How to Apply

PhD, Music Education: For College and University Faculty

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.

Please provide two examples of your writing, such as essays that were written for master's study, that best represent your ability to conduct scholarly research and writing.

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

Interviews will be scheduled on an individual basis between January and February with the doctoral Music Education faculty. Contact Dr. Jason Thompson at jdt9583nyu.edu with any questions. If you cannot interview in person, you may schedule a live video interview online. All materials must clearly indicate the applicant's name and NYU ID Number (if applicable), the program applied to, and the contents of the file. All submissions should be received by December 1 or as soon as possible after the submitted application.

An audition is required. All prospective doctoral students must apply for admission to NYU Steinhardt before scheduling an audition. Contact Dr. Jason Thompson at jdt9583nyu.edu with any questions.

If you cannot audition in person, you may submit an audition video online. All materials must clearly indicate the applicant's name and NYU ID Number (if applicable), the program applied to, and the contents of the file. All submissions should be received by December 1 or as soon as possible after the submitted application.

• Please prepare three pieces in contrasting styles.  

• If you are a composer, provide recorded examples of your compositions and/or scores.

• If you need an accompanist, please indicate this when you sign up for your audition (check the box on your audition form).

• Bring the following to your audition:

  • A list of your repertoire

  • The names of teachers with whom you have studied

  • The repertoire (with composers) that you will be performing for the audition

  • Two examples of your writing (e.g., essays that were written for MA work that best represent your ability to conduct scholarly research and writing)

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.

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 March or early April for fall enrollment. You may learn of your decision before or after this timeline.