Music Theory and Composition (MM)

Program Description

The Master of Music in Music Theory and Composition offers three concentrations in the following areas:

Concert Music Composition

This concentration involves lessons, courses, and seminars aimed toward providing composers a well-rounded education in contemporary practice as well as opportunities to hear their compositions performed.

Composers choose music electives and composition courses to enhance areas of particular interests. Opportunities for performance include projects with the percussion, strings, and vocal performance programs, residencies/readings with the NYU Contemporary Ensemble and NYU Orchestra, and collaborations with visiting guest ensembles.

Composers also have the opportunity to study electroacoustic and computer music composition through the department’s multiple on-site music production labs (including the James Dolan recording studio with 10.2 surround sound and SSL Duality), as well as through University-wide computing facilities, offering students multimedia workstations.

Screen Scoring

This concentration offers intensive professional training in composing for film, television, video games, and media. Students examine music for moving images and popular song through their rich histories and aesthetics. Students engage in collaborative projects that result in screenings at major film festivals and performances in national and international venues.

Songwriting

This concentration offers intensive professional training in the art and craft of songwriting. Students examine popular song through its rich history and aesthetics.

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 each concentration:

• Concert Music Composition
• Screen Scoring
• Songwriting

Program Requirements

The program requires the completion of 39 credits, and students choose one of the following concentrations:

Concert Music Composition

¹

Core courses and concentration courses not counting towards the concentration may also count as electives.

Screen Scoring

Songwriting

¹

May be taken a fourth time as an elective.

²

This is a sample of pertinent courses. Many more are available.

Sample Plan of Study

Concert Music Composition

Screen Scoring

Songwriting

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will:

1. Apply their technical skills to future technology and music aesthetics.
2. Demonstrate proficiency in the aesthetics of music composition.
3. Engage in a variety of collaborative environments.
4. Navigate professional landscapes.
5. Demonstrate scholarship and research skills in their field of study.

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.