How to Apply

MM, Vocal Performance: Music Theatre

You are required to upload a copy of your most recent résumé or curriculum vitae as part of your application.

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.

Not required.

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.

See detailed instructions on submitting transcripts.

Not required.

See testing requirements.

You are required to submit pre-screening materials to the portfolio section of the online application. The deadline to submit these materials is the same as the application deadline. 

Rather than a single long video, please upload three separate videos to the portfolio section of the online application as part of your audition materials: an introduction, the first song, and the second song. It’s easier for us to review and easier for you to shoot. We will not be influenced by the professional quality of the video. Please do not worry about any elaborate lighting or studio conditions. 

• Introduction: Please say your name clearly, the date, the city you are from, and the songs that you are going to sing. Say the specialization for which you are auditioning (music theatre) and the degree level you would be entering (master's). 
• Your two songs: Your two selections should be complete and contrasting songs. Each selection should be no longer than four minutes. Choose material from music theatre repertoire, but please avoid rock, pop, country, and jazz. We prefer that you have a live pianist accompany you, but due to the current circumstances a recorded track can be used, if necessary (no a cappella singing and no accompanying yourself). Please make sure your voice can be heard above the accompaniment. You may want to try different distances from the sound source until you find the right balance between piano and voice.
• Upload a résumé. This is in addition to the résumé that you will submit as part of the online application. This résumé should reflect a more performance focus to your body of experience. Think “theatre résumé” instead of “academic résumé.”
• Upload a headshot or photograph.

Scheduling an Audition

After uploading the prescreening submission, your materials will be reviewed by our faculty. If, following the review, we require an audition, you will be sent an email invitation, with several choices of dates on which to appear. If you are invited to an audition, you must prepare materials according to the guidelines below. Auditions will be held both on campus and via Zoom. So should you not be able to attend a live audition, you may select to attend a virtual audition instead. A live pianist will be provided for a live audition. However, should you choose to attend a virtual audition a pianist won't be provided, and you must secure your own accompanist to be present during your audition date/time or have an accompaniment track prepared ahead of time for your audition (no karaoke or pre-recorded tracks allowed; tracks must be of a live piano accompaniment only).  

Please be aware that auditions are only requested if the faculty would like more information on an applicant that would warrant an audition. Not being asked to submit an audition does not mean that you have been rejected.

Please know that while prescreen auditions will be reviewed by the faculty on a rolling basis and while every attempt will be made to schedule an audition in a timely manner after the submission of prescreen materials, the possibility exists that an applicant may not receive an invitation until after the final deadline. All invitations will be sent no later than one week following the deadline for prescreen submissions.

2025 Audition Dates:

• Friday, January 31, 2025 (2:30-5:30pm)
• Saturday, February 8, 2025 (10:00am-1:00pm & 2:00-5:00pm) 
• Saturday, February 22, 2025 (10:00am-1:00pm & 2:00-5:00pm)
• Saturday, March 1, 2025 (10:00am-1:00pm & 2:00-5:00pm)

Repertoire

• Three contrasting songs

  • Prepare three songs, one from each timespan (pre-1965, 1965-1990, and 1990 to the current day), that demonstrate your vocal, interpretive, and stylistic knowledge. Choose material from music theatre repertoire – please avoid rock, pop, country, and jazz. Be sure to demonstrate proficiency in head-voice style of vocalism using legato lines in one of your selections. We are looking for musical accuracy and appropriate/healthy registration choices that are in keeping with the composer's intentions. 

  • Select the song you are most comfortable with to sing first. The committee will then make requests from your list which may include a cut of a second. In all likelihood, you will not sing all three songs.

  • These songs must be memorized and should be no more than 4 minutes in duration - cuts of 32 bars or more are welcome. 

  • Note: While some movement may be naturally incorporated into your songs, do not choreograph or over-stage your selections. 

  • The first criterion for acceptance into this program is vocal ability and potential, so, please focus on using your voice in communicating the text in the most grounded and effective manner possible.

• One monologue performed from memory – Please come to your audition with a monologue prepared, should the panel choose to request a performance of it after you perform your song selection/s.
  • Select a monologue (no more than two minutes in length) that allows you to make strong acting choices.
  • A monologue should take you and your audience on a journey of who your character was at the beginning versus at the end of the song.
  • Pick age-appropriate material, and do not do your monologue with any kind of accent or dialect. We need to hear standard speech with good English diction.

Start your application now

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.

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.

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.

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.