Overview

The Music programme at The City University of New York provides a comprehensive and adaptable curriculum for students seeking advanced expertise in various musical disciplines. This Master of Arts degree is specifically structured to accommodate the schedules of busy New York City professionals and educators through evening course offerings.

The department fosters a vibrant creative community where students can pursue specialised pathways tailored to their career goals. Whether focusing on academic research, creative composition, or professional performance, the curriculum ensures a rigorous grounding in both theory and practice within a world-class urban setting.

Why Music at The City University of New York?

The institution is recognised for providing high-quality musical training at an affordable price point, making advanced education accessible to a wide range of talented individuals. Its location in the heart of a global cultural capital allows students to engage directly with the professional music industry and educational networks.

Facilities and teaching features are designed to support diverse specialisations, from ethnomusicology to jazz performance. The faculty consists of experienced practitioners and scholars who provide mentorship across various concentrations, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for the demands of the contemporary musical landscape.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 855 per credit
National fee: USD 855 per credit
Local fee: USD 470 per credit

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum is organised into distinct concentrations to allow for deep specialisation in a chosen field. Modules may include:

Composition
Ethnomusicology
Music History
Music Theory
Performance
Mixed Concentration
Music Education

For those pursuing the Teacher Education Program, the syllabus is jointly administered with the School of Education. This pathway leads to recommendation for New York State Certification, qualifying graduates to teach from Pre-K through to Grade 12.

Applicants who did not major in this subject during their undergraduate studies are expected to complete preparatory coursework. These foundational requirements typically cover the following areas:

Music Theory
Musicianship
Music History

Careers with Music

Graduates of this programme frequently find success in a variety of professional roles within the arts and education sectors. Many students are already active professional musicians or teachers who use the degree to enhance their technical skills and academic credentials for career advancement.

The Teacher Education Program specifically prepares individuals for roles as certified music teachers in New York State schools. Other graduates pursue careers as composers, researchers, or performers, leveraging the diverse training and professional connections gained during their studies at the university.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Strings
Woodwinds
Percussion
Brass
Piano Skills for Music Teachers
Methods of Teaching Instrumental Music in the Elementary and Secondary Schools

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months
Part-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-28 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-06-01 00:00:00
Starting 2027-01-25 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-11-01 00:00:00

Language

English

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Credits

30 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

New York City, United States

Disciplines

Music View 1017 other Masters in Music in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

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Other requirements

General requirements

29 undergraduate credits in music, that is, four semesters of music theory, four semesters of musicianship (sight singing, ear training, and keyboard), and three semesters of music history, as a prerequisite

Official application

Transcripts from their previous school(s)

Statement of purpose

Two letters of recommendation
Applicants to the Performance concentration and TEP must audition. Each applicant will be contacted to confirm the audition time and date.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

25650 USD / year

≈ 25650 USD / year
Out-of-State

25650 USD / year

≈ 25650 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

14100 USD / year

≈ 14100 USD / year

Living costs

New York City

United States

1819 - 3968 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

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Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Music.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

New York City

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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