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Music and Performing Arts Professions

The Department of Music and Performing Arts Professions offers you unparalleled opportunities for artistic, professional, and personal growth. Through partnerships with leading organizations such as Carnegie Hall, Sony, Lincoln Center, and iconic NYC music venues like the Blue Note, and under the mentorship of our distinguished faculty—which includes Broadway performers and Academy, Emmy, Grammy and Tony Award winners, you’ll gain access to transformative experiences and career-shaping connections.

Academic Programs

Performance

Pursue your passions and build your skills while studying with our renowned artist faculty in a supportive and challenging environment offering innovative coursework and unparalleled performance opportunities.

Music Business and Arts Administration

Build on your background in the creative arts by studying with top industry leaders who offer dedicated mentorship. Develop into an arts innovator who is ready to lead -- graduate with future-focused skills and strong career opportunities.

Arts Education and Therapy

Combine your love of music, drama, and dance with a career that is life-changing in the lives of students and clients. Create transformative educational opportunities and make a difference through opportunities that are culturally responsible, creative, and effective.

Music Composition and Technology

Be on the forefront of today’s creative technologies and learn from leading recording industry professionals.  Master your knowledge across a variety of media and collaborate with your peers on projects that build your skills and portfolio.

Student Spotlight

Isabelle Kern grew up in Germany and began playing piano at age three. As an NYU undergrad, she double-majored in music and psychology. This deepened her interest in the relationship between mind, body and music so pursuing a Masters degree in Music Therapy felt like a natural next step. NYU has been a creative hub, Isabelle said, because of the professional opportunities she's had and the incredible people she's connected with.

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%

News and Events

Alumna Lily Soto's Double Role in Hamilton

Alumna Lily Soto (BA`24) lands her dream role as Peggy Schuyler/Maria Reynolds in the Angelica Tour of Hamilton.

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NYU Steinhardt Celebrates Alan Menken

An evening of music and storytelling at the NYU Skirball Center honored the legendary composer and distinguished alum.

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MARL Faculty Receive Prestigious Renée Fleming Neuroarts Award 

Pablo Ripollés, Director of the Music and Auditory Research Laboratory (MARL), and Anna Palumbo, a Nordoff-Robbins music therapist and researcher, have been awarded the prestigious Renée Fleming Neuroarts Investigator Award.

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NYU Wayne Shorter Ensemble Performs at WBGO

The NYU Wayne Shorter Ensemble have performed more than 150 compositions by the iconic NYU alumnus Wayne Shorter, (1956). The Ensemble performed at Yamaha Artist Services in NYC as part of WBGO's 2025 Jazz Appreciation Month.

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NYU and Sony’s Personal Entertainment Business Launch the Sony Audio Institute

The Institute will foster innovation at the intersection of technology and music. Larry S. Miller will be the inaugural executive director.

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Steinhardt Alumna Jennifer Smolos Steele to Become Dean of Shenandoah Conservatory

Dr. Jennifer Smolos Steele, an NYU Steinhardt Music and Performing Arts Professions alumna, has been selected as the new dean of Shenandoah Conservatory, where she will lead more than 650 students and 100 faculty, focusing on innovation, financial growth, and career-readiness while preserving the conservatory’s rich legacy.

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