Music Theory and Composition (BM)

Program Description

Music Theory and Composition students are actively involved in the organization and performance of their own works, in concerts and readings by NYU performance groups in residence, in school performing ensembles, as well as in chamber groups specially hired for specific composition concerts. There is a very active weekly meeting of our department’s Composers Forum, in which students meet and work with world-renowned composers and performers, prepare two student showcases per semester, and attend highlights in the New York City new music concert season.

Composers have many opportunities to collaborate with performers, dancers, actors, and multimedia applications, which include music technology, jazz studies, and instrumental and vocal performance programs. Composers will also have the opportunity to work with musicians and other artists from New York City.

Concentrations

The program offers three concentrations:

Concert Music

Students in this concentration take courses in orchestration and conducting, have multiple opportunities to have their concert works performed in concerts, residencies, and readings by NYU performance groups, and collaborate with performers, dancers, and actors. Students participate in a weekly composers forum, prepare two student showcases per semester, and attend highlights in the New York City new music concert season.

Contemporary Production and Songwriting

In this concentration in contemporary production and songwriting, students study the music industry and the craft of writing, producing, and recording songs, through intensive course work and collaboration with professional musicians. The concentration includes courses in songwriting history and criticism, studio production skills and techniques, and the business structure of the music industry. Students take private lessons, learn to use industry-standard music technology, and participate in the Songwriters Forum, a seminar geared toward developing the art and craft of writing popular songs.

Screen Scoring

The concentration for scoring for film and multimedia requires a set of courses designed to provide the diverse knowledge necessary for working with visual media. The courses focus on technology, composition, aesthetics, and historical approaches for music written for the screen.

Admissions

New York University's Office of Undergraduate Admissions supports the application process for all undergraduate programs at NYU.  For additional information about undergraduate admissions, including application requirements, see How to Apply. 

See How to Apply for admission requirements and instructions specific to each concentration:

• Concert Music
• Contemporary Production and Songwriting
• Screen Scoring

Program Requirements

Concert Music

¹

By advisement.

²

Required every semester.

Steinhardt Liberal Arts Core

Contemporary Production and Songwriting

¹

By advisement.

²

Passing score on Comprehensive Exam in Theory and Aural Skills is required for completion.

³

Required every semester.

⁴

Required one credit in Junior and Senior year.

Steinhardt Liberal Arts Core

Screen Scoring

¹

By advisement.

²

Required every semester.

Steinhardt Liberal Arts Core

Sample Plan of Study

Concert Music

Contemporary Production and Songwriting

Screen Scoring

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will:

1. Engage in a variety of collaborative environments.
2. Develop foundational capacity as scholars and researchers.
3. Apply their technical skills to future technology and music aesthetics.
4. Be competent in navigating professional landscapes.
5. Demonstrate proficiency in the aesthetics of music composition.

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.