Music

Degrees and Fields of Study

  • Ph.D. in Ethnomusicology
  • Ph.D. in Historical Musicology
  • Ph.D. in Music Theory/Composition
  • Ph.D.-J.D. in Music/Law (Dual Degree)

Application Deadlines

  • January 4: Fall admission
    • Ph.D.-J.D. applicants must submit two separate applications — one to GSAS, and another to NYU Law. Please consult NYU Law Admissions for the J.D. application deadline.

Applications and all supporting materials must be submitted online by 5PM Eastern Time. If a listed deadline falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or U.S. federal holiday, then the next business day will be the actual deadline.

Please note: As of fall 2020, the Music Department has adopted a “two-years-on/one-year-off” admissions schedule. The 2023-24 academic year is an “off” year and we will be NOT accepting graduate admissions for fall 2023.

Test Scores

GRE

  • Please do not send GRE test scores — they will not be reviewed by our Admissions Committees.

TOEFL/IELTS

Applicants must submit official TOEFL or IELTS scores (TOEFL preferred) unless they:

  • Are a native English speaker; OR

  • Are a US citizen or permanent resident; OR

  • Have completed (or will complete) a baccalaureate or master's degree at an institution where the language of instruction is English.

Statement of Academic Purpose

In a concisely written statement, please describe your past and present work as it relates to your intended field of study, your educational objectives, and your career goals. In addition, please include your intellectual and professional reasons for choosing your field of study and why your studies/research can best be done at the Graduate School of Arts and Science at NYU. The statement should not exceed two double-spaced pages.

Writing Sample

Music Theory/Composition Program

Two or three music samples that demonstrate recent work are required. For notated music samples, a recording should be included. Submitted samples may include electroacoustic or multimedia works, in which case there is typically no score. A short writing sample of 5-15 double-spaced pages, on any musical topic, is also required.

Ethnomusicology & Historical Musicology Programs

One or two written papers, double-spaced, that demonstrate analytical and writing abilities are required. These will play a major role in the admission decision.

Recorded Material and Musical Scores

It is preferred that you submit recordings and musical scores by using a URL to point to an online collection of your materials. Please refer to the Videos and Online Materials page. If you are unable to make electronic versions of the material available, please contact the Music Department directly at the email address shown above.