Curriculum

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.

Exceptions:

• PhD students in Music Technology are exempt from these requirements.
• Students matriculating in the Screen Scoring concentration in Music Theory and Composition for the 2025-26 and 2026-27 academic years are exempt from the music history requirement.
• Music Therapy students are exempt from the music history requirement. They are required to take the music theory entrance exam. Based on exam results, remediation is determined and fulfilled within the Music Therapy program.
• Music Therapy Focus/Music Education PhD program students who have graduated from the NYU MA music therapy program are exempt from again meeting the history/theory requirements. This exemption also applies to students who have graduated from an American Music Therapy Association approved master's music therapy program.

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