How to Audition

University Application Deadlines

• Early Decision I: November 1, 2024
• Early Decision II: January 1, 2025
• Regular Decision: January 5, 2025
• Internal Transfer Applicants: March 1, 2025
• External Transfer Applicants: March 15, 2025

Submit Your Portfolio

Portfolio must be submitted online via GetAcceptd by the appropriate deadline noted below. 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. When initiating the portfolio submission process on GetAcceptd please make sure to select the correct program group, Music Theory and Composition, and program – Music Theory & Composition: Bachelor of Music (including Concert Music, Screen Scoring, and Songwriting concentrations).

The portfolio must contain:

• Three or four scores of original works in different instrumentation and style, and audio or video recordings of at least two of them. These are some guidelines
  • Scores should be notated by you using a notation software (or by hand). They should not be autogenerated from a DAW. 
  • In addition to a concert piece or a song, you can submit a film, TV, Ad, or videogame score as long as you have a score you created using a notation software (no DAW printouts)
  • 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.
  • Varied instrumentation is a plus, but not required.
• A single video file including:
  • a performance of two pieces in contrasting styles on an instrument of your choice. One of these pieces may be a composition of your own, but at least one (and, if you prefer, both) of them must be a work by a composer other than yourself. 
  • Each performance can be recorded separately if you prefer so, and they could be on different locations.
  • The video should also include an introduction no longer than two minutes discussing your musical and personal background as well as your goals if accepted into the program. 
  • You can record everything as one single take or combine different videos into one. However, the performance and discussion should be uploaded as one file according to our GetAcceptd guidelines
• Optional: Additional materials
  • You have the option to  submit additional examples of your work with visual media (no score is required for this if you created the music in your DAW).
  • You can also submit your scoring reel if you have one as well
• A brief written statement outlining your artistic goals in the program
• Your resume
• Optional: Your college essay. The composition program does not have access to your common app. If you would like us to read your essay, please feel free to include it along with your portfolio materials. This is not required.

Schedule Your Interview

All applicants are required to submit their portfolio materials prior to being invited to a remote interview. Below are specific guidelines for Early Decision I, Early Decision II, Regular, and transfer applicants. Please note that we are only conducting remote (video) interviews for the Early Decision rounds. We will offer the choice of in person or remote interviews for the Regular Decision round. 

Early Decision I

All prospective students applying for Early Decision I are required to have a remote interview. Once you have submitted your application and portfolio, please use our online scheduling system to schedule your interview.

Early Decision II

All prospective students applying for Early Decision II are required to have a remote interview. Once you have submitted your application and portfolio, please use our online scheduling system to schedule your interview.

Regular Decision

Interviews for prospective students applying for regular decision are by invitation only. All prospective students applying for regular decision are required to submit their portfolio materials prior to being invited to interview. After submitting your portfolio, your materials will be reviewed by our faculty. If, following the review, we require an interview, you will be sent an email invitation no later than January 24. We will offer the option of either a remote or in person interview for invited applicants. Instructions for scheduling the interview will be included in the invitation email.

Please be aware that interviews are only requested if the faculty would like more information on an applicant that would warrant an interview. Not being asked to interview does not mean you have been rejected.

Transfer

Interviews for prospective transfer students are by invitation only. All prospective students applying for transfer into the composition program at NYU Steinhardt are required to submit their portfolio materials prior to being invited to interview. After submitting your portfolio, your materials will be reviewed by our faculty. If, following the review, we require an interview, you will be sent an email invitation. We will offer a remote interview for invited applicants. Instructions for scheduling the interview will be included in the invitation email. 

Please be aware that interviews are only requested if the faculty would like more information on an applicant that would warrant an interview. Not being asked to interview does not mean you have been rejected.

Interview Dates

Please note that interviews for Regular Decision and Transfer applicants are by invitation only. See the above section (Schedule Your Interview) for guidelines concerning interviews for all applicant types. Please also note the portfolio deadline for each interview date. Applicants must first submit their portfolios before being invited to interview.

Note for prospective transfer students: Though NYU's deadline for Fall transfer admission is April 1, we suggest that you submit your Common Application and Portfolio at least one month in advance so that faculty can review your materials, and if necessary allow sufficient time to schedule an interview. Please note that interviews for transfer students are by invitation only as outlined above.

Interview Details and Requirements

Interviews will include a short discussion of your background as a musician and composer, your goals for the program, and may include a discussion of works in your portfolio as well as brief testing of music theory fundamentals.

Questions

If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Sergi Casanelles at sergi.casanelles@nyu.edu.