Curriculum

Prepare for your career as a professional concertizing artist and pedagogue in a uniquely creative, inclusive environment. In NYU Steinhardt’s unparalleled facilities, you’ll study with world-renowned artist faculty, exploring diverse musical traditions and pedagogical practices. You’ll learn performance practices involving a repertoire spanning three centuries, pedagogical traditions that shape our approach to the instrument, and educational perspectives on the art of performance.

Core course sequence

Designed for mature performers seeking careers in academia as well as the concert hall, this 45-point degree enables you to earn a master of music in Piano Performance (Concentration in Solo Piano) and an advanced certificate in Piano Performance and Pedagogy. This four-semester program combines intensive solo study with pedagogy, providing one-on-one instruction with our internationally regarded artist faculty. You’ll explore coursework in historical and contemporary performance practices and music education, and learn with peers and faculty in The Art of the Piano: Pedagogy and Practice, a course designed specifically for professional artists and those seeking to advance to studies at the doctoral level. Your experience will also include public recitals and collaborative performances, seminars taught by artist faculty, chamber music coaching with internationally renowned faculty, and a vast array of courses in music education, piano performance, and music history, theory, and composition.

Culminating Experience

You will present your degree recital in your final semester. The recital experience includes a research component that examines performance practice from musicological, historical, or pedagogical perspectives.