The MA in Music Scoring & Composition provides students with focused training in music composition and production workflows, digital audio workstations, virtual instruments, and industry standard practices in music scoring for visual media. Building on a foundation of musicianship, students will learn contemporary scoring techniques which provide the necessary skills for success in changing music industry. Emphasis is placed on creating emotion through music, MIDI orchestration, and synchronization with visual media.

Essential to music theory majors are skills in harmony and voice leading, music analysis and instrumentation, as well as instrument studies. During your master’s studies, you will deepen your understanding of music research and gain more knowledge of your personal research field.

The MFA in Music Scoring & Composition is designed to provide the highest level of training in music composition and scoring for film, television, games, and other visual media. Balancing musicianship training with contemporary production skills to reflect a changing music industry, students will learn music theory, composition, harmony, orchestration, and arranging, focusing on creating emotion through music in synchronization with visual media. Students will use the latest computer-based production workflows, digital audio workstations, and virtual instrument libraries. The focus is on composition using virtual instruments, resulting in a thesis project and portfolio in the final year.

Our graduate programs encourage you to expand your musical knowledge and skills through contact with our world-class faculty. A variety of concentrations are available at the master’s level to prepare you for a fulfilling music career.

The objectives of the course are to provide students the opportunity to learn and do research on musical art while placing a high priority on developing each student’s personality and creativity. It aims to train excellent musicians and researchers with the ability to play active roles in society by taking full advantage of their professional knowledge.

Develop your skills as a music composer in a conservatory-like setting in this master of a music program, working closely with our faculty of internationally recognized composers. Specialize in traditional composition, electronic composition, or composing for film or music theatre. You will be actively involved in the performance of your work, collaborating with composers, musicians, and other artists, at NYU and throughout New York City.