The Doctor of Musical Arts in Music Performance draws from the vast course offerings of the Department of Music and Performing Arts Professions at NYU Steinhardt. As the terminal post-master's degree in music performance, it is the final step towards embarking on a career, not only in higher education but also in the music industry and world of cultural policy.
Through the DMA in Music Performance, you’ll refine your knowledge of music literature and history, music theory, and pedagogy, as well as historical and contemporary performance practices. You will additionally gain fluency in a secondary and complementary field of study that will contribute to your professional expertise and advancement.
Immersed in New York City’s world-class music scene and its lively artistic community, you will be mentored by a renowned faculty: elite performers and scholars with unparalleled experience. You’ll have unique access to a wide range of courses across disciplines to individualize your studies, as well as state-of-the-art performance, rehearsal, practice, and recording spaces.
Official Degree Title
Doctor of Musical Arts in Music Performance
Degree
DMA
Application Deadline
Fall Start:
December 1
Plan Code
MUSP
Subplan Code
INP
(Instrumental Performance)
JAZ
(Jazz)
PIA
(Piano)
VOC
(Vocal Performance)
Credits
36 - 45
Format
Full-time or Part-time
Contact
Program Information
212-998-5424Program Contacts
Instrumental Performance
Brass Studies
mpap-brass-studies@nyu.edu
Percussion Studies
mpap-percussion-studies@nyu.edu
String Studies
mpap-string-studies@nyu.edu
Woodwind Studies
mpap-woodwind-studies@nyu.edu
Jazz
Piano
Vocal Performance
Admissions Requirement
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.
Applicants must have a master's degree in music performance from an accredited higher education institution.
The Admissions Committee uses three criteria in assessing application materials, each of which has multiple measures: display of musical talent and accomplishment; foundation of musical knowledge; and alignment with the mission, research interests and artistic practices of our Department.
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.
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.
1. Prepare Your Application
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
Upload a statement of purpose (maximum of four pages) that discusses your knowledge and expertise, interests, and professional experiences as they relate to pursuing the DMA and your areas of primary and secondary fields of study.
Letters of Recommendation
Submit three letters of recommendation. Be sure to request them well in advance of the deadline. Read detailed instructions.
Scholarly Writing
Upload to the Writing Sample section of the application two graduate-level documents written within the last five years. These should address your proposed area(s) of study within the DMA.
Prescreen/ Audition/ Portfolio
For specific audition or portfolio requirements and how to schedule an audition date after you have applied, contact your area of focus.
Brass
Prescreen: no
Final Audition: live or video over GetAcceptd
Submit an audition video online via GetAcceptd. Accompanists are not required. Prepare:
- Two contrasting études
- Two contrasting solo movements
- Four orchestral excerpts.
Jazz
Portfolio over GetAcceptd, no live audition
Applicants music submit a portfolio of their work via GetAcceptd including recordings, scores, and two samples of academic writing.
Piano (Pre-Screening Requirements)
Prescreen: GetAcceptd
Final Audition: live
Prepare a 60-minute free program, showing technical, interpretive, and expressive strengths. Part of the repertoire should relate to a proposed area of research and performance specialization.
Applicants must submit a pre-screening video via GetAcceptd. Select applicants will be invited for a live audition and interview. The audition should contain the same repertoire as the pre-screening video.
Percussion
Prescreen: no
Final Audition: live or video over GetAcceptd
Marimba
Prepare one major work from the four-mallet solo marimba repertoire
Snare Drum
Prepare one solo from Delécluse's "12 Studies for Snare Drum”
Timpani
Prepare one solo by Elliot Carter
Multiple Percussion
Prepare one major solo from the percussion repertoire (optional for undergraduate applicants)
Chamber Music
Prepare Metric Lips (Marimba 1) - You will play this in your audition with members of the NYU Percussion Chamber Music Ensemble
Strings (Pre-Screening Requirements):
Prescreen: GetAcceptd
Final Audition: live or video over GetAcceptd
Applicants must submit a pre-screening video via GetAcceptd.
