Curriculum

In Steinhardt’s unparalleled facilities, you’ll explore diverse musical traditions and work closely with our faculty of internationally recognized composers. As part of your studies, you will engage in recording sessions, see your music performed live, and collaborate with directors, game designers, and media professionals, all while expanding your network of contacts outside the classroom.

Core Course Sequence

During your studies, you will receive robust training in core music theory and aural skills courses. Through multiple core music courses, you will be trained in instrumentation and orchestration. You will take private one-on-one lessons with our renowned faculty. You will also master the technology required to work in the field of screen scoring (DAWs, sample libraries, synthesizers, game middleware), as you learn the vital aesthetics and techniques vital for multimedia (film, video games, TV, advertisements).

Sample Elective Courses

You'll select electives in consultation with your advisor to deepen your preparation as screen composers and to support your individual artistic and professional goals. Elective study may focus on areas such as film production, cinema studies, conducting, music production and mixing, game and interactive audio, recording,  songwriting, and business.

Sample electives may include additional scoring courses, conducting, mixing and audio production, game audio, audio for video, computer music, songwriting, music business and copyright, composition seminars, and other approved courses that support a student's development as a screen composer. You may also take an internship in screen scoring for 1-6 credits for one or more semesters. 

Culminating Experience 

The culminating experience prepares you to transition from academic study to professional work in screen scoring. In the Music Composition Undergraduate Capstone, you'll consolidate the creative, technical, collaborative, and professional skills developed throughout the degree and organize your work into a coherent professional portfolio.

You'll review and strategically select work created through collaborations with filmmakers, game designers, documentarians, animators, and other media creators across NYU. You'll prepare scoring reels and other portfolio materials, refine your résumé and biography, develop or update your website and online presence, and learn how to present yourself effectively to potential collaborators and employers.

The course also addresses professional practices specific to screen scoring, including how to identify and pursue projects, pitch for scoring opportunities, communicate with directors and creative teams, and develop an individualized strategy for launching a professional career in media composition.