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Curriculum

PhD, Music Performance and Composition: Composers

How to Apply

Create a personalized program of study while conducting cutting-edge research in music composition, working closely with world-renowned composers. You will engage in collaborative projects with artists and professionals in related fields, broadening your perspectives and relating your own music-making activities to diverse cultural contexts and intellectual traditions

Core Course Sequence

The PhD in Musical Performance for composers consists of a minimum of 49 credits credits of graduate-level coursework, reflecting a personalized course of study directed by your artistic and personal goals. Throughout, you'll be involved in the performance of your own works, in concerts and readings by NYU student and faculty ensembles, performers-in-residence, and guest artists. In weekly Composers Forums, you'll work with world-renowned composers and performers. You will have countless opportunities to collaborate with performers, dancers, actors, and multimedia applications. Interfacing with colleagues in Music Technology, Jazz Studies, and Instrumental and Vocal Performance, and immersing yourself in the new music life of New York City, you’ll find inspiration and develop valuable professional networks. 

Culminating Experience 

Guided by faculty mentors, you will write and defend a dissertation, and curate a final recital of your compositions. 

Program Requirements

This degree program requires 49–55 credits for graduation covering foundations and departmental seminars, specialized research and research methods courses (as appropriate for your dissertation research), cognates (courses outside your specialization), applied study, recitals, guided electives, and dissertation proposal seminars.

Additional credits may be required as the result of diagnostic and candidacy exams. Diagnostic exams are administered for all incoming graduate students. These diagnostic examinations assess achievement in music theory and music history and are mandatory. Additional course requirements over and above the minimal degree requirements may be required as a result of this assessment of individual performance. No transfer credits from other institutions are allowed for doctoral students.

Course Title Credits
Major Requirements
Foundations (two 3-credit courses for a total of 6 credits)6
Specialized Research3
Cognates (two 3-credit courses for a total of 6 credits)6
Departmental Content Seminar 3
Dissertation Proposal Seminar3
Advised Research Courses (five 3-credit courses for a total of 15 credits)15
Recital 13
Applied Study (Private lessons) (taken for 6-12 credits)6-12
Guided Electives 24
Total Credits49-55

Note: Remedial Coursework may be recommended as a result of testing and additional electives may be recommended based on the results of the candidacy examination. Undergraduate level courses may not be credited toward degree requirements.

1

Performers take this for 4 total credits; Composers take this for 3 total credits. 

2

Performers take this for 3 credits; Composers take this for 4 credits.

Sample Plan of Study

Plan of Study Grid
1st Semester/TermCredits
Foundations Course 3
Guided Elective 3
Cognate 3
Research Course 3
10 hours/week on research  
 Credits12
2nd Semester/Term
Foundations Course 3
Departmental Seminar 3
Guided Elective 1
Research Course 3
Applied Study 2
10 hours/week on research  
 Credits12
3rd Semester/Term
Cognate Course 3
Research Course 3
Applied Study 3
Recital Preparation 3
10 hours/week on research and preparing for candidacy  
 Credits12
4th Semester/Term
Research Course 3
Specialized Research Methodology 3
Applied Study 6
10-15 hours/week on research and preparing for recital  
 Credits12
5th Semester/Term
Dissertation Proposal Seminar 3
Applied Study 1
Recital - Seminar in Music 3
20 hours/week on research and preparing for recital + Full Time Equivalency  
 Credits7
6th Semester/Term
MAINT-GE 4747 Maintenance of Matriculation 0
20 hours/week on research + Full Time Equivalency  
 Credits0
 Total Credits55

Following completion of the required coursework for the PhD, students are expected to maintain active status at New York University by enrolling in a research/writing course or a Maintain Matriculation (MAINT-GE 4747) course.  All non-course requirements must be fulfilled prior to degree conferral, although the specific timing of completion may vary from student-to-student.

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