Access codes can be obtained from Pauline Lum (pl56@nyu.edu).

Q: How do I obtain an access code for a class with pre-requisites?

If you have fulfilled the pre-requisites for a course, you will be able to register once you obtain an access code.

If you have not fulfilled the pre-requisites but would still like to register for the course, you must contact the instructor for permission. If he or she waives the pre-requisite for you, you must then contact Pauline Lum (pl56@nyu.edu) and she will register you for the course. Please cc the instructor on any correspondence with Ms.Lum.

Q: How long will it take for changes in my major/minor status to appear on ALBERT?

Please keep in mind that, if your request requires that information (i.e. declaration of major/minor, cancellation or change to major/minor status) be entered into the Student Information System by the DUGS or the Registrar, this information can take AT LEAST ONE WEEK to appear on ALBERT.

Q: When do I declare a music major/minor?

Typically, a major/minor is declared between your sophomore and junior years. It is best to declare early in the spring semester.

Can I have two or more majors/minors?

Yes, you can, although having more than two majors/minors is discouraged.

If you intend to have two majors, you must decide which is your "primary major." The advisor in the department of your primary major is responsible for declaring both majors. You should, however, maintain contact with the advisor of your second major so he or she can monitor the completion of your major requirements.

If you already have a minor, the music DUGS cannot declare you on the Student Information System, but he or she will write a memo to the registrar to declare your second minor. Please notify the DUGS that you already have a declared minor.

Q: How do I declare a music major/minor?

FOR CAS STUDENTS:

Majors and Minors are declared through the Department of Music DUGS (except for SENIORS)

a) Send the DUGS your student ID number and a list of classes that you may have taken toward the major/minor (see below for a list of courses that fulfill the major/minor requirements).

b) If you have questions about whether or not a particular class counts toward the major/minor, please e-mail the DUGS.

c) The DUGS will declare you as a major/minor using the online Student Information System. Please note that it takes up to a week for the major/minor to appear on ALBERT.

IF YOU ARE A SENIOR:

a) Send the DUGS for student ID number and a list of classes that you may have taken toward the major/minor.

b) The DUGS will write a memo to the registrar's office, which will be responsible for declaring your major/minor.

FOR NON-CAS STUDENTS (minor only):

a) Get a minor declaration form from your host school (e.g. Steinhardt, Tisch).

b) Have your advisor at your host school sign this form to approve your minor.

c) Write out the list of classes that you expect to take toward the minor.

d) Bring the form to the Department of Music DUGS (you may leave the form with Ms. Pauline Lum) to sign. Once the form has been signed, you may pick the form up from Ms. Lum and take it back to your host school.

e) The DUGS will write a memo to the registrar's office, which will be responsible for declaring your minor.

Q: What is required to major in music?

The major consists of 40 course credits, usually distributed across 10 classes of four credits each. All departmental courses must be passed with a grade of "C" or better to count toward the major.

a) Harmony and Counterpoint I-IV (V71.0201-0204)*

b) Two courses from History of European Music (V71.0101-0104)

c) Four other courses, numbered above V71.0100, one of which must be in Ethnomusicology

d) Up to four ensemble or performance credits may be applied toward the major.

Sample Major Course Schedule
Current Course Offerings

Q: What is required to minor in music?

The minor consists of 16 course credits, usually distributed across four classes of four credits each.

a) Elements of Music*

b) One course in Music History (Western Art Music)

c) One course in Ethnomusicology

d) The fourth course may be chosen from Music Theory, Music History or Ethnomusicology

e) Up to four ensemble or performance credits may be applied toward the minor.

* Note: If you can already read music, know the basic rudiments such as scales, key signatures, intervals, chord construction principles, meter signatures, and basic rhythmic notation, you can take Harmony and Counterpoint I, a more advanced class.  This class is offered only in the fall semester and requires an access code in order to register. To get an access code for this course, write to the DUGS explaining your background in music theory. When the DUGS replies with an approval, write to Pauline Lum (pl56@nyu.edu) to request an access code, making sure to cc the DUGS on your message to Pauline.

Q: Can I place out of Harmony and Counterpoint I?

In order to place out of Harmony and Counterpoint I, you must take a diagnostic exam. This exam can be scheduled by contacting the DUGS. The one and a half hour exam will be taken in the department and students will not have access to a piano during the exam. Exam results will be available one week after completing the exam.

Q: Do I get credit toward the major/minor if I place out of Elements of Music?

No, you must take another class instead, typically the first Harmony and Counterpoint class (offered in the fall semester only).

Q: Do I need to pass a piano proficiency exam in order to major/minor in music?

No. This is no longer a requirement of the major/minor.

Q: Do honors classes fulfill major/minor requirements?

Yes, but permission to register must be obtained from the instructor, and an access code requested from Pauline Lum (pl56@nyu.edu).

Q: Can I take graduate level courses in order to fulfill major requirements?

A student will be permitted to enroll in a graduate level course only in the most exceptional circumstances. The student must first obtain permission of the instructor of the course and then notify the DUGS,

Q: How do I get credit for classes taken outside of CAS?

