The Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music is an undergraduate program only.
If you have already earned an undergraduate degree, you are not eligible to apply to the program. Students looking for graduate study are referred to NYU's Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development, Department of Music and Performing Arts Professions. It has graduate programs in Music Business, Music Technology, and Music Composition.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO GO TO NYU?
Estimate of Expenses for Full-Time Undergraduate Students, 2012-2013 academic year:
- Tuition: $45.106.00
- Registration and Services Fee: $2,326.00
- Room and Board*: $11,921.50 (variable)
- Books: $700.00
Personal expenses: $2,000.00
Total: $62,053.50
*Includes up to 14 meals per week
Recorded Music students may also be required to pay a non-refundable lab fee each semester.
WHAT DO I NEED TO DO TO APPLY FOR FINANCIAL AID?
Students are encouraged to apply for financial aid electronically - the fastest and most accurate method of completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You may find more information online at the Tisch-Financial Aid website.
HOW MANY APPLICATIONS DO YOU TYPICALLY RECEIVE EACH YEAR?
We receive approximately 400 applications each year.
HOW MANY STUDENTS DO YOU ADMIT EACH YEAR?
Each year we admit 48 students.
WHAT ARE THE AVERAGE GPAs AND SATs OF ACCEPTED STUDENTS TO NYU?
- Average High School GPA: 3.63
- SAT Critical Reading Score Range (middle 50%): 630 - 730
- SAT Math Score Range (middle 50%): 650 - 750
- SAT Writing Score Range (middle 50%): 660 - 750
- ACT Score Range (middle 50%): 29 - 31
- Ranked in Top 25% of High School Class: 96%
Additional NYU statistics can be found under Undergraduate Admissions NYU Facts.
WHAT IS THE STANDARDIZED TESTING POLICY IF I AM APPLYING TO THE RECORDED MUSIC DEPARTMENT?
NYU’s standardized testing policies give students more options for what exam results they can submit. The following testing options apply to all NYU applicants. All applicants must select from one of the testing options, which include:
- The SAT Reasoning Test; or
- The ACT (with Writing Test); or
- Three SAT Subject Test scores (one in literature or the humanities, one in math or science, and one non-language test of the student's choice); or
- Three AP exam scores (one in literature or the humanities, one in math or science, and one non-language of the student's choice); or
- The International Baccalaureate Diploma; or
- Three IB higher-level exam scores (if you are not an IB Diploma candidate); or
If you would like more information on this new policy, you can view it online.
DO YOU GIVE INFORMATION SESSIONS OR TOURS FOR THE RECORDED MUSIC DEPARTMENT?
Yes. Department tours and information sessions are held selected Fridays at 11:00 am at 194 Mercer Street, 5th Floor. You can reserve a spot by completing our online registration form.
HOW CAN I SIGN UP FOR A GENERAL NYU INFORMATION SESSION AND CAMPUS TOUR?
The Office of Undergraduate Admissions offers information sessions and tours of the NYU campus twice daily, generally Monday through Friday at 10 am, 1 pm, and/or 2:30 pm. Please call 212.998.4524 to make a reservation or go to the Undergraduate Admissions website to schedule a visit online.
DO YOU HOLD OPEN HOUSE PROGRAMS?
Yes. Our Open House programs offer the most comprehensive visiting experience. You will learn specific information on our programs, admissions and financial aid. Typically, faculty, school officers, student life offices, current students, and the deans of the Tisch School of the Arts all attend Open House programs. We hold these programs for freshmen during the fall. If you are already on the NYU mailing list, you will receive an invitation to our Open House programs. Dates for these open houses become available at the end of each summer. Please visit the Undergraduate Admissions website for more information.
CAN I AUDIT OR SIT IN ON A CLASS?
No. Because of the participatory and creative nature of many courses at Tisch, all departments do not permit prospective students to observe classes. However, students are welcome to come and visit other NYU classes throughout the year. Classroom visits are offered Monday through Thursday during the Fall and Spring semesters. If you are interested in sitting in on a class, visit the Jeffrey S. Gould Welcome Center, 50 West Fourth Street, for a list of classes that are open for visitation. You may also call 212.998.4524 for more information.
CAN I MEET WITH A RECORDED MUSIC FACULTY MEMBER?
The administrative staff within the Institute of Recorded Music are more than qualified to answer any questions you have about the department. In the case that they cannot, you will be referred to the proper faculty member.
I ALREADY HAVE A BACHELOR'S DEGREE. CAN I APPLY?
No. NYU does not allow for second bachelor’s degrees (except for Nursing). However, the Music Technology and Music Business programs at the Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development do offer graduate programs.I WANT TO APPLY. HOW DO I GET AN APPLICATION?
All undergraduate applications are distributed by the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. You can call them at 212.998.4500 for more information or apply online. You may also click here to be put on the NYU mailing list. Make sure that you list one of the departments at Tisch in order to receive Tisch-related information.
