CUNY(The City University of New York)

What you'll study

The programme combines advanced practical training with scholarly study. Students typically choose a primary pathway such as performance, composition, musicology/ethnomusicology or music education and follow a mixture of taught modules, seminars and supervised independent work. Core topics commonly include advanced repertoire and technique, ensemble and chamber music, contemporary composition techniques, historical and critical approaches to music, analysis and advanced harmony, and research methods in music.

• Performance pathway: one-to-one lessons, recital preparation (final recital), chamber and large ensemble participation, diction and stagecraft.
• Composition pathway: composition seminars, orchestration, electronic/digital media, workshops and public performances of student work.
• Musicology/ethnomusicology pathway: seminars in music history, cultural contexts, archive research, critical theory and a supervised thesis.
• Music education pathway: advanced pedagogy, curriculum development, assessment, and supervised teaching practice or practicum.

Assessment commonly combines recitals, portfolios, written assignments, seminar presentations and a final project such as a thesis, capstone dissertation or public performance. Students may also take elective modules across CUNY campuses and collaborate with other departments, such as theatre, dance and audio technology.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a relevant undergraduate degree (BA, BMus or equivalent) or demonstrate equivalent professional experience. Requirements typically include a formal application, academic transcripts, a personal statement outlining musical and career objectives, and letters of recommendation.

• An audition or submission of a composition portfolio is generally required for performance and composition applicants; musicology applicants will submit written work samples.
• Some programmes ask for a brief research proposal for thesis-track candidates.
• International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency through recognised tests unless exempt.

Specific entry standards, audition formats and supporting materials vary by CUNY campus and pathway, so applicants should consult the relevant department for exact instructions.

Career prospects

Graduates pursue a wide range of careers in music and the performing arts. Common destinations include professional performance (solo, chamber and orchestral), composition for concert, theatre and media, teaching in schools and private studios, and further academic study at DMA or PhD level. Additional career paths include arts administration, community and outreach projects, music publishing, music preparation and editing, music production and scoring for media when combined with studio skills.

The programme’s location in New York City also supports professional development through networking, internships, freelance opportunities and collaboration with local theatres, concert series and music organisations.

Why study at CUNY(The City University of New York)

CUNY’s graduate music programmes are embedded within one of the world’s most active cultural ecologies. Students benefit from faculty who are active performers, composers and scholars, plentiful performance venues across the city, and opportunities to work with ensembles, theatres and cultural institutions. The multi-campus CUNY system allows cross-registration and interdisciplinary collaboration, giving access to resources such as specialised libraries, archives and recording facilities.

The university’s location and connections make it a practical choice for musicians seeking both high-level training and direct engagement with professional networks in a diverse, urban environment.