Send an e-mail to the DUGS that includes details about the course, the course number, when you took the course and what your grade was.

Q: How many credits can I get toward the minor from schools other than CAS?

No more than eight credits.

Q: May I take instrumental or voice lessons for credit toward a music major or minor?

You can receive a maximum of four credits for lessons taken at Steinhardt (they can be two-, three- or four-credit lessons).

Please visit Steinhardt's Department of Music and Performing Arts Professions web site for details on how to enroll in lessons.

Q: May I participate in performance ensembles for credit toward a music major/minor?

You can receive a maximum of four credits for participation in ensembles (choir, orchestra, jazz band or combo, chamber music, etc.) through Steinhardt or ensembles organized within the Department of Music.

Please visit Steinhardt's Ensembles & Auditions web site for more information.

Q: How do I cancel my music major or minor?

Write an e-mail to the DUGS, stating that you would like to cancel your major or minor. He or she will officially cancel your major/minor.

Return to Top

STUDY ABROAD

Credits toward the major and minor can be taken while studying abroad. Typically, students take one or two classes toward the major, one in music history and one elective.

Notice that CAS Harmony & Counterpoint courses are not offered abroad, and that study abroad may interupt/delay your Harmony & Counterpoint sequence. In some cases, students may take one of Steinhardt's theory courses while abroad in order to fulfill the major requirement. Please contact the DUGS if you would like to pursue this option.

You must obtain preapproval from the DUGS for classes that you plan to take while abroad.

INDEPENDENT STUDIES

Independent studies are usually taken during your senior year, although exceptions are made for juniors. These courses are rare and only the most promising, disciplined, and independent students earn the right to carry them out.

To propose an independent study:

Typically, students who enroll in independent studies also apply to graduate with honors.

a) Write to the DUGS with a proposal for the study that includes:        
        i.      A brief description of the topic
        ii.     A brief description of the status of research on the                         topic (who has said what, when, on the topic of your                 choice)
        iii.    why you would want to pursue this topic at this stage
        iv.    A list of the reading materials along with a schedule                     for completing the reading
        v.     The name or names of professor with whom you may                 have discussed your ideas for the independent study                    (indicate whether or not you have asked a professor to                 sponsor your independent study)

b) Independent studies can be taken for one or two semesters.

c) Independent studies beginning in the fall semester are proposed mid- to late-spring semester. The department discourages Spring semester only independent studies.

INTERNSHIPS

The department sponsors internships only for music major and minors.

To propose an internship:

a) Write to the DUGS with the name of the sponsor, an explanation of your duties and their relation to the degree.

b) Your sponsor will be responsible for writing two reports, one at mid-term and one at the semester's end. The first report can be an e-mail simply stating whether or not you are satisfactorily fulfilling your duties. The second report must be on letterhead and signed by your sponsor. It should evaluate your performance in more detail than the mid-term report. Have your sponsor mail this to the music DUGS.

c) It is your responsibility to make sure that the reports are sent in time for the DUGS to submit your grade to the registrar.

d) No credit is given toward the major or minor for internships.

HONORS

Only students with a Grade Point Average of 3.65 or above are eligible to graduate with honors. The requirements are as follows:

a) Two honors-level courses , at least one of which must be an  Honors Seminar (V71.0901), taken during the junior or senior year. The other may be an additional honors seminar or an indepedent study, approved by the Director of Undergraduate Studies.

b) A capstone project, which is an extended, original research project carried out through the senior year

c) For guidelines as to how to propose a project, please refer to the guidelines for proposing an independent study (see above).

d) Submission of the honors portfolio to the DUGS by April 1 of the student's senior year, or November 20 if graduating in January.

TRANSFERRING CREDITS

There is a procedure that must be followed in order for the registrar to transfer credits. This applies to students transferring internally (between NYU schools - for example, from Steinhardt to CAS or from Tisch to CAS) or externally (from another university or college to NYU).

a) After meeting with the DUGS, the student will receive a memo from the DUGS (addressed to CAS advising and Graduation Services) stating which transfer credits can be applied toward the music major or minor, and which requirements they fulfill.

b) The student must take this memo to CAS advising. The advisor will write a memo to Graduation Services, stating how many credits the student may transfer overall.

c) Graduation Services will enter this information into the system so the credits appear on the student's transcript.

Advanced Placement Credits for entering Freshmen

Usually, high AP scores in music theory translate into being able to register for Harmony and Counterpoint I. If you feel qualified to be exempt from this class, you may take a diagnostic exam that is equivalent to the final exam for Harmony and Counterpoint I. If you pass the exam, you may then register for Harmony and Counterpoint II. Please note that Harmony and Counterpoint II is only offered in the Spring semester.

Admissions and Financial Aid

Students seeking admission to the University should apply to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, New York University, 22 Washington Square North, New York, NY 10011. The University sponsors and administers a wide variety of financial aid programs. Awards are based on the student's record of academic achievement and test scores as well as on financial need.

Return to Top