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Transfer Process FAQs

Music Business Undergraduate Degrees

How do students apply to transfer into the Bachelor of Music (BM) and Bachelor of Science (BS) programs?

Your transfer process depends on where you are currently attending school, and to which program you are applying. No supplemental application package or performance audition is required for the Music Business Bachelor of Science program.

  • Transfers to NYU from another academic institution: Please use this application.
    • For the BM in Music Business only: Submit the supplemental application as noted below.
  • Transfers to NYU Steinhardt from another NYU school: Please have completed MPAMB-UE 100 Business Structure of the Music Industry and use the NYU transfer application. You must also follow the University transfer guidelines.
    • For the BM in Music Business only: Submit the supplemental application as noted below.
  • Transfers to Music Business from another NYU Steinhardt department: Please have completed MPAMB-UE 100 Business Structure of the Music Industry, and submit the Change of Major Application for the Undergraduate Music Business Program by March 1 (for Fall matriculation).
    • For the BM in Music Business only: Submit the supplemental application as noted below.
  • Transfers to Music Business from another Music and Performing Arts Professions (MPAP) program: 
    • Students may not apply for a change of major until at least their second semester of study at NYU.
    • The latest students can begin their study at a new NYU school/program is the first semester of their junior year.
    • Students must complete an online application and submit a statement of purpose (a rationale for your request, no more than 350 words).
    • All applications must be received by March 1st for Fall change of major and November 1st for Spring change of major.
    • Programs will review applications throughout the month of March/November. Decisions will be made no later than April 15th for Fall change of major, and December 15th for the Spring change of major.
    • For the BM in Music Business only: Students must have completed, or tested out of, Music Fundamentals. If students have also completed Theory and Practice 1 and Aural Skills 1, they must have received a passing grade.
    • Students wishing to transfer into Music Business must have completed MPAMB-UE 100 before they can apply.
    • Following the review of your online application, the department will inform you if you've been accepted to a Music Business major. At that time, you will be instructed to submit an official undergraduate Change of Major form, to be submitted to steinhardt.advisement.registration@nyu.edu.

When do transfer students apply to this program? 

Students must complete one full year in the program to which they were originally admitted before they are eligible to transfer (unless you are already in MPAP). Many students apply in the Spring of their freshman or sophomore year for entrance in the Fall, however, we welcome applications from students at any point in their academic career after their initial year of study.

What are the minimum GPA requirements for entrance into this program as a transfer student?

We recommend that students have a 2.7 GPA or better prior to declaring a major in Music Business in order to make satisfactory academic progress within the major.

How many credits can I transfer into the program?

The maximum number of credits you can transfer in is 72. However, if you want to be eligible for Latin Honors at NYU (cum laude, magna cum laude, summa cum laude), the maximum number of credits you can transfer in from another college or university is 64.

Will all my credits transfer?

Not necessarily. Once you are accepted, your undergraduate college transcript(s) will be evaluated. Only courses with a grade of C or better will be considered. External Transfers will receive a statement of transfer credit with your admissions packet, which will specify the courses being accepted for transfer credit. Specific questions should be discussed with your academic adviser.

If I transfer from a community college, am I eligible for a Community College Transfer Opportunity Program (CCTOP) scholarship?

Quite possibly. Please visit the CCTOP website for more information.

Supplemental Application Requirements

The Music Business supplemental application package for Bachelor of Music transfer applicants consists of 4 components. No supplemental application package or performance audition is required for the Music Business Bachelor of Science program.

You will submit a cover sheet, resume, short video, and two essays. Your cover sheet, resume and essays should be in PDF format.

PART 1: Cover Sheet

Complete the cover sheet and upload the filled-out copy below as a PDF.

  • Your name, the name of the college or university you are attending, and your academic major.
  • The number of university semesters you have completed.
  • The reason you want to leave your current institution and enroll in the NYU Music Business program.

PART 2: Resume

Create a one-page resume that shows your school, any work/internship/volunteer positions you’ve had, and any musical/extracurricular activities you are involved in.

PART 3: Music Skills Video

Part 3 does not apply to current MPAP students. Record one short video with the components noted below. The Music Business curriculum that leads to a Bachelor of Music degree requires significant coursework in music theory, aural, and keyboard skills. The video helps the Music Business faculty assess your ability to carry a tune and stay on pitch; the faculty do not use it to evaluate your vocal quality, and you do not have to worry about any special lighting or production qualities. It is not necessary to be a performer to be admitted to the Music Business program. Please make sure all components are submitted in one singular video.

Components for the video:

  • Sing a cappella (without accompaniment of any kind) a one-octave major scale, ascending and descending, in any key.
  • Sing a cappella (without accompaniment of any kind) one verse and one chorus of Judy Garland’s "Somewhere Over the Rainbow".
  • Sing a cappella (without accompaniment of any kind) a verse and a chorus of any existing song you’d like. The song must have a melody that you can sing, must already be recorded by another artist, and may not be spoken word.

PART 4: Essays

Write two essays:

Essay topic 1 (350 words minimum, 400 words maximum): Below is a typical course list for your first year as a Music Business student at NYU. This first-year foundation's curriculum will prepare you for success in the rest of your time at NYU. Please write about ways you foresee that these foundation courses will connect with each other and with the future music industry. In your answer, consider career areas that you are specifically interested in.

  • Music Theory and Aural (Listening) Skills
  • Algebra and Calculus or Calculus I (Liberal Arts)
  • Keyboard Training
  • Business Structure of the Music Industry + Music Business 
  • Writing the Essay (Liberal Arts)
  • Private music lesson or music technology class 
  • Economics (Liberal Arts)

Essay topic 2 (350 words minimum, 400 words maximum): A statement of purpose outlining your goals for the program. Please reflect on your personal experiences to share your motivation and aspirations for applying to the Music Business Bachelor of Music.

Please follow the steps outlined above. No supplemental application package or performance audition is required. It is not necessary to have a background in music to be admitted to the Music Business Bachelor of Science program.