How to Apply

MM, Music Theory and Composition: Screen Scoring

You are required to upload a copy of your most recent résumé or curriculum vitae as part of your application.

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.

Submit two letters of recommendation. Be sure to request them well in advance of the deadline. Read detailed instructions on submitting letters of recommendation.

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.

See detailed instructions on submitting transcripts.

Not required.

See testing requirements.

You are required to submit:

•  At least one piece (ideally all your pieces) you submit should demonstrate that you can write music with narrative sensibilities—music that contributes to storytelling by conveying emotion and a mood, conjuring an image, establishing time or place, or suggesting events.
•  Audio or video files and Scores of three to four compositions, tracks, or cues in which you were the original composer and orchestrator.
• A video of yourself, no longer than two minutes, discussing your musical and personal background, and your goals if accepted into the program. Do not score or add background music to this video.
• OPTIONAL: In addition to the above, you may submit up to three movie clips you’ve scored, each no longer than three minutes, or a video compilation reel no longer than three minutes. Video clips need not be from productions for which you were the original composer; you may submit videos that you have re-scored.

Your scores should be created in Sibelius, Finale, or Dorico; meet professional standards; and accurately document your music as recorded.

The audio of your music can be a recording of a performance of the piece, an electronic rendition, or a combination of both.

Here are some guidelines for selecting your music:

• Include your best work regardless of style or aesthetic. You need not restrict your submissions to music that was written for moving images. We will evaluate your portfolio in its entirety.
• In addition to showing your individual voice as a composer, include pieces that exhibit a range of genres, modes of musical expression, or forms.
• Varied instrumentation is a plus. The range of possibilities might include orchestra, chamber group, soloist, electronics, instruments from cultures other than your own, jazz ensemble, or rock band.
• If a piece was intended for live instruments, a recording by live musicians is preferred. However, a good MIDI rendering is acceptable (and is in fact preferable to a mediocre performance by live players). 
• Your optional video clips may include compositions that are also among the required audio submissions. If they do, you still must submit the audio-only versions.
• If you choose to submit a compilation reel, it should contain some of your best work.

Submit Your Portfolio

Portfolio materials must be submitted through GetAcceptd.

If you have any questions about our degree or the portfolio, please contact Dr. Sergi Casanelles at sc2839@nyu.edu or Dr. Ron Sadoff at ron.sadoff@nyu.edu.

All applicants who have submitted a complete application by the application deadline will be contacted during the week of 1/27/2025 - 2/2/2025 to schedule an interview. Late applicants will be interviewed on a case by case basis.

Applicants who are required to submit a ​​proficiency in English test result, must meet the minimum score requirement prior to being contacted to schedule an interview. Applicants who do not meet the minimum score requirement will not be interviewed.

The interviews will be conducted remotely using the Zoom platform, and will last 15 minutes. The interviews will cover a different range of topics, spanning from questions about your portfolio and background, general questions about the field and your interests, and hypothetical questions.

Start your application now

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.

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.

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.

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.