Curriculum

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Each student is required to complete a performance requirement which consists of a music class involving performance. This may be taken in the form of an ensemble for 1-3 credits. Please note that classes take in private instruction do not count toward the performance requirement. Options include the courses listed above or an ensemble course, by audition, for 1 credit.

Students must demonstrate proficiency in Music Theory, Aural Skills, and Music History through a diagnostic exam or the completion of appropriate coursework in addition to degree requirements. 

The master’s program culminates with the submission and defense of an individual thesis document, to be completed under the supervision of one of the full-time Music Technology faculty members. The thesis should reflect an original contribution to the field of music technology, bringing the students’ classwork experiences and interests together with their potential career paths. Possible research areas include but are not limited to: technology-based performance and composition techniques, interactive music systems, spatial audio, tools for computer music, music information retrieval, digital audio effects, new recording, mixing, mastering, or production techniques, software development for music applications, etc.

Proposal

During the second semester, students enroll in MPATE-GE 2601 Colloquy in Music Technology, where they are required to (1) identify a thesis adviser from amongst the full-time Music Technology faculty, (2) discuss ideas for their work and following review and approval by the faculty adviser, (3) submit a 2-page proposal containing: thesis title, brief introduction to the topic, motivations, goal and general work plan.

Thesis Draft

Once this proposal is approved, students begin on the project and enroll in MPATE-GE 2602 Thesis in Music Technology I to prepare the thesis, as well as discuss research methodologies and current literature in the field. Students should schedule regular meetings with their adviser.

Thesis Final Draft

In the final semester, students enroll in MPATE-GE 2603 Thesis in Music Technology II to finalize their thesis, make revisions and work on their presentation for defense. The thesis itself should be approximately 60 pages long, documenting the idea’s purpose and development, and its musical, aesthetic and technical implications. This document, to be completed by the end of the final year of studies, will be evaluated using the standard criteria for scholarly work. All sources for quotations and paraphrases must be documented. You may use any of the standard citation styles (MLA, Chicago, etc.), subject to your thesis adviser’s approval, provided you consistently follow a single style throughout the thesis. Creative graphics are encouraged to enhance the presentation’s visual impact. The title page should show the thesis title and the student name within the top half to two-thirds of the page. The bottom portion of the page should contain the following:

Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the

Master of Music in Music Technology
in the Department of Music and Performing Arts Professions
in The Steinhardt School
New York University
Adviser: The Name Of Your Adviser
Reader: The Name Of Your Second Reader
[DATE:yyyy/mm/dd]

Oral Defense and Approval

After completing the document, students will submit copies of the thesis to both adviser and second reader and schedule a date for a public oral presentation, where the work is to be demonstrated and defended. Before this defense, students will secure a Thesis Approval Form from The Office of Graduate Studies, 82 Washington Square East, 2nd Floor.

Upon successful completion of this defense, the student will submit two (2) printed copies, and one digital copy (as a .pdf) of the finished document (including any amendments or suggestions resulting from the defense process) to the Music Technology Advisement Office. Additionally, the Thesis Approval Form will be completed and signed by the thesis adviser and second reader, then filed in the Registrar’s office. Please note that the Registrar's Office requires this form to be signed before approving the student’s graduation.