Violin, Viola, and Cello
Prepare one movement of work by J.S.Bach and a movement of a concerto.
Bass and Harp
Prepare two contrasting movements.
Strings (Final Audition)
Live auditions will take place on Friday, January 19th. Applicants submitting the final audition by video must submit the entire program via GetAcceptd.
Prepare:
- A full concerto.
- A suite by J.S. Bach.
- A work written during your lifetime or by a living composer.
- The first movement of a sonata with piano.
Voice Performance
Prescreen: GetAcceptd
Final Audition Dates: live
- Saturday, January 27, 2024 (10:00am-1:00pm)
- Friday, February 2, 2024 (2:30-5:30pm)
Voice Performance (Western Concert Repertoire, Pre-Screening Requirements)
Applicants must prepare two memorized selections including:
- Prepare and memorize one aria (operatic or concert).
- Prepare and memorize one art song.
The pre-screening selection should include two different languages chosen from Italian, German, French, and English.
Voice Performance (Western Concert Repertoire, Final Audition)
Prepare and memorize:
- One German Lied.
- One French mélodie.
- One English or American art song.
- One additional selection in any language (selected from Western concert music, music theatre, and/or popular music).
Voice Performance (Music Theatre, Pre-Screening Requirements)
Prepare two memorized selections including one selection written before 1965 and one selection written after 1965. The pre-screening submission should represent your ability to sing with contrasting vocalism and balanced registration.
Voice Performance (Music Theatre, Final Audition)
Prepare and memorize:
- One music theatre selection written before 1965.
- One music theatre selection written between 1965 and 1990.
- One music theatre selection written after 1990.
- One pop/rock selection (from outside the music theatre repertoire).
- Two additional selections (selected from Western concert music, music theatre, and/or popular music)
Woodwinds Studies (Pre-Screening Requirements)
Prescreen: GetAcceptd
Final Audition and Interview: Saturday, January 20, 2024
Please note, it is not mandatory to have an accompanist for the prescreen.
Flute
Two contrasting pieces (pieces may include an individual movement from different works or single movements works)
Oboe, Bassoon or Saxophone
Two standard etudes of contrasting styles
Two standard orchestral excerpts
Clarinet
Two contrasting pieces showing the applicant's level of technical and lyrical ability
Doublers
One short etude on each of your doubles
Woodwinds (Final Audition)
Please note, it is not mandatory to have an accompanist for the prescreen or audition.
Flute
Three complete works (including a work from 20th/21st century) representing a variety of styles
Oboe, Bassoon or Saxophone
Two movements of a sonata
First or last movement from a concerto and/or other virtuosic solo
Clarinet
A complete concerto (memorization encouraged but not mandatory)
A contemporary work written after 1970
A work by a composer from underrepresented gender, racial, ethnic, or cultural heritages
5-6 orchestral excerpts
Doublers
One movement from a sonata on primary instrument
One etude or excerpt on each of your doubles
Music Theory Diagnostic Exam
DMA applicants are required to complete the music theory diagnostic exam online as part of the application process, no later than December 8, 2023 for Fall 2024 enrollment. Further details will be provided upon your DMA application submission.
Sub-Specialization
All DMA students pursue a sub-specialization in a secondary field related to music performance: music technology, music business, performing arts administration, music education, music theory, music composition, or an individualized course of study. Students pursuing a sub-specialization in music theory, screen scoring composition, or concert composition may be asked to satisfy additional requirements post admission.
Transcripts
Upload one official copy of transcripts from every postsecondary school you have attended or are attending. Make sure to request them in advance of the deadline.
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 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.
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.
3. Receive Your Admission Decision
Decision
You will be notified about your decision by email. Typically, decisions will start going out in late March or early April for fall enrollment. You may learn of your decision before or after this timeline.
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.