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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.

Spring 2024 Cohort at a Glance

Students (1,514)

  • Undergraduate Students 52%
  • Graduate Students 48%
Music technology student headshot with violet background

“My specialization has been in sound design and immersive audio. I'm currently developing my thesis which focuses on 3D game audio and player's perception." - Tricia P., Music Technology (MM`24)

Domestic & International

  • Domestic 73%
  • International 27%
Student headshot with violet background

"I strive to express emotions, messages, concepts, and quality of life by exploring different genres and styles of music. This allows me to use heavy textures in my compositions." - Brandon M., Concert Composition (MM`24)

"Choosing Steinhardt was one of the best decisions I've ever made." - Nicole Zuraitis (BM`17), 2024 Grammy-winner for Best Jazz Vocal Album
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"We create a network with fellow students, and our faculty are always bringing in guests that can help us open doors into the industry." - Jordan L., Performing Arts Administration (MA`25)

Race & Ethnicity

  • Asian 11%
  • Black 6%
  • Hispanic 13%
  • International 27%
  • Two or More Races 5%
  • White 36%
  • N/A 2%
student headshot with violet background

"My mentors and professors have challenged me towards a profound understanding of my craft. They've helped me set myself up for future professional projects and to pursue my own creative path." - Juan V., Piano Studies (MM`25)

Undergraduate Areas of Study

  • Performance 18%
  • Music Business and Arts Administration 25%
  • Arts Education and Therapy 24%
  • Music Composition and Technology 33%
Music Business student headshot smiling to camera

"My interest lies in A&R, focusing on artist discovery and development. This program allows me to pursue creative projects while learning to navigate the complexities of the music industry." - Myles S., Music Business (BM`26)

Graduate Areas of Study

  • Performance 32%
  • Music Business and Arts Administration 28%
  • Arts Education and Therapy 7%
  • Music Composition and Technology 33%
Student headshot with violet background

“I feel like our classes cover pretty much every single thing I need to know to be a working professional in New York.” - Giovanna G., Vocal Performance (MM`24)

News and Events

Singer-Songwriters Brandy Clark and Allison Russell Are NYU Steinhardt Americana Artists-in-Residence

The musicians will work with students and give performances during their three-day visits in March and April.

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Performing Arts Administration Panel Shares Steps for Internship Success

Student interns and hiring managers engaged with Performing Arts Administration students to share their insights into how to secure an internship.

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Jameel Arts & Health Lab Co-Hosts Caucus before White House Event

The Arts & Health Pre-Summit Caucus on January 29 preceded “Healing, Bridging, Thriving: A Summit on Arts and Culture in our Communities.”

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Taylor Swift's US Eras Tour (Ticket Survey)

(SURVEY) On February 21st, 2024, the NYU Music and Social Change Lab announced the launch of a nationwide survey to help understand the motivations and attitudes of people who bought, sold or attempted to buy tickets to any of Taylor Swift’s concerts during the Eras tour in the US. This comprehensive study is the first of its kind, targeting a wide and diverse demographic to help uncover critical insights into the perceptions and experiences of fans and general public when attempting to attend a concert by Taylor Swift in the US.

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Vocal Performance Alum Nicole Zuraitis Wins Grammy Best Jazz Vocal Album

Vocal Performance Alum Nicole Zuraitis Wins 2024 Grammy for Best Jazz Vocal Album: How Love Begins.

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Clinical Musicianship for Good

For students in NYU Steinhardt’s Music Therapy program, music is more than just an artistic pastime, but a powerful tool in the service of human wellbeing.

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NYU Steinhardt Participates in Carnegie Hall’s City-Wide Festival on the Artistry of Germany's Weimar Republic

NYU Steinhardt will present free music, theater, and dance events as part of the “Fall of the Weimar Republic: Dancing on the Precipice” festival focused on pre-World War II Germany.

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Accessible Music and Creative Code

For Music Technology alum Willie Payne (PhD ’23), music and code go hand in hand. While at NYU Steinhardt, Payne partnered with The Filomen M. D’Agostino Greenberg Music School to help people pursue their study of music while addressing the challenges posed by vision loss.

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Louis Stevens (MM `23) Wins Los Angeles Pete Carpenter Fellowship

NYU Scoring Alum Louis Stevens (MM `23) was chosen as this year’s Los Angeles Pete Carpenter fellow, one of only two composers selected for the prestigious program. Stevens will begin his experience within the residency working with film composer Tony Morales and Fil Eisler.

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DEPARTMENT OF

Music and Performing Arts Professions

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