How to Apply

BM, Music Education

Submit Your Pre-Screen Materials

Please note that there is a three part process for acceptances into NYU Steinhardt’s Music Education program. First is the review for Music Education qualifications, which includes the artistic portion of your submission (pre-screen and interview). Second, a recommendation is made by the Music Education faculty to Admissions on your candidacy. Third, Undergraduate Admissions will review the academic portion of your application and make a decision for acceptance. 

All prospective students are required to submit their application materials online and upload them to GetAcceptd. In this process, you will:

• Submit performance videos

• Submit your resume

• Submit a written essay discussing a significant issue in Music Education

• Optionally share additional examples of your creative work (compositions, songs, etc.)

Pre-Screen Audition Review Dates

We welcome you to audition through our pre-screen audition process. All submissions must be uploaded by the dates below. Materials submitted after these dates may not be accepted.

Early Decision I/Spring External Transfer 

Final Deadline: November 1, 2022

Early Decision II

Final Deadline: December 2, 2022

Regular Decision

Final Deadline: January 5, 2023

Fall External Transfer Applicants

Final Deadline: April 1, 2023

Pre-Screen Details and Requirements

Here are details about the pre-screen audition process. Upon review, we will invite you to interview about your experiences, and sightread. Rather than a single long video, we would like three separate clips: the introduction, the first piece, the second piece, and the third piece. It's easier for us to review and easier for you to shoot. We will not be influenced by the professional quality of the video. Please do not worry about any elaborate lighting or studio conditions.

Below are the requirements and suggestions for your material:

• Introduction
  • Please clearly say your name, the city you are from, and the pieces that you are going to perform.
  • Be sure to include the degree level you would be entering (freshman, transfer). Transfers, please note to specify the degree level you are in at your current institution. Then specify when you are applying for transfer. (i.e. I am a current sophomore at Music School University and I will be applying for the Fall 2023 Semester at NYU.)

• Three pieces: Your three selections should consist of contrasting pieces from musical styles or genres including classical, jazz, and popular music idioms.

  • Selections should generally be no longer than four minutes each.
  • At least one selection should showcase your familiarity and fluency in reading and interpreting from music notation.
  • If you are applying as a Composition/Songwriting principal, please submit a portfolio of three compositions with recordings (if possible) for review.
  • If you are applying as a Percussion primary, please be sure to present three selections from the following list: 
    • Snare Drum        
      • Goldenberg, Cirone, or Delecluse Etude
    • Marimba     
      • Two Mallet Solo - Bach Recommended
      • Four Mallet Solo of applicant’s choosing 
    • Timpani     
      • Firth Etude, Hochrainer Etude, or solo from Elliot Carter from Eight Pieces for Solo Timpani
    • Xylophone     
      • Gershwin Porgy and Bess excerpt (Beginning - m. 17)
• 300–500 word essay
  • In the essay, discuss a significant issue in music education as it relates to one or more of the following:
    • The values of music education in/for society
    • Educating the whole child
    • The characteristics of excellent teachers/teaching
    • The role of popular music in music education
    • The role of music technology in music education

Please note: As a prospective student, try to think of your audition as a unique opportunity for you to introduce yourself to people who are your advocates and who very much want you to be good at what you do. This mindset will serve you well in any audition situation. Always remember to take your time and breathe.

Interview Invitation

After uploading the prescreen audition submission, your materials will be reviewed by our faculty. Following the review, you may be invited to interview, in which case, you will be sent an email invitation, with several choices of dates on which to appear. The review process can take anywhere from 2–4 weeks. If you are invited to an interview, you must prepare materials according to the guidelines below.

Interview Dates

Early Decision I and Transfers (Saturday, December 3)

Early Decision II and Transfers (Saturday, January 14)

Regular Decision January 28

Regular Decision February 11

Interview Details and Requirements

Location/Time: While NYU is operating in person, for the continued safety of all involved, we will hold final Spring 2023 interviews via Zoom. However, under current NYU and public health guidelines, applicants may request an in-person interview (subject to NYU approval). An in-person interview is not required – remote interviews will receive equal consideration. Interviews will be approximately 15 minutes long.

Sight-Reading

Testing your ability to sight-read music helps us determine your basic musicianship skills. You will be provided with a piece of music and will be expected to play the melodic line. You can, and should, practice this before your audition. Music theory, music history, and keyboard performance are essential elements in any music curriculum. Study and preparation in these areas will also be a great advantage to you.

Interview

The audition committee will spend approximately 10 minutes asking questions related to your goals as a music educator, your prior experience, and other topics raised in the essay you submitted as part of your interview process. This helps us better get to know you and provides you with the opportunity to ask us questions, as well.

If you have any questions, please contact music.education@nyu.edu.