Basic competence in music theory and music history is a prerequisite for most graduate students in the NYU Steinhardt Department of Music and Performing Arts Professions. This page provides information about these requirements, including which students they apply to and any supplemental coursework that may be required based on exam results and transcript review.
Note: Information outlined below applies to students who begin coursework in Fall 2027 or later. Students who began coursework prior to this date should see this page for relevant theory and history entrance requirements.
Music Theory Entrance Requirements
Incoming graduate students must complete a music theory diagnostic exam either as part of the graduate application process or before registering for their first semester of study. Students who do not demonstrate the required level of competency on the exam must complete foundational music theory coursework in addition to other degree requirements.
Who is required to take the music theory diagnostic exam?
The music theory entrance requirement applies to students entering master’s, PhD, or DMA programs in the following areas:
- Instrumental Performance (Western Concert Music & Jazz)
- Music Composition (Concert Music, Songwriting, and Screen Scoring)
- Music Education
- Music Technology (Master’s program only)
- Piano Studies
- Vocal Performance
- Music Therapy
Who is exempt from the music theory entrance requirement?
The following students are exempt from the music theory entrance requirement:
- Music Technology PhD applicants are exempt from the music theory diagnostic exam and supplemental music theory coursework.
- Music Therapy and Music Education PhD students who have previously completed a qualifying master’s degree in music therapy are exempt from repeating the history/theory requirements. This includes students who have completed the NYU MA in Music Therapy or a master’s degree in music therapy from an American Music Therapy Association-approved program. Music Therapy students must still complete the diagnostic exam. However, they are exempt from department-level foundational music theory and/or music history coursework. Based on their exam results, any required foundational coursework will be determined and completed within the Music Therapy program.
- Students who have completed a music degree in the NYU Steinhardt Department of Music and Performing Arts Professions within the previous five years are exempt from additional foundational music theory coursework if they have:
- completed a BM degree within the department; or
- earned a passing score on a previous graduate MPAP music theory entrance exam; or
- successfully completed the review coursework required as a result of a previous graduate MPAP music theory entrance exam.
Important: PhD and DMA applicants must complete the current diagnostic music theory exam as part of the graduate application process, even if they meet the exemption described above. Students who qualify for this exemption will not, however, be required to complete additional foundational music theory coursework.
What content is included on the exam?
The diagnostic exam gauges students’ knowledge of music fundamentals, written theory, and aural skills. The Music Theory Entrance Exam website provides a detailed breakdown of the content included in each section, as well as practice exams and recommended study material.
When must the exam be completed?
- DMA and PhD applicants: The diagnostic exam must be completed as part of the graduate application process, no later than the first week of December for Fall enrollment.
- All other students: The diagnostic exam must be completed at least one week before registering for the first semester of study.
What happens if a student does not pass the exam? Are retakes allowed?
Students who do not pass the exam (or portions thereof) will be required to complete some or all of the following courses based on their exam results:
- Music Fundamentals (available as a 0-credit independent study or a 2-credit undergraduate-level course)
- Graduate Review of Music Theory (1 credit)
- Graduate Review of Aural Skills (1 credit)
Students who do not pass the exam may retake it once. The retake must be completed before the start of the student’s first semester of study. Students who wish to retake the exam should contact the Music Theory & History Program at smusic.theory@nyu.edu.
Students required to complete Music Fundamentals may choose to complete an asynchronous, online, 0-credit course. This course must be completed and passed within one semester. Students who do not pass the 0-credit course by the end of the first semester must complete the 2-credit Music Fundamentals course in the following semester. The 2-credit course does not count toward graduate degree requirements and will incur an additional 2-credit course fee.
Information on how to check exam results and register for assigned foundational coursework is available on the results page of the Music Theory Entrance Exam website.
Other Questions?
Questions about the diagnostic exam or foundational music theory coursework may be directed to the Music Theory & History Program at smusic.theory@nyu.edu.
Music History Requirements
Incoming graduate music students who have completed at least two 2-credit music history courses as part of an undergraduate or graduate degree before beginning study at NYU are exempt from supplemental foundational music history coursework.
Students who have not completed the required coursework must complete additional music history coursework as determined by their program of study.
Which graduate students are subject to the music history requirement?
The music history requirement applies to students enrolling in Masters, DMA, and PhD programs in the following areas:
- Instrumental Performance (Western Concert Music & Jazz)
- Piano Studies
- Vocal Performance
- Music Technology (Master’s program only; PhD applicants are exempt)
How is the music history requirement assessed?
The student’s program advisor will review the student’s transcript to determine whether previous music history coursework meets the requirement. To qualify, music history courses must have been completed within the previous 10 years.
Students who have completed graduate-level music history coursework more than 10 years ago may still be eligible to waive some or all of the requirement if they have substantial recent experience teaching college-level music history and/or extensive recent published writing on music history topics. Students who believe they may qualify for an exception should contact their assigned academic advisor and the Music Theory & History Program at smusic.theory@nyu.edu to request a review. Supporting materials may include publications, course syllabi, and a resume or CV.
What happens if a student has not met the music history requirement?
Students who have not completed the required foundational music history coursework must complete one 2-credit graduate-level music history course offered through the department. A list of eligible music history courses is available on the Music Theory & History Entrance Exam website. DMA students must complete a music historical methods course.
Students should consult with their academic advisors to determine the most appropriate music history course for their degree program. Graduate-level history courses may be used to fulfill graduate degree requirements.
Additional Information
Students who are required to complete supplemental coursework in music theory or music history should begin this coursework during their first semester of study whenever possible, so that it does not delay progress toward their degree.
Supplemental coursework may be taken on a pass/fail basis, except where pass/fail grading is prohibited by the student’s program of study. Information about pass/fail grading options is available on the NYU Steinhardt Registration Policy page.
Questions about the music theory entrance exam or supplemental music theory and music history requirements may be directed to the Music Theory & History Program at smusic.theory@nyu.edu. Other questions regarding entrance requirements should be directed to the student’s assigned program advisor.