Basic competence in music theory and history is a prerequisite for most graduate students in the NYU Steinhardt Department of Music and Performing Arts Professions. The music theory and history requirements outlined here apply to all students enrolling in doctoral programs in the following areas:
Music Performance (DMA & PhD)
Music Composition (PhD)
Music Education/Music Therapy
Note that as of Fall 2025, incoming PhD students in Music Technology are exempt from these requirements.
Screen Scoring students are exempt from the history requirement.
Music Therapy students are exempt from the history requirement. They are required to take the music theory entrance exam. Based on exam results, remediation is determined and fulfilled within the Music Therapy program.
Music Therapy Focus/Music Education PhD program students who have graduated from the NYU MA music therapy program are exempt from again meeting the history/theory requirements. This exemption also applies to students who have graduated from an American Music Therapy Association approved master's music therapy program.
Graduate students in music must complete a music theory diagnostic exam before registering for the first semester of coursework. DMA applicants are required to complete the exam as part of the application process, no later than the first week of December for Fall enrollment. PhD students may take the exam at any point before registering for coursework.
The diagnostic exam gauges students’ knowledge of written theory, aural theory, and sight-singing. Students who do not pass the exam (or portions thereof) will be required to complete a maximum of four points from the courses listed below, assigned in accordance with their results:
Music Fundamentals (2 credits)
Graduate Review of Music Theory (1 credit)
Graduate Review of Aural Skills (1 credit)
Students applying to music PhD programs who have completed a music degree in the Department of Music and Performing Arts Professions at NYU Steinhardt within the last five years are exempt from the music theory and history entrance requirements. This exemption is granted based on 1) passing scores on prior MPAP music theory and history entrance exams, or 2) successful completion of prior remedial coursework required by former placement exam scores. All DMA applicants are required to take the exam regardless of prior degrees from the department.
Additional guidelines, exam preparation, and registration instructions are posted on the Music Theory Placement Exam Website.
PhD and DMA students who have completed a minimum of two music history courses (equivalent to two 2-credit history courses at NYU) as part of their undergraduate or graduate degrees prior to arrival are exempt from supplemental coursework in music history.
Evaluation of course equivalence will be completed by the student’s program of study based on student transcripts. History courses must have been completed within the last 7 years for doctoral programs.
Students missing this foundational coursework must complete up to two 2-credit music history courses offered through the Music and Performing Arts Department. Students should consult with their advisors on the most appropriate music history courses for their degree program.
Students should begin supplemental coursework in the first semester of study so as not to impede progress toward the degree. Courses taken to satisfy a proficiency requirement are supplemental to those required by any graduate degree program. Remedial courses cannot be used to meet degree requirements. Questions regarding placement exams, remedial coursework, or theory seminars should be directed to the Music Theory and History Program at smusic.theory@nyu.edu.
The Online Registration Request Form (for students requiring theory/history remediation and/or students wishing to take a theory seminar which requires permission from the instructor) can be accessed at the Music Theory Placement Exam Registration Website.
English Competency is assessed through the admissions portfolio and, in the case of international students, one of the following English proficiency exams: TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE Academic.
Additional advisement information for international students is available at the Steinhardt International Student Registration Website.