Program Overview
Music Theory and Composition (BM)
The Bachelor of Music Program in Music Theory and Composition combines a liberal arts education with coursework in music theory and composition to prepare students for a variety of careers in the music industry. 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.
Program Description
The program offers three concentrations:
- Concert Music
- Contemporary Songwriting and Production
- Screen Scoring
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.
Contemporary Songwriting and Production
Students in this concentration study the music industry and the craft of writing, producing, and recording songs, through intensive course work and collaboration with professional musicians.
Screen Scoring
This concentration is designed to provide the diverse knowledge necessary for working with visual media. Coursework and other activities 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.
Program Requirements
Concert Music
- Course List:
- Liberal Arts Requirements
- Specialization Requirements
- Unrestricted Electives
- Total Credits: 128
Contemporary Songwriting and Production
- Course List:
- Liberal Arts Requirements
- Specialization Requirements
- Unrestricted Electives
- Total Credits: 128
Screen Scoring
- Course List:
- Liberal Arts Requirements
- Specialization Requirements
- Unrestricted Electives
- Total Credits: 128
Sample Plan of Study
Concert Music
- Plan of Study Grid for 8 semesters
Contemporary Songwriting and Production
- Plan of Study Grid for 8 semesters
Screen Scoring
- Plan of Study Grid for 8 semesters
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will:
- Engage in a variety of collaborative environments.
- Develop foundational capacity as scholars and researchers.
- Apply their technical skills to future technology and music aesthetics.
- Be competent in navigating professional landscapes.
- Demonstrate proficiency in the aesthetics of music composition.
Policies
Program Policies
Effective Fall 2025, students must earn a final grade of at least 70% (C-) in each of the following courses to count them towards their degree progress.
Department Policies
Academic Advisement
Academic advisement is a shared responsibility.
Add/Drop
Registration changes, including credit changes, must be completed before the end of the add/drop period.
Attendance
Attendance is mandatory for Departmental courses.
Auditing
The Department of Music and Performing Arts Professions does not permit students to audit courses.
Change of Major
Students interested in applying for a change of major must contact the program advisor.
Steinhardt Non-Primary Majors
Students pursuing a second major must follow the Steinhardt Non-Primary Major Policy.
Double Major
Students requesting a Double Major in Steinhardt must complete the Non-Primary (Double) Major Declaration form.
Incomplete Grades
Students can request an incomplete grade only under exceptional circumstances.
Independent Study
An Independent Study is designed by the student and sponsoring faculty to investigate an area or field of specialization.
International Students
International students should review information on the OGS webpage to understand their legal requirements.
Mental Health and Wellness
For students experiencing undue personal and/or academic stress, the NYU Wellness Exchange offers a range of services.
Minor in Music in Global Communities
For the academic year, any students who declared the previous MPAP music minor may permit exceptions in counting their courses towards the new minor curriculum.
NYU Email
All student, faculty, and administrative communications must be done using NYU email addresses.
Pass/Fail Grading Option
MPAP follows NYU Steinhardt’s policy on the pass/fail grading option.
Private Lessons
Students may find more information about private lessons via the Major Lesson Information Sheet and the Non-Major Lesson Information Sheet.
Student Accessibility
New York University is committed to providing equal educational opportunity and participation for all students.
Study Away
MPAP majors who are interested in studying abroad may find more information here.
Summer Credit Registration
Undergraduate students may not enroll in more than 16 credits total throughout the full summer session.
Minor in Music in Global Communities
All students must follow the updated curriculum.
Technology in the Classroom
Each instructor may decide the extent to which students in their classes may be permitted to use their mobile phones or laptops.
Tutoring
Students enrolled in MPAP Theory and Aural Courses receive access to free tutoring for these courses.
NYU Policies
University-wide policies can be found on the New York University Policy pages.
Steinhardt Academic Policies
Additional academic policies can be found on the Steinhardt academic policies page.