PhD Music Performance and Composition at New York University

New York University is one of the few institutions in the United States that offers a PhD degree in music performance and composition. Students declare a concentration in Performance or Composition and may focus their studies in consultation with their adviser. Students personalize their course of study around individual research interests, taking courses that support their areas of specialization.

Faculty: Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development  |  Duration: 49-55 credits  |  Location: New York, NY, United States

What you will study

This degree program requires 49–55 credits for graduation covering foundations and departmental seminars, specialized research and research methods courses (as appropriate for your dissertation research), cognates (courses outside your specialization), applied study, recitals, guided electives, and dissertation proposal seminars. Additional credits may be required as the result of diagnostic and candidacy exams. Sample required courses: Dissertation Proposal Seminar; Doctoral Recital.

Career pathways

Graduates of the PhD program in music performance and composition are pursuing careers in performance and/or composition coupled with teaching at the college or university level or professors of music in leading institutions in the United States and abroad.

Official programme page