Instrumental Performance (MM)

Department Website

Program Description

The MM program in instrumental performance enables students to gain the intensive performance training needed to launch their career as a professional musician by combining numerous performance opportunities with related academic study.

Specializations

Students may specialize in the following areas:

Applied Instrumental Studies

(Strings, Woodwinds, Brass, and Percussion)

In addition to numerous string, brass, percussion, and wind ensembles as well as chamber ensembles and the NYU Orchestras, students can participate in the NYU Broadway Orchestra and NYU Contemporary Music Ensemble, which have numerous New York City appearances during the season. In addition, students who focus on new music performance are participants in the Interactive Computer Music Series and the NYU New Music Ensemble.

Students are invited to perform for the Composers’ Forum and to work with student composers as well as to record solo and ensemble CDs by music technology majors. Students have excellent opportunities to gain experience in as many diversified areas of performance as possible. Depending on the level of study, each student must present one or two formal public recitals.

Jazz Studies

This area of study emphasizes performance studies covering the full range of today’s jazz music scene. Private instruction for performers and coursework in composition and theory provide a solid foundation.

NYU’s Greenwich Village location brings students to the center of jazz activities. Landmark jazz venues such as the Village Vanguard and the Blue Note Jazz Club are within walking distance. At these clubs, students experience jazz luminaries in performance on a regular basis.

Students also sit in at the numerous open jam sessions around the community. The NYU Jazz Orchestra appears at the Blue Note, Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola, and Birdland in midtown.

Many of our other NYU jazz ensembles appear in various jazz clubs and concert halls throughout New York City.

All students in Jazz Studies also study composition. Each student must present a completed CD project adjudicated by a jazz artist within the field.

Performance experience in ensemble and improvisation is designed to prepare students for the highly competitive demands of a professional career in jazz. The department houses over 40 diverse ensembles providing opportunities to explore a wide variety of genres and offering composers opportunities to have their music rehearsed and evaluated.

Admissions

Admission to graduate programs in the Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development requires the following minimum components:

• Résumé/CV
• Statement of Purpose
• Letters of Recommendation
• Transcripts
• Proficiency in English

See NYU Steinhardt's Graduate Admissions website for additional information on school-wide admission. Some programs may require additional components for admissions.

See How to Apply for admission requirements and instructions specific to the following areas:

• Brass Studies
• Jazz Studies
• Percussion Studies
• String Studies
• Woodwind Studies

Program Requirements

The program requires the completion of 36 credits, and students choose one of the following specializations:

Brass Studies

Course List

Course	Title	Credits
Required Courses
Applied Instrument
Select 12 units:		12
MABR-GE 2111	(repeatable)
Ensemble/Chamber Music/Performance and Repertoire Classes
Select 11-14 units:		11-14
MPAGC-GE 2087	NYU Orchestra
Terminal Experience
MPATC-GE 2026	Colloquy in Music (assessed public recital and related research paper)	3
Electives
Guided Electives
Select 9-12 electives by advisement, including but not limited the courses below:		9-12
MPATC-GE 2200	Seminar in Music Theory
MPATC-GE 2127	Aesthetics/Compositional Process in Symphony
MPATC-GE 2123
MPAME-GE 2021	Music Reference and Research Materials
MPAMB-GE 2102	Law and Music Industry
MPAPA-GE 2130	Environment of Performing Arts Administration.
MPAPA-GE 2131	Prin/Prac Performing Arts Administration
MPASS-GE 2113	Baroque Dance for Musicians
MPASS-GE 2132	Baroque Ensemble
MPATC-GE 2039	Contemporary Music
MPATC-GE 2042	Psychology of Music
MPATC-GE 2046	Music Criticism
MPATC-GE 2200	Seminar in Music Theory
MPATE-GE 2047	Advanced Computer Music
MPAPA-GE 2130	Environment of Performing Arts Administration.
MPAPA-GE 2131	Prin/Prac Performing Arts Administration
MPATC-GE 2135	Conducting: Advanced Instrumental
MPAVP-GE 2260
Total Credits		36

