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Curriculum

MM, Instrumental Performance (Woodwind Studies)

How to Apply

Prepare for your career as a professional woodwind performer 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 performance practices. While developing your technique and musicianship, you’ll be mentored by dedicated educators, internationally acclaimed  artists, and respected commercial, symphonic, and chamber performers at the top of their fields. 

Core Course Sequence

Our flexible curriculum offers unique opportunities for you to refine your craft. You’ll receive one-on-one instruction and mentorship with our internationally regarded artist faculty, benefiting from their expertise in master class settings and repertoire classes. As an ensemble performer, you’ll engage with a variety of chamber groups  and appear with the NYU Symphony,  NYU Broadway Orchestra, and NYU Contemporary Music Ensemble.  Additional orchestral experiences are available through fully staged opera and music theatre productions, studio recordings, and screen scoring projects, directed by leading industry professionals. Throughout your time at NYU, you'll increase the breadth of your repertoire and the depth of your knowledge, working closely with faculty mentors and engaging with your peers across programs such as Instrumental Performance, Vocal Performance, Jazz, and Composition.

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.

Course Title Credits
Required Courses
Applied Instrument
MPAWW-GE 2111Wind Instrmnt (Private Lessons) 112
Performance
4 credits from a combination of the following: 24
MPAGC-GE 2087
NYU Orchestra
MPAWW-GE 2083
NYU Wind Symphony:
Woodwind Ensemble2
Repertoire Class
Students will take the course below that corresponds to their primary instrument every semester for 4 semesters.8
MPAWW-GE 2141
Flute and Piano
MPAWW-GE 2142
Clarinet and Piano Repertoire
MPAWW-GE 2143
Double Reed Repertoire
MPAWW-GE 2144
Saxophone and Piano Repertoire
Culminating Experience
MPAWW-GE 2181Graduate Recital in Woodwinds1
Electives
Select 9 credits by advisement9
Total Credits36
1

Students complete 3 credits each semester for 4 semesters.  Students who have not declared 2 primary instruments can only take one 2 credit secondary lesson.

2

Orchestra or Wind Ensemble is required for woodwind students each semester of attendance.  Placement is determined by auditions.

Sample Plan of Study

Plans of study for all instrument areas are similar to the sample below for percussion studies.

Plan of Study Grid
1st Semester/TermCredits
MPAPS-GE 2111 Percussion Instrmnt (Private Lessons 3
MPAME-GE 2021 Music Reference and Research Materials 3
MPAPS-GE 2131 Percussion Ensembles 1
MPAGC-GE 2087 NYU Orchestra 1
MPAPS-GE 2151 Percussion Laboratory 1
 Credits9
2nd Semester/Term
MPAPS-GE 2111 Percussion Instrmnt (Private Lessons 3
MPATC-GE XXXXTheory Seminar 3
MPAPS-GE 2131 Percussion Ensembles 1
MPAGC-GE 2087 NYU Orchestra 1
MPAPS-GE 2151 Percussion Laboratory 1
 Credits9
3rd Semester/Term
MPAPS-GE 2111 Percussion Instrmnt (Private Lessons 3
MPAXX-GE XXXXCore Elective 3
MPAPS-GE 2131 Percussion Ensembles 1
MPAGC-GE 2087 NYU Orchestra 1
MPAPS-GE 2151 Percussion Laboratory 1
 Credits9
4th Semester/Term
MPAPS-GE 2111 Percussion Instrmnt (Private Lessons 3
MPAPS-GE 2131 Percussion Ensembles 1
MPAGC-GE 2087 NYU Orchestra 1
MPAPS-GE 2151 Percussion Laboratory 1
MPAPS-GE 2181 Graduate Recital in Percussion 1
MPAXX-GE XXXXElective(s) 2
 Credits9
 Total Credits36

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