CUNY(The City University of New York)

What you'll study

The degree typically spans four years and integrates core musicianship with specialisms. Common components include music theory and aural skills, harmony and counterpoint, music history and literature, and applied lessons (private instruction) on your principal instrument or voice. Performance work is central: expect weekly studio lessons, regular juries, and participation in large and small ensembles such as orchestra, choir, wind ensemble, chamber groups and musical theatre productions.

Students may choose or be offered concentrations such as Performance, Composition, Music Technology and Production, Music Education, or Musicology. Typical modules and activities include:

• Core musicianship: theory, ear training, score reading and analysis
• Applied lessons and performance juries; recitals in senior years
• Ensembles and repertory classes, including opera or music theatre workshops
• Music history and literature survey courses and specialised seminars (baroque to contemporary)
• Composition, arranging and elective composition workshops
• Music technology: recording, digital audio workstations, MIDI, and live sound
• Conducting and rehearsal techniques for instrumentalists and vocalists
• Pedagogy and methods for students pursuing music education
• Electives that can include theatre, dance, business of music, and interdisciplinary arts

Assessment mixes performance examinations, juries, written assignments, scores of composition, practical projects and a capstone recital or thesis for many tracks.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a recognised secondary-school qualification (such as A-levels, International Baccalaureate or equivalent) and submit official transcripts. Admissions normally require a successful performance audition or recorded audition and may ask for a short theory assessment or portfolio for composition applicants. Typical application elements include:

• Academic transcripts from secondary school
• Live or recorded audition demonstrating technical and musical ability on principal instrument or voice
• Statement of purpose or personal statement outlining musical experience and goals
• Letters of recommendation, generally one or two from teachers or musical mentors
• For composition applicants, scores or recordings of original work
• International applicants must meet English proficiency requirements

Specific campus-level programmes within CUNY may have additional requirements or placement assessments; applicants should consult the particular college’s music department for precise audition repertoire lists and guidance.

Career prospects

Graduates follow diverse professional paths in performance, education, and the creative industries. Common careers include:

• Professional performer (orchestral, chamber, solo, opera, musical theatre)
• Music educator at schools, private studio teachers, or in community education (additional certification may be required for public-school teaching)
• Composer, arranger or songwriter for concert, theatre, film and media
• Music producer, audio engineer or technician working in recording studios, live sound, or media production
• Arts administration, programming, concert production and community arts organisation roles
• Further study at conservatories or graduate programmes (Master’s, performance diplomas, doctoral study)

Being based in New York City enhances internship and professional networking opportunities with theatres, recording studios, orchestras and commercial music enterprises, supporting transitions into both freelance careers and institutional roles.

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

CUNY offers access to conservatory-level instruction within a public university system, making high-quality training more accessible. Its colleges benefit from faculty who are active performers, composers and scholars, and students regularly perform in venues across New York City, from campus halls to off-Broadway and professional concert stages.

Studying at CUNY means access to a wide variety of ensembles, collaborative opportunities with theatre and dance departments, and facilities that include practice rooms, recording labs and performance spaces. The university’s location provides strong connections to the city’s professional arts organisations, internships, and a major live-music scene—valuable for building practical experience and networks that support long-term careers in music and theatre.