Jazz Studies

Course List

Course	Title	Credits
Required Courses
Research
MPAJZ-GE 2078	The Roots of Jazz: An Original American Art Form	3
Specialization
Choose at least one, and a maximum of five courses from the following list of courses:		3-15
MPAJZ-GE 2075	Jazz Improvisation I
MPAJZ-GE 2076	Jazz Improvisation II
MPAJZ-GE 2089
MPAJZ-GE 2273	Jazz Arranging & Composition I
MPAJZ-GE 2274	Jazz Arranging & Composition II
Private Lessons
Choose at least 12 units with a maximum of 18, from the following courses:		12-18
MPABR-GE 2111
MPAJZ-GE 2370	Instrumental Jazz (Private Lessons)
MPATC-GE 2321	Private Composition Lessons
MPASS-GE 2111	Stringed Instruments (Private Lessons)
MPAVP-GE 2111	Vocal Training (Private Lessons)
MPAWW-GE 2111
Independent Study
MPAME-GE 2118		1-3
Terminal Experience
MPAJZ-GE 2088	Jazz Ensemble	0-1
Electives		0-15
Music History
MPATC-GE 2095	Songwriting History and Criticism
MPATC-GE 2096	Songwriting History and Criticisms: 14 Songs
MPATC-GE 2440
MPATC-GE 2460
MPATC-GE 2471
Music Theory
MPATC-GE 2018	16th-Century Counterpoint
MPATC-GE 2019	18th-Century Counterpoint
MPATC-GE 2020	Seminar in Composition
MPATC-GE 2049	Contemporary Scoring Techniques
MPATC-GE 2123
MPATC-GE 2127	Aesthetics/Compositional Process in Symphony
MPATC-GE 2151
MPATC-GE 2200	Seminar in Music Theory
MPATC-GE 2201	Seminar Music Theory: Schenkerian Analysis
MPATC-GE 2202	Sem in Music North Indian & Balinese Gamelan Analysis
Music Technology
MPATE-GE 2036	Adv Musical Acoust
MPATE-GE 2047	Advanced Computer Music
MPATE-GE 2603	Thesis in Music Technology II
MPATE-GE 2622
Film Scoring
MPATC-GE 2048	Scoring Techniques: Film & Animation
MPATC-GE 2550	Screen Music: History, Analysis, and Aesthetics.
MPATE-GE 2621	Audio for Video II
Music Business
MPAMB-GE 2102	Law and Music Industry
MPAMB-GE 2301	Music Business Graduate Internship
Jazz Ensemble
MPAJZ-GE 2088	Jazz Ensemble
Music Education
MPAME-GE 2021	Music Reference and Research Materials
MPATC-GE 2042	Psychology of Music
MPAME-GE 2061	Psychology of Music Education
Total Credits		36

Percussion Studies

Course List

Course	Title	Credits
Required Courses
MPAPS-GE 2111	Percussion Instrmnt (Private Lessons (Repeatable)	9
Area of Concentration: Percussion Studies
Select 14-17 units of the following:		14-17
MPAGC-GE 2087	NYU Orchestra (3 semesters)
MPAPS-GE 2131	Percussion Ensembles (Jonathan Haas - 3 semesters)
MPAPS-GE 2131	Percussion Ensembles (NYU Steel - Josh Quillen - 3 semesters)
MPAPS-GE 2131	Percussion Ensembles (Percussion Chamber Music Ensemble - Josh Quillen - by advisement)
MPAPS-GE 2131	Percussion Ensembles (African Gyil and Percussion Ensemble - Valerie Naranjo - by advisement)
MPAPS-GE 2221	Contemporary Music Ensemble (Jonathan Haas - by advisement)
MPAPS-GE 2151	Percussion Laboratory (Jonathan Haas - 3 semesters)
MPAPS-GE 2132	Chamber Ensembles (NYU Percussion Quartet Coaching - Josh Quillen - by advisement)
MPAPS-GE 2181	Graduate Recital in Percussion
Electives
Guided Electives
Select 9-12 units by advisement, including but not limited to the courses below:		9-12
MPATC-GE 2123
MPATC-GE 2127	Aesthetics/Compositional Process in Symphony
MPATC-GE 2200	Seminar in Music Theory
MPATC-GE 2039	Contemporary Music
MPATC-GE 2151
MPATC-GE 2069	Opera in The 20th Cent
MPATC-GE 2073
MPATC-GE 2440
MPATC-GE 2460
MPATC-GE 2042	Psychology of Music
MPATE-GE 2047	Advanced Computer Music
MPATC-GE 2046	Music Criticism
MPAPA-GE 2130	Environment of Performing Arts Administration.
MPAPA-GE 2131	Prin/Prac Performing Arts Administration
MPAME-GE 2096
MPAVP-GE 2260
Total Credits		36

