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MM, Instrumental Performance (String Studies)

Application Extended: Still Accepting Applications

Combining intensive performance with related academic study, this master of music program prepares accomplished musicians for a career as a professional musician. You will study closely with renowned faculty and participate in numerous performance opportunities.

Official Degree Title

Master of Music in Instrumental Performance with a Focus on String Studies

Degree

MM

Application Deadline

Spring Start:
October 1
Summer or Fall Start:
January 6

Plan Code

MUIP

Credits

36

Format

Full-time or Part-time

Admissions Requirements

Basic competence in music theory and history is a prerequisite for all graduate degree programs in music. Entering graduate students are required to complete a music theory entrance exam and meet history coursework requirements. Based on exam results and review of the student's transcript, up to 8 points of remedial music theory and/or history coursework may be required. Remedial courses cannot be used to meet degree requirements. Detailed information about department music theory and history entrance requirements is available here

All Fall semester performance applicants who wish to be considered for talent-based scholarship awards must submit their application materials by January 6. Once deadlines have passed, you may be considered for admission on a space-available basis and for talent-based scholarships if funds remain available. US students should also file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by March 1 to be considered for student loans and other school-based scholarships.

 

How to Apply

These instructions and requirements are for all applicants. If you are not a citizen or a permanent resident of the United States, please read the special instructions for international applicants.

Your application will require the following items. The following are acceptable document types for uploads: .pdf, .jpeg, .jpg, .gif, .tiff, .png, .doc, .docx, and bitmap.

1. Prepare Your Application

Résumé/CV

You are required to upload a copy of your most recent résumé or curriculum vitae as part of your application.

Statement of Purpose

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.

Letters of Recommendation

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

Transcripts

Upload one official copy of transcripts from every postsecondary school you have attended or are attending. Make sure to request them in advance of the deadline.

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 evaluation. Please review our requirements for translation and a course-by-course evaluation of your transcripts.

See detailed instructions on submitting transcripts.

GRE

Not required.

Proficiency in English

Pre-Screening Materials

The String Studies program requires a pre-screening video, to be submitted through GetAcceptd, by January 6, 2024. Invitations to schedule a live audition will be sent to select individuals by January 31, 2024.

Please prepare the following for your pre-screen:

Violin, viola, and cello: A movement of Bach and a movement of a concerto

Bass and harp: Two contrasting movements

It is not required to have an accompanist for the pre-screening video. 

Questions about the pre-screening requirement can be directed to mpap-string-studies@nyu.edu.

Audition

Scheduling an audition

If invited for an audition, applicants will be asked if they would prefer to play for the faculty live over Zoom or submit a final recorded video audition through GetAcceptd, followed by a live interview over Zoom. It is not required to have an accompanist for the audition.

Auditions will be scheduled for 3/1/2024 - 3/3/2024. Auditions must be completed by 3/3/2024 to receive consideration for talent-based scholarship awards. Late auditions can be arranged individually. 

Audition requirements

Violin repertoire:

  1. A first or last movement from a standard concerto memorized
  2. Two movements of unaccompanied Bach memorized
  3. A twentieth-century composition
  4. A virtuosic solo piece

Viola repertoire:

  1. Two movements of a major work from the concerto repertoire memorized
  2. Three movements from an unaccompanied Bach suite (originally for cello) or sonata or partitas (originally for violin) memorized
  3. One movement of a major work from the sonata repertoire
  4. A work or movement composed post-1960

Cello repertoire:

  1. Two movements of a standard concerto memorized
  2. Three movements from a Bach suite memorized
  3. One movement of a sonata: Brahms, Beethoven, Shostakovich, or comparable work
  4. A work or movement composed post-1960

Double bass repertoire:

  1. First two movements of Dittersdorf, Koussevitzky, Vanhal, or Bottesini concerto, memorized
  2. Two movements of an unaccompanied Bach cello suite, memorized

Harp repertoire:

Substitutions of equal level/ability may be made with a prior consultation with Professor Brandee Younger (bay209@nyu.edu).

  1. One Schmidt étude
  2. Faure Impromptu or Chatelaine en sa Tour
  3. Contemporary piece of applicant's choice

Questions about the audition can be directed to mpap-string-studies@nyu.edu

2. Apply

Application

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.

Application Fee

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.

Mailing Additional Items

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.

Application Policies

Application deadlines are "in-office" deadlines, not postmark deadlines. It is your responsibility to ensure that all materials are in the Office of Graduate Admissions by the appropriate deadline, and we reserve the right to return any application that arrives after the deadline. Only completed applications will be considered. Should a deadline fall on a weekend, the in-office deadline will be the next business day. We advise you to apply early.

Please check the online system to confirm that you have successfully submitted your application. Due to the volume of applications and related materials received, the Office of Graduate Admissions will only contact you if your application was successfully submitted and is deemed incomplete because of missing required materials. Otherwise, you will hear from us when the admissions committee has made its decision.

Deferral policy: NYU Steinhardt does not allow deferrals. Applicants who wish to be considered for a future semester must reapply by submitting a new application with all supporting materials, including letters of recommendation, by the application deadline.

3. Receive Your Admission Decision

Decision

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.