Overview

The M.M. in Music Theory and Composition - Songwriting at New York University is designed to equip aspiring composers with the technical tools and business acumen required for the modern music industry. Students engage in a rigorous academic environment that balances creative expression with professional preparation. This programme ensures that graduates can navigate the complexities of the global music market while maintaining a unique artistic voice.

The curriculum focuses on the essential craft of songwriting, covering melody, harmony, and structure alongside contemporary production techniques. Participants benefit from a collaborative atmosphere, working with performers and artists across various disciplines.

Why Music Theory and Composition - Songwriting at New York University?

Students have access to unparalleled facilities and a vibrant creative community in the heart of New York City. The programme offers unique performance opportunities, allowing composers to have their work showcased by university ensembles and professional musicians. Collaboration is central to the experience, with links to programmes in Music Technology, Jazz Studies, and Vocal Performance.

The Songwriters Forum provides a dedicated space for peer feedback and professional mentorship. Additionally, the weekly Composers Forum connects students with world-renowned guest artists. This immersive environment ensures that students are not only learning the theory of music but are also actively participating in the city's renowned new music concert season.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 55254 per year
National fee: USD 55254 per year
Local fee: USD 55254 per year

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

Syllabus

The curriculum is structured to provide a deep understanding of both historical context and modern application. Modules may include:

Songwriting History and Criticism
Songwriters Forum
Private Composition Lessons
Rights, Revenue & Relationships
Contemporary Scoring Techniques
Production for Songwriters
Colloquy in Music
Narrative and Theatrical Songwriting
African-American Music

Careers with Music Theory and Composition - Songwriting

Graduates are prepared for diverse roles within the competitive music industry, including professional songwriting, production, and music publishing. The programme emphasises the business structure of the industry, teaching students about audio production, promotion, and marketing. This dual focus on art and commerce enables alumni to build sustainable careers as independent creators or within established media organisations.

The professional preparation provided ensures that students understand the legal and financial aspects of their craft, such as rights and revenue management. By the end of the programme, students have developed a professional portfolio and a network of industry contacts, facilitating a smooth transition into the global music and entertainment sectors.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Contemporary Scoring Techniques

Production for Songwriters

Production for Producers

Conducting: Advanced Instrumental

Rights, Revenue & Relationships: What Music Creators Need to Know

Songwriting History and Criticism

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-21 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-10-01 00:00:00
Starting 2027-09-02 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-01-06 00:00:00

Language

English

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Credits

39 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

New York City, United States

Disciplines

Musicology Creative Writing Music Composition View 292 other Masters in Musicology 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

Duolingo English Test

125

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

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PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Résumé/CV

Statement of Purpose

Letters of Recommendation

Transcripts

Proficiency in English

Portfolio

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

55254 USD / year

≈ 55254 USD / year
Out-of-State

55254 USD / year

≈ 55254 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

55254 USD / year

≈ 55254 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.

Financing

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Funding

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.

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 Theory and Composition - Songwriting.

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

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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