String Studies

Course List

Course	Title	Credits
Required Courses
Applied Instrument (4 Semesters)
MPASS-GE 2111	Stringed Instruments (Private Lessons) (repeatable)	12
Ensemble/Chamber Music/Performance and Repertoire Classes
Select 11-14 units by advisement of the following:		11-14
MPAGC-GE 2087	NYU Orchestra
MPASS-GE 2112	Alexander Technique (Private Lessons)
MPASS-GE 2131	Instrumental Techniques and Materials: Chamber Music
MPASS-GE 2133	Masterclass
MPASS-GE 2134	Audition Class
MPASS-GE 2135	Improvisation Class
MPASS-GE 2141	Violin Class
MPASS-GE 2142	Viola Class
MPASS-GE 2143	Cello Class
MPASS-GE 2144	Bass Class
MPASS-GE 2145	Harp Class
MPASS-GE 2151	Violin Orchestral Repertoire
MPASS-GE 2152	Viola Orchestral Repertoire
MPASS-GE 2153
MPASS-GE 2154	Bass Orchestral Repertoire
MPASS-GE 2155	Harp Orchestral Repertoire
MPASS-GE 2171
MPASS-GE 2172
MPASS-GE 2173
MPASS-GE 2174
MPASS-GE 2175
Terminal Experience
MPASS-GE 2181	Graduate Recital in Strings	1
Electives
Guided Electives
Select 6-9 Guided Electives by advisement, including but not limited to the courses below:		6-9
MPATC-GE 2127	Aesthetics/Compositional Process in Symphony
MPATC-GE 2550	Screen Music: History, Analysis, and Aesthetics.
MPAGC-GE 2472
MPAPA-GE 2132	Devel for The Perf Arts
MPAPA-GE 2133	Governance of Perf Arts
MPAMT-GE 2930	Intro Music Therapy
MPAMT-GE 2934	Clinical Improvisation in Music Therapy
MPAMB-GE 2201	Artists and Repertoire Seminar Music Business
MPAMB-GE 2202	Promotion/Publicity in The Music Industry
MPAMB-GE 2206	Strategic Marketing in The Music Industry
MPAJZ-GE 2600
MPAJZ-GE 2078	The Roots of Jazz: An Original American Art Form
MPATE-GE 2047	Advanced Computer Music
MPASS-GE 2161	Violin Pedagogy
MPASS-GE 2162
MPASS-GE 2163	Cello Pedagogy
MPASS-GE 2164
MPASS-GE 2165
MPAME-GE 2021	Music Reference and Research Materials
MPATC-GE 2200	Seminar in Music Theory
MPATC-GE 2039	Contemporary Music
MPATC-GE 2046	Music Criticism
MPAPA-GE 2130	Environment of Performing Arts Administration.
MPAPA-GE 2131	Prin/Prac Performing Arts Administration
MPAMB-GE 2102	Law and Music Industry
MPASS-GE 2132	Baroque Ensemble
MPASS-GE 2113	Baroque Dance for Musicians
MPATC-GE 2042	Psychology of Music
Total Credits		36

