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MM, Instrumental Performance (String Studies)

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MM, Instrumental Performance

In NYU’s unparalleled performing, recording, and practice facilities, you’ll acquire the diverse, competitive skills required to succeed as a concertizing and recording artist. You will receive intensive one-on-one instruction with internationally acclaimed performers and pedagogues, develop your technical and interpretive skills, and perform regularly both on campus and off. Engaging with your peers and faculty mentors across programs, you will access a powerful network of artistic inspiration and professional opportunity.

Core Course Sequence

Towards completing 36 points of graduate-level coursework, you will work with your advisor to tailor your curriculum towards your individual career goals. Curricular opportunities include one-on-one private instruction, technique and repertoire classes, and chamber music coachings with world-renowned performers. You will have opportunities to perform with the NYU Broadway Orchestra, NYU Orchestra, Baroque Ensemble, and Contemporary Music Ensemble, and be featured in fully staged music theatre productions and operas. You’ll become versed in performance practices of all eras, participating in master classes, curated performances, and collaborations with the Programs in Instrumental and Vocal Performance, Composition, Jazz Studies, and Composition: Screen Scoring, Concert Music, and Songwriting. Within a flexible curriculum, you can select additional coursework in Music Education, Music Technology, Screen Scoring, Songwriting, Performing Arts Administration, and Music Business.  

Culminating Experience

You will present your degree recital in your final semester, demonstrating your mastery over your instrument and technique, as well as the breadth of your interpretive skills and your unique performance aesthetic. Our performers graduate prepared for opportunities onstage, in academia, and in the non-profit and commercial sectors, aware of the changing roles and responsibilities of today’s performing musicians. 

Course Title Credits
Required Courses
Applied Instrument (4 Semesters)
MPASS-GE 2111Stringed Instruments (Private Lessons) 112
Ensemble/Chamber Music/Performance and Repertoire Classes
Select 14-17 credits by advisement of the following:14-17
MPAGC-GE 2087
NYU Orchestra 2
MPASS-GE 2112
Alexander Technique (Private Lessons)
MPASS-GE 2131
Instrumental Techniques and Materials: Chamber Music
MPASS-GE 2133
Masterclass
MPASS-GE 2134
Audition Class
MPASS-GE 2135
Improvisation Class
MPASS-GE 2141
Violin Class
MPASS-GE 2142
Viola Class
MPASS-GE 2143
Cello Class
MPASS-GE 2144
Bass Class
MPASS-GE 2145
Harp Class
MPASS-GE 2151
Violin Orchestral Repertoire
MPASS-GE 2152
Viola Orchestral Repertoire
MPASS-GE 2153
Cello Orchestral Repertoire
MPASS-GE 2154
Bass Orchestral Repertoire
MPASS-GE 2155
Harp Orchestral Repertoire
MPASS-GE 2171
Violin Technique Class
MPASS-GE 2172
Viola Technique Class
MPASS-GE 2174
Bass Technique Class
MPASS-GE 2175
Harp Technique Class
Culminating Experience
MPASS-GE 2181Graduate Recital in Strings1
Electives
Select 6-9 credits by advisement.6-9
Total Credits36
1

Students take this 3 credit course every semester for a total of 12 credits. 

2

All string students are required to register for NYU Orchestra for 1 credit each semester for 4 semesters.

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

Course Title Credits
Music Theory Courses
MPATC-GE 2301Music Fundamentals2
MPATC-GE 2232Graduate Review of Tonal Theory1
MPATC-GE 2035Graduate Review of Aural Skills1
Music History Courses
MPATC-GE 2067Music History I: Medieval & Renaissance2
MPATC-GE 2068Music History II: Baroque & Classical2
MPATC-GE 2077Music History III: Romantic2
MPATC-GE 2078Music History IV: Twentieth Century2
MPATC-GE 2323Global Soundscapes: A Survey of Musical Traditions2
MPATC-GE 2248Music History: Gender and Sexuality in Music2
MPATC-GE 2550Screen Music: History, Analysis, and Aesthetics.2
MPATC-GE 2086Music of East and Southeast Asia, Past and Present2
MPAJZ-GE 2121Jazz History2
MPATE-GE 2138Global Electronic Music I3
MPATC-GE 2079Music History: Music & Protest2
American Music History
Plan of Study Grid
1st Semester/TermCredits
MPASS-GE 2111 Stringed Instruments (Private Lessons) 3
MPAGC-GE 2087 NYU Orchestra 1
Ensemble/Chamber Music/Performance and Repertoire 5
 Credits9
2nd Semester/Term
MPASS-GE 2111 Stringed Instruments (Private Lessons) 3
MPAGC-GE 2087 NYU Orchestra 1
Ensemble/Chamber Music/Performance and Repertoire 2
Electives 3
 Credits9
3rd Semester/Term
MPASS-GE 2111 Stringed Instruments (Private Lessons) 3
MPAGC-GE 2087 NYU Orchestra 1
Ensemble/Chamber Music/Performance and Repertoire 2
Electives 3
 Credits9
4th Semester/Term
MPASS-GE 2111 Stringed Instruments (Private Lessons) 3
MPAGC-GE 2087 NYU Orchestra 1
MPASS-GE 2181 Graduate Recital in Strings 1
Ensemble/Chamber Music/Performance and Repertoire 1
Electives 3
 Credits9
 Total Credits36

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