How to Apply

MM, Music Theory and Composition: Songwriting

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.

You are advised to use this opportunity to include a statement of your songwriting goals, as well.

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.

Portfolio Requirements: 

1. Upload recordings of and lyrics and lead sheets to three (3) songs to which you have significantly contributed (the quality of the recording and/or performance is unimportant). Please provide literal translations of any lyrics written in a language other than English. Additionally, please submit a one-page document with descriptions of your contribution to each song submitted. For example, "For [song title], I wrote the melody and chords. For [song title], I wrote the lyrics and collaborated on the melody." Please upload these elements in the following format: 

   1. Applicant Last Name_Title of Song 1_Audio 

   2. Applicant Last Name_Title of Song 1_Lyric 

   3. Applicant Last Name_Title of Song 1_Chart 

   4. Applicant Last Name_Title of Song 1_Contribution

2. Upload Score 1 and Upload Score 2: 

   Include a note with the following information: "Written Score: A song written by you or someone else, arranged by you for a different group of instruments than you frequently employ. For example, if you tend to write for a rock quartet, please arrange your selection for a string quartet, brass quintet, SATB a cappella voices, etc. If you tend to write for vocal with string quartet, please arrange your selection for a rock band or a different kind of ensemble you frequently use." 

3. Upload a video of you demonstrating your competence on an instrument (for example, keyboard or guitar.) If your primary instrument is voice, it is preferred that you accompany yourself on guitar or keyboard. 

Portfolio materials must be submitted through GetAcceptd 

If you have any questions about the portfolio, please contact nyusongwriting@nyu.edu

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.