What is A&R? Artist Branding? The 360 deal? Music Supervision? How do you create, market, and distribute music in the current music industry environment? These are just a few of the questions that will be answered in this two-week summer institute held at NYU Steinhardt. By participating in class sessions, going on field trips, attending concerts, and interacting with music industry professionals you will be given an overview of the current music industry, challenge your ideas, and create innovative ways to discover, create, or develop future “stars” in the music industry.
Program Dates
July 10 – July 21, 2023
Application Deadline
April 1, 2023
Costs and Fees
$1,945 (Tuition)
$100 (Evening/Weekend Activity Fee)
$1,214 (On-Campus Housing $844, Required Meal Plan $370)
Scholarships and Financial Aid Available
Intended For
Rising High School Seniors
Note: Although priority is given to rising high school seniors, if there are additional spots at the application deadline then applicants of varying ages are considered for admission.
What Makes a Star? Projected Topics to Be Covered:
The Music Business
- The music business and its sub-systems
- Overview of the structure of a record label
- The Role of the songwriter and music publisher
- Understanding copyright and music licensing
Getting the Talent Ready for the Marketplace
- Artist development in the 21st century/branding
Promoting and Marketing the Talent
- Promotion and marketing of an artist in the 21st century
- Developing a marketing plan
Live Performance and Touring
Global Markets
Careers in the Industry
Class sessions and activities will be held daily from 10:00 am-4:00 pm with a break for lunch. Evening activities are scheduled after 6:00 p.m.
Applicants do not need to be musicians to apply. Just possess a genuine desire to learn about what it takes to have a long term career as a musician, singer-songwriter, manager, producer, concert promoter, executive, or entrepreneur in the music industry.
Audition Requirements
Students will be required to submit a letter of recommendation from a principal, vice principal, private teacher, or guidance counselor who can address the student’s academic performance and any extracurricular activities they are involved in and why they think the student is a good candidate for the What Makes a Star? Program.
This letter should be provided directly within the application online. All letters of recommendation must be submitted on the school's official letterhead and signed by the person who is recommending the student.
OPTIONAL for aspiring musical artists: Some students may have the opportunity to be showcased as musical artists. This is not guaranteed, but selection for such opportunities can occur during the workshop. Although it is not mandatory, if you consider yourself to be an aspiring musical artist, we welcome you to submit examples of your work (e.g. recordings, videos, links, etc.) as part of your application. Note that for the workshop as a whole, we are seeking a combination of aspiring musical artists and music business professionals.
COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement & Safety Measures
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, NYU has in place ongoing public health measures and requirements to ensure the safety of all University community members.
Costs and Fees
Costs, payment procedures, scholarships, cancellation/refund policy, and financial aid details for our summer programs.
Housing Information
All you need to know about NYU summer program housing including rates, meal plans, services, and check-in/out.
International Student Information
An application checklist and information on English proficiency testing, visas, and health insurance for students from outside the United States.
Contact Us
Program Administration
Summer Programs
212 998 5438
mpap.summer@nyu.edu
Academic Content
Music Business Faculty
212 998 5427
mp5107@nyu.edu