This master of arts program combines the unparalleled artistic resources of New York City with cross-disciplinary course work – you will take business courses at the NYU Stern School of Business. Study with industry leaders and learn the necessary skills to become a leader in today’s global music marketplace. A concentration in Music Technology is also available, which will develop your knowledge of audio for games and other interactive applications, sound design in digital music, and other emerging platforms.
Degree Name: Music Business/Music Business with a Concentration in Music Technology
Academic Plan Code: MUBG
Music Technology Sub-Plan Code: TTT
Degree: MA
Credits: 42–45
Academic Load: Full-time or part-time. Students have up to six years to complete the program.
Application Deadlines
Spring: n/a
Summer: n/a
Fall: January 6
Program Information
Program Website | 212-998-5427
Admissions Requirements
Prerequisites include taking a course in statistics or quantitative methods prior to enrollment. You may choose to fulfill this requirement while in the program, graduating with 45 credits instead of 42.
Admission to this program is very competitive, and your application must be completed and received by the appropriate deadline.
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.
Music Business Essay
This requirement is for Fall 2023 applicants. New requirements and the essay topic will change for future semesters. The new requirements are typically posted at the end of August, so please be sure back if you plan to apply for a future semester.
Write a topical 800-word essay (not including bibliography) based on the prompt below. It should be double-spaced and cite all sources used in a bibliography.
The live performance sector of the music industry has seen a recovery since the worst days of the global pandemic, but still faces significant headwinds. While many major festivals have bounced back this year, news of tours being canceled or interrupted due to illness among performers and crews remain common. In the meantime, the live business at all levels has evolved in a variety of ways. Examples include the growth of live streaming as a key aspect of the future of the industry; how appearances at festivals such as Coachella and Glastonbury are now shown to boost streaming numbers and social media engagement; and virtual concerts on platforms such as Roblox that have become increasingly popular with young fans. Drawing on examples of live music gigs and events that you have attended in person or online, and are interested in researching, write an essay that explores emerging opportunities and threats that you consider significant in the sector, and how you see it evolving over the next couple of years. (Applicants from outside of the US are encouraged to write about the live sector in their own countries or regions.)
Personal Data Outline
Please provide this data in a narrative form, single-spaced, not to exceed 4 pages total.
A. Professional Overview: What are your goals in this field? Other than studying at NYU, outline at least three steps you plan to take to reach those goals. Why do you wish to study in this field at the graduate level?
B. Self-Appraisal: What major assets do you present to support your selection for training in this program? What are your present weaknesses and limitations? In what ways do you think NYU may help you? What other steps have you taken or do you plan to take to improve yourself academically, vocationally, personally, or otherwise?
C. Research Ideas: Cite several current business topics related to the present state of any sector(s) of the music industry. Select one topic and suggest how you would research it on the graduate level.
D. For the concentration in Music Technology, please include the following:
- A description of your academic and/or professional experience in music and business/database technology
- A list of the music and business and database technology tools you are familiar with, both hardware and software, and links to samples of your work if available
- How this concentration will further your career goals
Letters of Recommendation
Submit two letters of recommendation. Be sure to request them well in advance of the deadline. Read detailed instructions.
These letters should attest to your strengths, weaknesses, potential to succeed in a rigorous academic program, and potential for management.
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 remaining application materials need to be mailed to our office, mail the materials together in a single mailing using this document cover sheet. Items received without the cover sheet take longer to process and match to your application. 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 recommendation, 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.