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Music and Performing Arts Professions

The Department of Music and Performing Arts Professions (MPAP) offers a supportive environment in which to explore interdisciplinary endeavors in Performance and Composition, Music Business and Arts Administration, Music Technology, Creative Arts Therapies, and Arts in Education. Together, students and faculty engage in professional, scholarly, and artistic practices that capture international attention and serve as models for progress.

Academic Programs

Performance

Pursue your passions and build your skills while studying with our renowned artist faculty in a supportive and challenging environment offering innovative coursework and unparalleled performance opportunities.

Music Business and Arts Administration

Build on your background in the creative arts by studying with top industry leaders who offer dedicated mentorship. Develop into an arts innovator who is ready to lead -- graduate with future-focused skills and strong career opportunities.

Arts Education and Therapy

Combine your love of music, drama, and dance with a career that is life-changing in the lives of students and clients. Create transformative educational opportunities and make a difference through opportunities that are culturally responsible, creative, and effective.

Music Composition and Technology

Be on the forefront of today’s creative technologies and learn from leading recording industry professionals.  Master your knowledge across a variety of media and collaborate with your peers on projects that build your skills and portfolio.

Fall 2024 Cohort at a Glance

Students (1,612)

  • Undergraduate Students 50%
  • Graduate Students 50%
PhD student playing guitar

"My main area of interest is cultural humility in music therapy practice. I am continually curious about the cultural identity of both therapist and therapy participant within the therapeutic process, particularly because of how music can be so culturally salient. - Jasmine E., Music Education with Specialization in Music Therapy (PhD`27)

Domestic & International

  • Domestic 71%
  • International 29%
Student in Vocal Performance headshot

"The Vocal Performance faculty have helped me realize who I am as an artist and have opened doors to career paths I never would have dreamed possible." - Abby T., Musical Theatre Vocal Performance (MM`25)

"I’m interested in music software development and exploring new possibilities in computer music and installation arts. My focus is on creating innovative sound experiences." - Rahn C., Music Technology Dual Degree Program (BM, MM `26)
PhD screen scoring student Stefan Thomas

"My research focuses on the contributions of African American film composers and how the growth of streaming platforms has shaped and amplified their success in the industry." - Stefan T., Screen Scoring (PhD student)

Race & Ethnicity

  • Asian 21%
  • Black 5%
  • Hispanic 13%
  • International 27%
  • Two or More Races 5%
  • White 36%
  • N/A 14%
Student posing in front of piano holding french horn

"Brass is a community. We support, encourage, and challenge each other to be our best. I am so grateful to collaborate with such incredible colleagues. We'll maintain these connections throughout our careers." - Ella C., Instrumental Performance (BA ’25)

Undergraduate Areas of Study

  • Performance 34%
  • Music Business and Arts Administration 28%
  • Arts Education and Therapy 5%
  • Music Composition and Technology 33%
String student Anna Pavlou

"I've learned individuality is so important. You don't want everyone to play the same way because then it would be like AI and that's not what music and art is about." - Anna P, String Studies (MM`25)

Graduate Areas of Study

  • Performance 24%
  • Music Business and Arts Administration 22%
  • Arts Education and Therapy 22%
  • Music Composition and Technology 32%
Educational Theatre student in graduation gown on NY street

“I've worked in directing, lighting design, and stagecraft. Educational Theatre has challenged me to adapt what I know from working and learning into lessons I can take and use to train students. - Mason E. (BS '24/MA '25)

News and Events

Cool Course Dispatch: Physical Theatre and Improvisation

Steinhardt’s Educational Theatre course layers words, sounds, and movement in exercises that free students' imaginations and help them develop performance skills.

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Two Remain, the Story of Two Auschwitz Survivors

Two Remain is an opera based, in part, on two survivors of Auschwitz: Krystyna Zywulska, a Polish dissident, author and lyricist, and Gad Beck, a Jewish homosexual.

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MARL Faculty Win $700,000 NIH Grant

Two faculty members from Steinhardt's Music and Audio Research Laboratory will study the feasibility of an intentional music listening intervention for stroke patients’ mental health recovery.

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CBA Fellow Deborah Damast to Study Dance and Leadership

As a 2024–2025 Resident Fellow at the Center for Ballet and the Arts, Damast will study how movement can be employed to enhance leadership skills in young women.

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Billboard’s Top 2024 List Includes Music Business Program

Billboard’s 2024 list of Top Music Business Schools included the NYU Steinhardt Music Business Program. We congratulate Larry Miller, Director, Music Business, and the program's faculty, for receiving this honor.

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Joe Henry and Ella Bric Are 2024–25 NYU Steinhardt Artists-in-Residence

Henry and Bric will meet with students and perform during their three-day visits.

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Educational Theatre Student Olivia Qian on Why Her Research Can’t Wait

Olivia Qian and other NYU undergraduate students are gaining meaningful lab and field experience long before grad school.

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Adam D-F. Stevens (MA ’18) Named 2024 Steinhardt Disruptor of the Year

The Spirit of Steinhardt Awards recognize alumni who are Disruptors, Visionaries, and Ascending Champions of our global community.

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Alum DJ Cuppy Creates Fund for Grad Students

The Cuppy Africa Steinhardt Scholars Fund will help Steinhardt graduate students thrive during their education.

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Percussion instruments being played by students in Paulson Center
DEPARTMENT OF

Music and Performing Arts Professions

35 W. 4th Street, 2nd Floor
New York, NY 10012
212-998-5424
mpap@nyu.edu