary performances with the NYU Symphony and Repertory Orchestras as well as orchestras that perform for our musical theater, opera and dance productions provide additional experiences for careers in every aspect of string performance. 

In addition, students may opt for training in specialized areas such as jazz ensemble, studio recording, baroque performance, multimedia and traditional contemporary ensembles. They may also take music business courses that enable them to obtain internships in the music industry.

A new dual degree (B Mus / MA Music Education) is designed for undergraduate performance and composition majors interested in adding a music education component to the four-year degree.  Students apply at the end of their sophomore year. Once accepted into the dual degree by the music education faculty, students complete their degree with the added concentration in music education beginning in their junior year. Upon graduation, students may continue to a one-year Masters degree in music education, where they complete their supervised student teaching internship to earn initial and professional teaching certification. Please see your current program director before contacting the Music Education program.