Columbia University

What you'll study

The Master's in Music at Columbia combines advanced coursework, seminar work and a substantial final project or thesis. Students usually choose a primary focus such as composition, music theory/analysis, musicology, ethnomusicology or performance studies, and build a programme of study around core seminars, elective courses and applied lessons or studio work where relevant.

• Core and elective seminars cover topics such as advanced music theory and analysis, historical methods, critical approaches to sound and performance, ethnographic methods, and contemporary compositional practice.
• Composition and creative practice options include advanced composition workshops, orchestration, electroacoustic and electronic music techniques, collaborative projects and public presentations.
• Research and thesis modules teach scholarly research methods, archival practice, and historiography for candidates preparing a master's thesis or long-form research paper.
• Performance and applied study is available to students whose focus requires it, including private lessons, chamber coaching and opportunities to present recitals or performances as part of degree requirements.
• Interdisciplinary electives allow students to take courses across Columbia's schools—such as film, theatre, journalism, engineering or data science—supporting work in film scoring, sound design, music technology and other cross-disciplinary projects.

Entry requirements

• Academic background: A bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in music or a related discipline is normally expected. Applicants with exceptional professional experience in performance, composition or music-related fields may also be considered.
• Portfolio or audition: Applicants specialising in composition or performance will typically submit a portfolio or recordings and may be asked to audition or meet with faculty to discuss creative work.
• Supporting documents: Transcripts, a personal statement outlining research or creative goals, curriculum vitae, and academic or professional references are required.
• Language proficiency: International applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate proficiency through recognised English-language tests or other university-accepted evidence.
• Research proposal: For those focusing on musicology, ethnomusicology or theory, a clear research proposal outlining intended thesis topics and methodology strengthens an application.

Career prospects

Graduates of Columbia's Master's in Music pursue a range of careers informed by advanced analytical, creative and research skills. Common pathways include:

• Further academic study (PhD) and careers in higher education or research
• Professional performance and ensemble careers, including solo, chamber and orchestral work
• Composition for concert, theatre, film, television and new media; sound design and audio production
• Careers in arts administration, programming, curating and cultural policy
• Music publishing, editing, criticism and journalism
• Music technology, software development for audio applications and roles in interactive media

Why study at Columbia University

Columbia offers a distinctive combination of rigorous academic training and proximity to one of the world's most active musical and cultural centres. Students benefit from access to a broad range of departments and research centres across the university, collaborative opportunities with nearby conservatories and professional ensembles, and frequent public performances, lectures and visiting artists. Faculty include established scholars, composers and practitioners whose work spans historical, theoretical and contemporary creative practices, and facilities support both traditional and experimental approaches to music-making and research.