The Master of Music in Music Theory and Composition is designed to provide students with a dynamic and eclectic environment to explore, develop, and learn the art of composing.
The Music Theory and Composition program requires the completion of a minimum of 39 credits. Prior to starting the program, students are required to take evaluation tests in music theory and aural skills. Students showing deficiencies in any of the evaluation tests, may be required to take courses in addition to the minimum of 39 credits required to graduate.
Degree Requirements
Core Courses in Research (R), Music Theory (T), Music History/Literature (H) (8 credits)
MPATC-GE 2039 Contemporary Music (H) – 3 credits – fall
MPATC-GE 2026 Colloquy in Music* (Recital and Thesis)(R) – 2 credits – fall
MPATC-GE 2550 Screen Music: Historical Aesthetics/Perspectives (H) – 2 credits – fall/spring
MPATC-GE 220X Seminar in Music Theory * (T) – 3 credits – fall/spring
Music Composition Concentration (22 credits)
MPATC-GE 2321 Private Composition (taken 3 times for 3 semesters) – 9 credits – fall/spring
MPATC-GE 2027 Seminar in Composition: String Quartet I – 2 credits – fall/spring
MPATC-GE 2028 Seminar in Composition: String Quartet II – 2 credits – fall/spring
MPATC-GE 2424 Composers Forum (taken 4 times for 4 credits total) – 4 credits – fall/spring
MPATC-GE 2082 Advanced Orchestration: Concert Music – 3 credits – fall
MPATC-GE 2520 Masterclass with Julia Wolfe – 2 credit – fall
Guided Electives – by advisement (9 Credits)
Choose from a wide selection of courses. Core courses and concentration courses that are not counting towards the concentration may also count as electives. Please note this list is incomplete and that course offerings change every semester. Please look at the course catalog on Albert for the most up-to-date course offerings.
There are so many incredible courses offered throughout MPAP and NYU. We’ve put together a working document of suggested electives. We encourage you to search the course catalog for the most up to date information on course offerings. Click the link below to see suggestions for electives:
Some more useful resources to consider:
Music Theory Graduate Electives
Music Technology Nonmajor & Specialized course request guidelines
General info about financial aid and scholarships
To register for any scoring courses, fill out this form.
Four Semester Sequence Example
First Year
Fall
| Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Composers Forum | 1 |
| Private Lessons | 3 |
| Seminar in Composition | 2 |
| Adv. Orchestration – Concert Comp. | 3 |
| History/Literature | 3 |
| Total | 12 |
Spring
| Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Composers Forum | 1 |
| Private Lessons | 3 |
| Seminar in Composition | 2 |
| Seminar in Theory | 3 |
| Elective | 2–3 |
| Total | 11–12 |
Second Year
Fall
| Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Composers Forum | 1 |
| Private Lessons | 3 |
| Seminar in Composition | 2 |
| Colloquy | 2 |
| Masterclass with Julia Wolfe | 2 |
| Elective | 2–3 |
| Total | 12–13 |
Spring
| Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Private Lessons | 2–3 |
| Elective | 2–3 |
| Total | 4–6 |
Master’s Paper and Recital
All students are required to write a research paper and produce an individual/group recital. The paper will be written in the fall of their second year while taking MPATC-GE 2026, Colloquy in Music. The specific topic and style of writing will be guided and discussed in class. The recital occurs in fall or spring of the second year. It will be a concert presentation of music composed while in the program, 60 minutes total (including any set changes). The student’s teacher must attend the recital. Students will discuss scheduling the recital with their teacher to ensure the teacher can attend. Visit Recital Planning and Schedule to learn how to schedule your recital.
Music Theory and History Placement Exam
Fundamentals in music history and theory are a prerequisite for all graduate degree programs in music. Entering graduate students are required to take a placement exam in music theory. Students have the option of taking the placement exam in the fall (August) or spring (January) term in your first year of the program. The theory placement exam can only be taken ONCE. If a student does not pass, they will be required to take remedial classes (up to a maximum of 4 credits) to fulfill the requirements. These classes and credits will not count toward the degree. They include:
- MPATC-GE 2301 Music Fundamentals – 2 credit – fall/spring
- MPATC-GE 2232 Graduate Review of Music Theory – 1 credit – fall/spring
- MPATC-GE 2035 Graduate Review of Aural Skills – 1 credit – fall/spring
For information about the placement exam please visit the placement exam website.
Private Lessons
Concerning the choice of a private composition teacher, please note that students have the option to pursue private study with any of the Music Composition Faculty who are available throughout your study at NYU.
Students should take 3-credit private composition lessons for three semesters during their study at NYU Steinhardt. Students may also take a secondary lesson in instruments or voice for 2 credits as an elective.
Current Course Offerings
For a complete list of up-to-date course offerings in the composition programs, all MPAP programs, and all other NYU programs and schools, please log onto Albert and search the course catalog.