Prepare for your career as a professional percussionist in a uniquely creative, inclusive environment. In NYU Steinhardt’s unparalleled facilities, you’ll study with world-renowned artist faculty, exploring diverse musical traditions in concert music, contemporary musics, and jazz. In the context of our flexible curriculum, you'll increase the breadth of your repertoire and the depth of your knowledge, working closely with faculty mentors. Our program prepares graduates to act as musical innovators and teaching artists, changemakers, practitioner-scholars, and policy makers in communities, schools, and performing arts institutions worldwide.
Core Course Sequence
While developing your technique and musicianship, you’ll be mentored by dedicated educators, internationally acclaimed artists, and respected commercial, symphonic, and chamber performers. You will participate in the NYU Percussion Ensemble, NYU Percussion Chamber Music Ensemble, NYU Steel, and NYU African Gyil and Percussion Ensemble. The NYU Symphony, NYU Broadway Orchestra, and NYU Contemporary Music Ensemble are just a few of the ensembles open to graduate students . Additional orchestral experiences are available through fully staged opera and music theatre productions, studio recordings, and screen scoring projects, directed by leading industry professionals. You’ll also engage with your peers across programs such as Instrumental Performance, Vocal Performance, Jazz, Composition, Dance Education, and Music Technology, accessing a powerful network of artistic inspiration and professional opportunity.
Culminating Experience
You will present a solo master's recital in your final semester. The recital experience includes a research component that examines performance practice from musicological, historical, or interdisciplinary perspectives.