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NYU student playing the cello at paulson center

Bachelor of Music
String Studies

Gain intensive conservatory training in solo, chamber, and orchestral string repertoire while completing a full liberal arts education.

Degree Details

Official Degree Title

Bachelor of Music in Instrumental Performance

Format
Full-time or Part-time
Credits
128
Start Date
Fall
Application Deadlines
Fall Early Decision 1
Fall Early Decision 2
Fall Regular Decision
Fall Internal Transfer Applications
Fall Transfer Applications

Now more than ever, a life in music encompasses a world of countless possibilities. As a string player, the journey begins in the practice room, as you gradually develop the skills to express your unique voice. To truly become an artist, you must understand how to engage with others, to communicate that which cannot be put into words.

At NYU, you will develop your voice and understanding of your instrument under the mentorship of renowned faculty, many of whom are leaders of ensembles and arts organizations in New York City. Finding the right teacher is paramount, and at NYU this is an organic process rather than a simple decision based on an audition. Over the course of your study, you will work with many of our string faculty in technique, orchestral repertoire, and studio and master classes. Performance opportunities abound, from informal instrumental classes to public chamber, baroque, new music, and orchestral ensemble concerts and cross-disciplinary projects on- and off-campus.

The Music and Performing Arts Professions department at NYU Steinhardt is one of the largest music departments in the world, offering countless electives in music business, performing arts administration, music technology, jazz studies, composition, songwriting, and music education. Alongside the music core curriculum, you will receive the know-how to pursue your passions and career goals in this ever-evolving world of music. The program is structured with flexibility, encouraging many students to pursue a double major and/or minor within a four-year course of study. Additional degrees are commonly pursued in the College of Arts and Science and the Tandon School of Engineering, as well as within Steinhardt itself. Another option is the 5-year program resulting in a Bachelor of Music Performance degree and a Master of Music Education degree, providing certification to teach in K-12 schools, with an exceptional record of job placement.

At NYU, we believe that the only way to practice performing is to perform! Thus, as a String Studies student, performance opportunities are open to you within your first few months at the university. You will perform with the NYU Orchestras multiple times per semester, as well as regularly with chamber ensembles, Baroque Ensemble, Contemporary Music Ensemble, and the NYU Broadway Orchestra. Honors recitals and masterclasses with internationally renowned musicians provide opportunities for you to get your solo repertoire outside of the practice room in preparation for our annual concerto competition and your junior and senior recitals. Many of our students begin gigging at major New York City venues well before graduation, and our alumni regularly perform as members of preeminent ensembles throughout New York City and beyond.

Our program recognizes that there is no one way to forge a life as a musician, and we encourage you to develop your talents and interests in multiple areas of the music profession. As a graduate of our program, you will achieve a top level of artistry that will enable you to make a seamless transition to the professional world through an individualized curriculum that goes far beyond that of the traditional conservatory. Graduates of our program can be found performing regularly as members of ensembles throughout New York City, in chamber groups, contemporary groups, and as orchestral musicians and soloists.

Someone playing a string instrument on a bench in a park

Spend Your Summer with NYU Steinhardt

Get training for entrance auditions, orchestral auditions, and competitions, plus workshops with performance psychologist Noa Kageyama.

Strings Summer Intensive

Questions 

If you have any additional questions, please feel free to contact mpap-string-studies@nyu.edu.

Take the Next Step

Advance your personal and professional journey – apply to join our community of students.

Apply Now