The application for January and Spring 2027 programs will open in August 2026. If you have any questions in the meantime, please write to steinhardt.global@nyu.edu.
Study the business trends and international markets of the contemporary music industry, all while immersed in Rio de Janeiro, one of the world’s most vibrant and musical cities. Through a mix of cultural and socio-economic theory, and examinations of contemporary enterprises, events, artists, and fan economies in specific key regions, countries and diasporas, the course will develop students’ critical and analytical skills for examining the emergent models and markets shaping the future of the music business.
Specific topics covered include models of “glocalization,” cultural hybridization and global flows; music fandoms and fan economies; cultural governance, “soft power” and Music Cities; and recent developments in the music industries in South America, Asia, and Africa, with particular focuses on Brazil, South Korea, China, India, and West and South Africa. Program activities include visits to local Rio music companies and cultural sites, a group samba percussion class, and live music performances including a samba school preparing for carnival.
Location:
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Program Dates:
January 3-16, 2027 (subject to change)
Faculty:
Sam Howard-Spink, Clinical Associate Professor; Director of Music Business; Department of Music and Performing Arts Professions
Application Deadlines:
- Priority Deadline: September 21, 2026 (admissions continue following the priority round deadline on a space-available and rolling basis)
- Regular Deadline: October 21, 2026
Find the application link and instructions on the "How to Apply" page.
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Who can participate:
- NYU graduate students; priority is given to Music Business majors.
- Non-NYU graduate students and professionals who are both:
- U.S. citizens or permanent residents
- Currently hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university in the United States.
Related areas of study:
- Music Business
- Music Education
- Music Technology
- Media, Culture, and Communication
- Performing Arts Administration
This is not a complete list. We value diverse perspectives in our programs and encourage students from other majors and professions.
How to apply:
The application link and instructions, as well as the deadlines and notification timelines, can be found on the "How to Apply" page.
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This is a credit-bearing graduate Global course. Students self-register in Albert for the following course for a total of 3 credits:
- MPAMB-GE 2203, Section 095 (Class #TBC) - Emerging Models and Markets for Music (3 credits)
Important Note: All program applicants must meet with their academic adviser to determine if and how this course may be applied toward their degree program requirements.
Offered through the Department of Music and Performing Arts Professions.
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Direct Costs Billed by NYU
Participants will be billed for the cost of the graduate course following the standard per-credit rate for NYU Steinhardt Graduate Study Tuition and Fees. In addition, study abroad courses have a supplemental Program Fee that covers the cost of housing abroad, program activities and visits, group transportation in-country, and international health insurance. Students can expect to be billed:
- Steinhardt Graduate Tuition (3 credits) - TBC
- Program Fees - $0 (these standard NYU fees are not charged for January term courses)
- Program Fee - TBC
- GeoBlue International Health Insurance - Included
Estimated Direct Cost Total - TBC
Tuition, Registration, and Program fees will be due based on the Bursar's Payment Schedule for the January term.
Out-of-Pocket Costs
Students are responsible for purchasing flights to and from the program location and will be notified when to book. We recommend comparing tickets on multiple sites to ensure the best fare.
In addition to airfare, participants should budget for other out-of-pocket costs, including daily meals (except for included welcome and farewell meals); transportation to and from the airport; passport and/or visa fees (if applicable); vaccination costs (if applicable); and other personal incidentals. These costs will vary depending on individual students' budgets, preferences, and choices. Participants are encouraged to use the Study Abroad Budget Worksheet linked below to estimate these expenses.
Scholarships
NYU Steinhardt offers two short-term study abroad scholarships and maintains a list of additional external funding opportunities.
Study Abroad Budget Worksheet
The Study Abroad Budget Worksheet was created to help participants estimate the cost of their study abroad experience and identify any funding gaps. We encourage all students to complete the Worksheet to estimate their expected costs and funding sources. Contact the Steinhardt Office of Global Affairs with any questions.
PLEASE NOTE: This spreadsheet lists possible expenses and may not be all-inclusive of program costs. In addition, costs may fluctuate due to changes in currency exchange rates, airfare, personal preferences, and other factors. While this is a good tool for reviewing study abroad expenses, the results should be considered estimates.
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Housing
Students stay in shared-occupancy housing arranged by the Office of Global Affairs. The cost of housing is included in the Program Fee. Group accommodation dates correspond with the program dates listed above.
Flight, Travel, and Visa Information
Flight: Students purchase their own flights to and from the program destination. Please keep in mind that flights arriving in Brazil typically depart from New York a day in advance. All participants are strongly encouraged to purchase refundable flights.
Passport: All program participants are required to have a valid passport, which must be valid at least six months beyond the program end date.
Visa: Review visa information for this destination on the Global Affairs Study Abroad Resources Guide.
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Pre-Departure Resources
Visit the Steinhardt Study Abroad Resources website and get a head start on preparing for your study abroad program experience.
Helpful links:
Policies
All applicants should review the Office of Global Affairs Short-Term Graduate Courses Policies page prior to applying to study abroad.
Apply for Study Abroad
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