Admissions Requirements
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.
All Fall semester performance applicants who wish to be considered for talent-based scholarship awards must submit their application materials by January 6. Once deadlines have passed, you may be considered for admission on a space-available basis and for talent-based scholarships if funds remain available. US students should also file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by March 1 to be considered for student loans and other school-based scholarships.
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.
1. Prepare Your Application
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.
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
You are required to upload a typed, double-spaced, two- to three-page statement explaining your purpose in undertaking graduate study in this particular program as part of your application. This is your opportunity to introduce yourself and to inform the admissions committee about your goals, interests, and career plans as they relate to your intended academic pursuits.
Letters of Recommendation
Not required.
Transcripts
Upload one official copy of transcripts from every postsecondary institution (college/university) you have attended or are attending. Please note: This includes transcripts from institutions where you received transfer credits or did not complete a degree. Make sure to request an official copy of the transcript(s) in advance of the deadline.
Transfer Credits
We understand accepted transfer credits may be clearly listed on your degree awarding institution’s transcript. The Office of Graduate Admissions still requires a transcript from the initial credit-granting institution where you took the course(s). Delay in listing and uploading these transcripts can significantly delay the application review process.
Institutions Outside the US or Canada
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 international credentials 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.
Pre-Screening Materials
Not required.
Audition
Scheduling an audition
After submitting your NYU Steinhardt graduate application, please contact Professors Jonathan Haas (jonathan.haas@nyu.edu) and Sean Statser (sjs512@nyu.edu) to schedule a live audition date and time. Should you be unable to attend a live audition at NYU, applicants may submit audition videos through GetAcceptd.
Audition dates
Thursday, February 13, 2025
Sunday, February 16, 2025
Thursday, February 20, 2025
Sunday, February 23, 2025
Thursday, February 27, 2025
Friday, February 28, 2025
Sunday, March 2, 2025
* If you are unavailable for the audition dates above, additional dates can be scheduled on a case-by-case basis with Professors Haas and Statser.
* We would like to have the opportunity to engage in a question-and-answer session regarding your goals and interests; this is also a great time for you to ask us any questions you may have about the Percussion Studies program and studying at NYU.
Audition requirements
- Marimba
- One major work from the four-mallet solo marimba repertoire
- Snare drum
- One solo from the Delecluse 12 Etudes of applicant’s choosing
- Timpani
- One Carter Solo of applicant’s choosing
- Multi solo
- One solo from the major percussion repertoire of applicant’s choosing
- Orchestra excerpts:
- One major work each, of applicant’s choosing, for
- Xylophone
- Snare drum
- Timpani
- One major work each, of applicant’s choosing, for
- Chamber Music
- Prepare Metric Lips (Marimba 1) - You will play this in your audition with members of the NYU Percussion Chamber Music Ensemble
The above list represents suggestions of possible audition repertoire, not required; you are welcome to perform works of your choosing and we encourage applicants to present selections that best represent their skill sets and interests. If you have questions about your selected repertoire, please reach out to Professors Jonathan Haas (jonathan.haas@nyu.edu) and Sean Statser (sjs512@nyu.edu) in advance of your audition or video recording.
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.
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.