Study the emerging business paradigms and international markets that will undergird the production, distribution, and consumption of music over the next decade, all while immersed in Rio de Janeiro, one of the world’s most vibrant and musical cities. The course lays out several cultural, technological, and socio-economic threads linking today’s popular music industry and networked platforms and media, with an emphasis on key geographic and diasporic markets. Through a mix of theory and examinations of real-world events, trends, enterprises, artists, and fans, the course will develop students’ critical and analytical skills for evaluating which of the emergent models and markets proposed as “the future of music” will prosper, where, and why.
Specific topics covered include models of “glocalization,” cultural hybridization and global flows; fandoms and creator economies; cultural governance, “soft power” and Music Cities; and trends and developments in national and regional music markets in South America, Asia, and Africa, with particular focuses on Brazil, South Korea, China, India, Nigeria, and South Africa. Program activities include visits to local Rio music companies, cultural sites, and live music performances, including a samba school preparing for carnival.
Location:
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Program Dates:
January 2-17, 2025 (tentative; subject to change)
Faculty:
Sam Howard-Spink, Clinical Associate Professor of Music Business, Music and Performing Arts Professions
Application Deadlines:
- Priority Deadline: To be announced
- Regular Deadline: To be announced (admissions continue thereafter on a space-available basis)
Find the application link and instructions on the "Application" page.
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Who can participate:
- NYU graduate students
- 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# TBA) - Emerging Models and Markets for Music (3 credits)
Offered through the Department of Music and Performing Arts Professions.
Important Note: All program applicants are encouraged to meet with their academic adviser to determine if and how this course may be applied toward their program requirements and degree completion.
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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) - $6,555
- Program Fees - $0 (these standard NYU fees are not charged for January term courses)
- Program Fee - To be announced
- GeoBlue International Health Insurance - Included
Estimated Direct Cost Total - To be announced
Tuition, Registration, and Program fees will be due based on Bursar's Payment Schedule for the January term.
Out-of-Pocket Costs
Students are responsible for purchasing flights to and from the program location. Students will be notified when to book flights. We recommend comparing tickets on multiple sites to ensure the best fare. Past participants have used the following flight search engines: Kayak, Google Flights, and Student Universe.
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. Students are encouraged to research potential costs by using online budgeting tools such as Numbeo, Expatistan, and Budget Your Trip.
Scholarships
NYU Steinhardt offers several graduate study abroad scholarships and maintains a list of additional external funding opportunities.
Study Abroad Budget Worksheet
Download and use this Study Abroad Budget Worksheet to estimate the cost of your study abroad experience.
PLEASE NOTE: This spreadsheet lists possible expenses and may not be all-inclusive of program costs. In addition, your costs may fluctuate based on changes in currency exchange rates, airfare, varying personal lifestyles, etc. While this is a good tool for reviewing study abroad expenses, the results should be considered to be an estimate of the total cost of participation. -
Housing
Students stay in shared-occupancy housing arranged by the Office of Global Affairs. Your housing is included in your Program Fee. Group accommodation dates correspond with the program dates listed above.
Flight, Travel, and Visa Information
Flight: Students purchase their own international travel to coincide with program dates. Please keep in mind that flights arriving in Brazil typically depart 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: U.S. citizens do not currently require a visa for short-term travel to Brazil for tourism. However, effective midnight on April 10, 2025, a visa will be required for U.S. citizens to travel to Brazil, regardless of the purpose of travel. For more information about visa requirements, visit the Brazilian government-authorized website, https://brazil.vfsevisa.com.
All other passport holders should check their visa requirements on the embassy/consulate website respective of their nationality. For further guidance on visas and other non-immigration matters, contact OGS Outbound Student Services at ogs.outbound@nyu.edu.
Vaccinations and travel medicine: Students are recommended to visit a healthcare provider to discuss their travel and recommended medications/vaccinations. Make a visit at least 4–6 weeks before your travels to allow time for any vaccines to take effect and, if necessary, to start taking medicine to prevent any illness. Read more about the CDC's recommendations for travel to Brazil on their website. For more information about any and all of the above details, please visit the NYU Student Health Center for more information.
Helpful links: U.S. State Department, Center for Disease Control
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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.
Policies
All applicants should review the Office of Global Affairs Short-Term Graduate Courses Policies page prior to applying to study abroad.
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