Combining intensive performance with related academic study, this master of music program prepares accomplished musicians for a career in professional music performance or music research. You will study closely with renowned faculty and participate in numerous performance opportunities. A concentration in Jazz Instrumental Performance is also available.
Official Degree Title
Master of Music in Instrumental Performance with a Focus on Woodwind Studies
Degree
MM
Application Deadline
Spring Start:
October 1
Summer or Fall Start:
January 6
Plan Code
MUIP
Credits
36
Format
Full-time
Contact
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.
Your application will require the following items. The following are acceptable document types for uploads: .pdf, .jpeg, .jpg, .gif, .tiff, .png, .doc, .docx, and bitma
1. Prepare Your Application
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
Submit two letters of recommendation. Be sure to request them well in advance of the deadline. Read detailed instructions on submitting letters of recommendation.
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.
Prescreening
The Woodwind Studies program requires a pre-screening video to be submitted through GetAcceptd. A pianist is not required for the prescreening video.
We encourage prospective students to upload their prescreening videos to GetAcceptd by December 1 for Fall enrollment. Those who meet this deadline will be notified of their results by December 20. Applicants who submit prescreening videos between December 2 and January 6 will receive notification of their results before February 1.
Flute
Two contrasting selections (selections may include an individual movement from different works or single movements works)
Oboe, Bassoon and Saxophone
Two standard etudes of contrasting styles
Two standard orchestral excerpts of your choosing
Clarinet
Two contrasting etudes showing the applicant's level of technical and lyrical ability
2-3 standard orchestral excerpts
Doublers
One short etude on each of your doubles
Questions about pre-screening materials can be directed to
mpap-woodwind-studies@nyu.edu
Audition
Scheduling an audition:
Invitations to schedule a live audition will be sent by January 2025. A pianist is not required for the audition..
Audition dates:
Saturday, February 22, 2025 and Sunday, February 23, 2025
Questions about the audition can be directed to mpap-woodwind-studies@nyu.edu.
Audition Requirements:
Flute
Mozart: Concerto in G major, K. 313 or D major, K. 314, movement one exposition
Work of applicant’s choice
Work from 20th/21st century
2 contrasting orchestral excerpts
Oboe, Bassoon and Saxophone
Two movements of a sonata from the standard repertoire
First or last movement from a standard concerto and/or other virtuosic solo piece
Clarinet
One major solo work with or without accompaniment
Two contrasting movements from a standard concerto
A work by a composer from underrepresented gender, racial, ethnic, or cultural heritages
4 standard orchestral excerpts
Doublers
One movement from a sonata on primary instrument
One etude or excerpt on each of your doubles
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.