Woodwind Studies

Course List

Course	Title	Credits
Required Courses
Applied Instrument
MPASS-GE 2111	Stringed Instruments (Private Lessons) (repeatable)	12
Ensemble/Chamber Music/Performance
Select 6 units by advisement of the following:		6
MPAGC-GE 2087	NYU Orchestra
MPASS-GE 2112	Alexander Technique (Private Lessons)
Repertoire Class (required each semester)
Select 8-11 units of the following:		8-11
MPAWW-GE 2141	Flute and Piano
MPAWW-GE 2142	Clarinet and Piano Repertoire
MPAWW-GE 2143	Double Reed Repertoire
MPAWW-GE 2144	Saxophone and Piano Repertoire
Terminal Experience
MPAWW-GE 2181	Graduate Recital in Woodwinds	1
Electives
Guided Electives
Select 6-9 credits of Guided Electives by advisement, including but not limited to the courses below:		6-9
MPAME-GE 2021	Music Reference and Research Materials
MPAPA-GE 2130	Environment of Performing Arts Administration.
MPAPA-GE 2131	Prin/Prac Performing Arts Administration
MPASS-GE 2113	Baroque Dance for Musicians
MPASS-GE 2132	Baroque Ensemble
MPATC-GE 2039	Contemporary Music
MPATC-GE 2042	Psychology of Music (Music Criticism)
MPATC-GE 2200	Seminar in Music Theory
MPATE-GE 2047	Advanced Computer Music (Synthesis and Composition)
MPAMB-GE 2102	Law and Music Industry
MPATC-GE 2042	Psychology of Music
MPAME-GE 2139	Music Education Philosophy
MPAMT-GE 2930	Intro Music Therapy
MPAMB-GE 2105	Concert Management
Total Credits		36

Sample Plan of Study

Plans of study for all instrument areas are similar to the sample below for percussion studies.

Plan of Study Grid

1st Semester/Term		Credits
MPAPS-GE 2111	Percussion Instrmnt (Private Lessons	3
MPAME-GE 2021	Music Reference and Research Materials	3
MPAPS-GE 2131	Percussion Ensembles	1
MPAGC-GE 2087	NYU Orchestra	1
MPAPS-GE 2151	Percussion Laboratory	1
	Credits	9
2nd Semester/Term
MPAPS-GE 2111	Percussion Instrmnt (Private Lessons	3
MPATC-GE XXXX	Theory Seminar	3
MPAPS-GE 2131	Percussion Ensembles	1
MPAGC-GE 2087	NYU Orchestra	1
MPAPS-GE 2151	Percussion Laboratory	1
	Credits	9
3rd Semester/Term
MPAPS-GE 2111	Percussion Instrmnt (Private Lessons	3
MPAXX-GE XXXX	Core Elective	3
MPAPS-GE 2131	Percussion Ensembles	1
MPAGC-GE 2087	NYU Orchestra	1
MPAPS-GE 2151	Percussion Laboratory	1
	Credits	9
4th Semester/Term
MPAPS-GE 2111	Percussion Instrmnt (Private Lessons	3
MPAPS-GE 2131	Percussion Ensembles	1
MPAGC-GE 2087	NYU Orchestra	1
MPAPS-GE 2151	Percussion Laboratory	1
MPAPS-GE 2181	Graduate Recital in Percussion	1
MPAXX-GE XXXX	Elective(s)	2
	Credits	9
	Total Credits	36

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will:

1. Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of music literature and history, theory, pedagogy, and performance practice.
2. Be able to develop individualized interpretations of musical works based upon their ability to synthesize their accumulated musicianship and scholarship
3. Be able to design, conduct, and communicate – in both written and oral formats – scholarship related to the field of music performance/

Policies

NYU Policies

University-wide policies can be found on the New York University Policy pages.

Steinhardt Academic Policies

Additional academic policies can be found the Steinhardt academic policies page.