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Curriculum

PhD, Music Performance and Composition: Performers

How to Apply

Working closely with internationally recognized faculty in NYU’s unparalleled performing, practicing, and recording facilities, you will explore a personalized program of study tailored to your specific interests and goals. 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. Immersing yourself in the new music life of New York City, you’ll find inspiration and activate valuable professional networks.

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. You’ll benefit from private instruction and coaching in chamber music with internationally renowned artists. You’ll also select from coursework in neighboring fields like psychology, performance studies, historical musicology, ethnomusicology, media, arts education and technology, and the social sciences. You’ll broaden your perspective and understand your own music-making activities in relation to a variety of cultural contexts and intellectual traditions, gaining expertise not only as a top-caliber performer, but as an interdisciplinary scholar, educator, and ambassador for the arts.

Culminating Experience 

Guided by faculty mentors, you will present two degree recitals, and also write and defend a scholarly dissertation. 

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
Select two 3-credit courses, for a total of 6 credits6
Research Methodology
Select one course, by advisement3
Cognates
Select two 3-credit courses, for a total of 6 credits6
Departmental Content Seminar
Performers take Ensemble course(s), by advisement. Composers take Seminar in Composition, by advisement.3
Dissertation Proposal Seminar
MPAIA-GE 3097Dissertation Proposal Seminar3
Specialized Research
Students take 15 credits in specialized research, by advisement15
Recital
MPAIA-GE 3402DMA Recital1
MPAxx-GE xxxx Independent Study2
Applied Study (Private Lessons)
Students take 6-12 credits of private lessons6-12
Guided Electives
Select 4 credits of guided electives, by advisement4
Total Credits49-55

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.

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

Sample Plan of Study

Plan of Study Grid
1st Semester/TermCredits
Foundations Course 3
Guided Elective 3
Cognate 3
Specialized Research Course 3
 Credits12
2nd Semester/Term
Foundations Course 3
Specialized Research Course 3
Specialized Research Course 3
MPAIA-GE 3402 DMA Recital 1
Applied Study 3
 Credits13
3rd Semester/Term
Specialized Research Course 3
Specialized Research Course 3
Department Content Seminar 3
Cognate 3
 Credits12
4th Semester/Term
Research Methodology Course 3
Applied Study 3
Guided Elective 1
Recital (Independent Study) 2
 Credits9
5th Semester/Term
MPAIA-GE 3097 Dissertation Proposal Seminar 3
 Credits3
 Total Credits49

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.