Combining theory and practice, this post-master's program is designed for advanced performers seeking careers in academia as well as the concert stage.
A Dual-Degree option with an MM in Piano Performance is also available.
Official Degree Title
Advanced Certificate in Piano Performance and Pedagogy
Degree
Adv Cert
Application Deadline
Fall Start:
January 6
Plan Code
MPPP
Credits
15
Format
Full-time or Part-time
Contact
Admissions Requirements.
Basic competence in music theory and history is a prerequisite for all graduate degree programs in music. Entering graduate students are required to complete a music theory entrance exam and meet history coursework requirements. Based on exam results and review of the student's transcript, up to 8 points of remedial music theory and/or history coursework may be required. Remedial courses cannot be used to meet degree requirements. Detailed information about department music theory and history entrance requirements is available here.
All Fall semester performance applicants who wish to be considered for talent-based scholarship awards must submit their application materials by January 6 and complete their audition by February 22. Once deadlines have passed, you may be considered for admission on a space-available basis and for talent-based scholarships if funds remain available. US students should also file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by March 1 to be considered for student loans and other school-based scholarships.
How to Apply
These instructions and requirements are for all applicants. If you are not a citizen or a permanent resident of the United States, please read the special instructions for international applicants.
1. Prepare Your Application
Your application will require the following items. The following are acceptable document types for uploads: .pdf, .jpeg, .jpg, .gif, .tiff, .png, .doc, .docx, and bitmap.
Résumé/CV
You are required to upload a copy of your most recent résumé or curriculum vitae as part of your application.
Statement of Purpose
You are required to upload a typed, double-spaced, two- to three-page statement explaining your purpose in undertaking graduate study in this particular program as part of your application. This is your opportunity to introduce yourself and to inform the admissions committee about your goals, interests, and career plans as they relate to your intended academic pursuits.
Letters of Recommendation
Submit two letters of recommendation. Be sure to request them well in advance of the deadline. Read detailed instructions on submitting letters of recommendation.
Transcripts
Upload one official copy of transcripts from every postsecondary institution (college/university) you have attended or are attending. Please note: This includes transcripts from institutions where you received transfer credits or did not complete a degree. Make sure to request an official copy of the transcript(s) in advance of the deadline.
Transfer Credits
We understand accepted transfer credits may be clearly listed on your degree awarding institution’s transcript. The Office of Graduate Admissions still requires a transcript from the initial credit-granting institution where you took the course(s). Delay in listing and uploading these transcripts can significantly delay the application review process.
Institutions Outside the US or Canada
If you completed or are completing a degree at an institution outside of the US or Canada, you are required to provide a WES or ECE international credentials evaluation. Please review our requirements for translation and a course-by-course evaluation of your transcripts.
GRE
Not required.
Proficiency in English
See testing requirements.
Pre-Screening Materials
Not required.
Audition
Scheduling an Audition
Applicants may schedule a live in-person audition or submit a video audition. Live in-person auditions and video auditions will be given equal consideration. Live in-person auditions for Fall 2025 will be held on February 8, February 15, and February 22, 2025. Those applying for Spring admission must submit a video audition.
Applicants requesting a live audition for Fall enrollment must fill out this form by January 15, 2025.
Those submitting video auditions must submit their video through GetAcceptd. Audition videos may be submitted at any point after submitting your NYU Steinhardt graduate application. Fall applicants who submit video auditions by February 22, 2025 will be given priority in consideration for scholarships and teaching appointments.
Audition requirements
Applicants for the Master's in Piano Performance Solo Concentration must present five works, selected from the Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Modern, and Post-1945 eras. The following, sometimes overlapping time spans should be used as a reference. No two pieces chosen should be from the same time period or overlapping years. Original compositions may be offered as a supplement, but not instead of the Post-1945 requirement.
- Baroque (to ca. 1750)
- Classical (ca. 1750–ca. 1830)
- Romantic (ca. 1830–1899)
- Modern (1900–1945)
- Post-1945 (1945–2025)
Works must be prepared in their entirety, and must be performed by memory, with exceptions on a case-by-case basis for certain contemporary compositions. Applicants with questions should contact Dr. Manuel Laufer at mlf351@nyu.edu.
Video auditions must contain the complete audition repertoire, played in its entirety. Individual works may not be edited. It is preferred that all repertoire be recorded in a single take, with the performer announcing their full name and the date of the recording at the beginning.
2. Apply
Application
After you fill in and upload the required information, you can submit your completed application. Your application must be completed, dated, electronically signed, and submitted by 11:59 p.m. EST of the stated deadline.
Application Fee
You will be prompted to pay a $75 application fee, payable by major credit card only. After submitting your payment, you will see your application status change from “saved” to “submitted.” Please print this screen for your records, as it confirms that your application has been successfully sent to our school. If you have problems submitting your payment, please contact the Office of Graduate Admissions. Learn more about our fee waiver policy.
Mailing Additional Items
If any application materials need to be mailed to our office, mail the materials to NYU Steinhardt, Office of Graduate Admissions, 82 Washington Square East, 3rd Floor New York, NY 10003-6680. Please do not mail your materials in binders or folders. Any mailed materials must be received by, not postmarked by, the stated deadline. Only completed applications will be considered and reviewed by the Admissions Committee. Due to high volume, we are unable to confirm receipt of mailed materials.
Application Policies
Application deadlines are "in-office" deadlines, not postmark deadlines. It is your responsibility to ensure that all materials are in the Office of Graduate Admissions by the appropriate deadline, and we reserve the right to return any application that arrives after the deadline. Only completed applications will be considered. Should a deadline fall on a weekend, the in-office deadline will be the next business day. We advise you to apply early.
Please check the online system to confirm that you have successfully submitted your application. Due to the volume of applications and related materials received, the Office of Graduate Admissions will only contact you if your application was successfully submitted and is deemed incomplete because of missing required materials. Otherwise, you will hear from us when the admissions committee has made its decision.
Deferral policy: NYU Steinhardt does not allow deferrals. Applicants who wish to be considered for a future semester must reapply by submitting a new application with all supporting materials, including letters of recommendations, by the application deadline.
3. Receive Your Admission Decision
Decision
You will be notified about your decision by email. Typically, decisions will start going out in late November for Spring semester enrollment and in late March or early April for Summer or Fall enrollment. You may learn of your decision before or after this timeline.