One Creative Collective
The Department of Music and Performing Arts Professions (MPAP) brings together a dynamic network of eighteen interconnected programs in Performance, Music Composition and Technology, Music Business, Arts Administration, Education and the Creative Arts Therapies. Within our innovative courses of study, you'll be encouraged to explore across disciplines, while working with renowned artists, scholars, and industry professionals in your own field. You'll collaborate with talented peers and faculty—including recipients of Academy, Emmy, Grammy, and Tony Awards—taking full advantage of unprecedented interdisciplinary opportunities. And you'll graduate as a versatile, uniquely skilled professional, ready to lead and succeed in the evolving world of music and the performing arts.
Performance
Collaborate with distinguished faculty and talented peers in NYU Steinhardt’s dynamic community of instrumental and vocal performers. Expand your artistry through a wide range of performance opportunities—from NYU’s orchestras and ensembles to grass roots student gigs and interdisciplinary collaborations with our Screen Scoring and Concert Composition programs.
Music Business and Arts Administration
Connect with cultural leaders at top venues across New York City, and at major organizations like Arista, Warner Music Group, Spotify, and the New York Philharmonic. Build a dynamic professional network through alumni events, guest lectures, cross-program collaborations, and hands-on internships. Graduate fully equipped to lead and succeed in today’s fast-evolving arts and entertainment industries.
Arts Education and Therapy
Pursue a meaningful career grounded in culturally responsive, evidence-based practices through rigorous coursework and immersive internships. Take advantage of partnerships with leading institutions such as the World Health Organization, the Nordoff-Robbins Center for Music Therapy, the Jameel Arts & Health Lab, the Verbatim Performance Lab, and Steinhardt’s vibrant music and dance programs.
Music Composition and Technology
Refine your artistic voice through rigorous training and hands-on exploration. Collaborate on projects and performances with peers and faculty whose work bridges industry, research, and academia. Create and record in world-class facilities like the new Sony Audio Lab, the James Dolan Recording Studio, Paulson Center Studios and MARL Lab.
Isabelle Kern
Spotlight on Isabelle
Isabelle Kern grew up in Germany and began playing piano at age three. As an NYU undergrad, Isabelle double-majored in music and psychology, deepening her interest in the connection between mind, body, and music. Pursuing a master’s in Music Therapy felt like a natural next step, she explained.
Spring 2025 Cohort at a Glance
Students (1,551)
- Undergraduate Students 50%
- Graduate Students 50%
Undergraduate Areas of Study
- Performance 34%
- Music Business and Arts Administration 27%
- Arts Education and Therapy 5%
- Music Composition and Technology 34%
Graduate Areas of Study
- Performance 24%
- Music Business and Arts Administration 22%
- Arts Education and Therapy 21%
- Music Composition and Technology 33%