Please remember that, as a separate step, you must also complete your Recorded Music creative portfolio. There is a special section at the back of the undergraduate application called "Special Admissions Requirements". This section lists what you must submit for your specific program at Tisch. All Tisch programs require a creative review. For more specific information on the Recorded Music creative portfolio, click here.
CAN I APPLY TO TWO DIFFERENT PROGRAMS SIMULTANEOUSLY?
No. You must choose one, and if you are denied admission to one department, you cannot apply to another in the same admissions cycle.
WHAT ARE THE CORE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN MUSIC BUSINESS OR MUSIC TECHNOLOGY IN STEINHARDT AND RECORDED MUSIC IN TISCH?
The primary difference between the Steinhardt Music Business and Music Technology programs and the Tisch Recorded Music program is the degree that students receive upon graduation. The Steinhardt Music Business and Music Technology students receive a Bachelor of Music (B.M.) and Tisch Recorded Music students receive a Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.).
Steinhardt Music Business and Music Technology undergraduates participate in a core music curriculum in music theory, history, and keyboard skills, along with a rich liberal arts foundation. Music Business students take classes in the Stern School of Business and follow an intensive sequence of specialized music business courses. Music Technology students take a sequence of courses offering a solid foundation in all areas of music technology, while giving the flexibility to obtain specialized expertise in a specific area of music and audio technology. As a part of the audition process, students are required to sing or play one piece of music in addition to an interview and music theory test. For more information about the artistic review please visit Music Business Auditions or Music Tech Auditions.
The Recorded Music B.F.A. undergraduate program is designed to provide professional training for students who aim to succeed as creative entrepreneurs in the music industry. Whether aspiring executives, producers, performers or critics, all Recorded Music students develop their entrepreneurial skills by taking core courses in four areas: business, production, musicianship, and history-criticism. Students learn about business and legal issues and they are expected to become proficient in a range of recorded music practices through practicums in the recording studio. Concurrently, students explore critical writing and music journalism, delving into the cultural impact of recorded music and the history of contemporary musical genres such as rock, R&B, hip-hop, and pop. By senior year, all Recorded Music students hone their skills as music entrepreneurs by developing a comprehensive creative plan to launch a music business venture such as a record label, production company or new media enterprise. As is the case with all Tisch programs, professional training is combined with a solid liberal arts education.
For information about the Recorded Music creative portfolio review, please visit the department website.
For more information about Steinhardt Music Business or Music Technology, please click here.
WHEN IS THE APPLICATION & CREATIVE PORTFOLIO DEADLINE?
- Early Decision I: November 1 (notified December 15)
- Early Decision II: January 1 (notified February 15)
- Regular Decision: January 1 (notified April 1)
- Internal Transfer: March 1 (notified April 1)
- External Transfer: April 1 (notified-mid-May)
We do not have rolling admissions or spring admits. All incoming classes start each fall. Please note that students are not deferred from Early Decision, and all admissions decisions are final.
CAN I APPLY AS AN EXTERNAL TRANSFER STUDENT TO THE RECORDED MUSIC DEPARTMENT?
Yes. The Recorded Music department does have a transfer admissions process for students from other accredited colleges and universities. All Recorded Music transfer students must start coursework in the fall semester, and spend a minimum of six semesters in residence in the department in order to complete the 128 credits needed to obtain the BFA degree. The maximum amount of transfer credits that a student can bring to the department is 32 credits, which are typically awarded towards general education and elective requirements. In addition to completing the online application for transfer, applicants must also complete the required creative portfolio for admission to The Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music. All applications for transfer and creative portfolios for admission are due April 1.
HOW DO I APPLY AS AN INTERNAL TRANSFER FROM ANOTHER DIVISION OF NYU TO TISCH?
If you are a student from another division of NYU, you may apply for an internal transfer online here. Students must be enrolled in the division to which they were originally admitted for one full year before they may transfer to another division. Up to 32 credits may be transferred this includes credits taken at any previous institutions, as well as AP or IB scores. Any courses taken within NYU prior to matriculation will transfer in above and beyond the 32 credit limit. All applications for transfer and creative portfolios for admission are due March 1.
HOW DO I APPLY AS AN INTERNAL TRANSFER FROM ANOTHER DEPARTMENT IN TISCH?
You can pick up a Tisch Internal Transfer application from the Tisch-Office of Student Affairs, 726 Broadway, 2nd floor, or you can click here to download the form for more information. Students must be enrolled in the department to which they were originally admitted for one full year before they may transfer to another department. If you entered Tisch as a transfer student, your transfer credit from your previous college(s) may not apply towards your new degree requirements or may be applied differently. All transfer credit is subject to the policies and procedures of your new department (e.g. residency requirements and transfer credit maximums.)
Tisch Internal Transfer Process:
- You are required to obtain the signature of your current department chair.
- The Recorded Music department requires a creative portfolio for review.
- Please submit a one-page essay indicating why you wish to internally transfer to the Recorded Music department.
After you have received the approval of your current department chair, and you have submitted your portfolio, submit this application to: Patricia Decker, Director of Recruitment, Office of Student Affairs, