Search NYU Steinhardt

NYU Steinhardt presents NYU02 orchestra led by conductor Diego Garcia

Curriculum

Advanced Diploma in Classical Instrumental Performance

How to Apply

Prepare for your career as a professional musician in a uniquely creative, inclusive environment. In Steinhardt’s unparalleled facilities, you’ll study with world-renowned artist faculty and explore diverse musical traditions. The flexibility of our curriculum will help expand both your knowledge and your repertoire.  You’ll graduate after two semesters better prepared for the challenges of a career as a professional performer.

Core Course Sequence

Your curriculum will encompass continuous enhancement of technique and musicianship, with a focus on individualized private lessons, creative partnerships, and readiness for professional auditions and competitions. Working with dedicated faculty mentors, you’ll explore a wide array of styles and forms, culminating in a juried examination.

In addition, you'll participate in performing ensembles and chamber groups directed by leading New York artists, including the NYU Orchestra, Broadway Orchestra, Contemporary Music Ensemble, and Baroque Ensemble. You’ll collaborate with programs in Instrumental Performance, Vocal Performance, and Composition, and be featured in fully-staged productions directed by industry professionals.

Instrumental Performance prepares its graduates to act as musical innovators and teaching artists, changemakers, practitioner-scholars, and policy makers in communities, schools, and performing arts institutions worldwide. 

Culminating Experience

In degree recitals and recordings, Instrumental Performance majors demonstrate their mastery over their instrument, command of the repertoire, and personal performance aesthetic. Degree recitals are held in Steinhardt’s world-class performance venues and recorded to provide an archival document of professional quality.

Course Title Credits
Applied Instrument
Private Instruction 16
Performance
Select 11 credits by advisement 211
Culminating Experience
Recital1
Total Credits18
1

Students complete 3 credits per semester for 2 semesters.

2

Strings students are required to take Orchestra each semester.

Proficiency in music theory and history is a requirement for all graduate students in the NYU Steinhardt Department of Music and Performing Arts Professions. The music theory and history requirements outlined here apply to all students enrolling in Masters, PhD, DMA, or Advanced Certificate/Diploma programs in the following areas:

  • Instrumental Performance (String Studies, Woodwind Studies, Brass Studies, Percussion Studies, and Jazz)
  • Music Composition (Concert Music, Songwriting, and Screen Scoring)
  • Music Education
  • Music Technology
  • Piano Studies
  • Vocal Performance
  • Music Therapy

Students applying to the Masters, PhD, or Advanced Certificate/Diploma programs who have completed a music degree in the Department of Music and Performing Arts Professions at NYU Steinhardt within the last five years are exempt from the music theory and history entrance requirements. This exemption is granted based on 1) passing scores on prior MPAP music theory and history entrance exams, or 2) successful completion of prior remedial coursework required by former placement exam scores. All DMA applicants are required to take the exam regardless of prior degrees from the department.

Music Theory Diagnostic Exam

Graduate students in music must complete a music theory diagnostic exam at any point before registering for the first semester of coursework. DMA applicants are required to complete the exam as part of the application process, no later than the first week of December for Fall enrollment.

The diagnostic exam gauges students’ knowledge of written theory, aural theory, and sight-singing. Students who do not pass the exam (or portions thereof) will be required to complete a maximum of four credits from the courses listed below, assigned in accordance with their exam results:

  • MPATC-GE 2301 Music Fundamentals
  • MPATC-GE 2232 Graduate Review of Tonal Theory
  • MPATC-GE 2035 Graduate Review of Aural Skills

Music History Requirement

Students who have completed a minimum of two music history courses (equivalent to two 2-credit history courses at NYU) as part of their undergraduate or graduate degrees prior to arrival are exempt from supplemental coursework in music history.

Evaluation of course equivalence will be completed by the student’s academic program based on student transcripts. History courses must have been completed within the last five years for Masters and Advanced Certificate/Diploma programs and within the last 7 years for doctoral programs.

Students missing this foundational coursework must complete up to two 2-credit music history courses offered through the Music and Performing Arts Department. Students should consult with their advisors on the most appropriate music history courses for their degree program.

Additional Information

Courses taken to satisfy a proficiency requirement are supplemental to those required by any graduate degree program. Remedial courses cannot be used to meet degree requirements.

Graduate Remedial Coursework

Course Title Credits
Music Theory Courses
MPATC-GE 2301Music Fundamentals2
MPATC-GE 2232Graduate Review of Tonal Theory1
MPATC-GE 2035Graduate Review of Aural Skills1
Music History Courses
MPATC-GE 2067Music History I: Medieval & Renaissance2
MPATC-GE 2068Music History II: Baroque & Classical2
MPATC-GE 2077Music History III: Romantic2
MPATC-GE 2078Music History IV: Twentieth Century2
MPATC-GE 2323Global Soundscapes: A Survey of Musical Traditions2
MPATC-GE 2248Music History: Gender and Sexuality in Music2
MPATC-GE 2550Screen Music: History, Analysis, and Aesthetics.2
MPATC-GE 2086Music of East and Southeast Asia, Past and Present2
MPAJZ-GE 2121Jazz History2
MPATE-GE 2138Global Electronic Music I3
MPATC-GE 2079Music History: Music & Protest2
American Music History

Sample Plan of Study

Plan of Study Grid
1st Semester/TermCredits
Ensemble/Chamber Music/Performance and Repertoire Class 6
Private Lessons 3
 Credits9
2nd Semester/Term
Ensemble/Chamber Music/Performance and Repertoire Classes 5
Private Lessons 3
Graduate Recital 1
 Credits9
 Total Credits18

Students are required to take 9 units in the fall and 9 units in the spring. The makeup of units is determined by their instrument, but number of units per semester remains consistent for all specializations.

Course number varies by instrument; students will be advised of the combination of courses for the appropriate instrument that fulfills the unit.

Take the Next Step

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

Apply Now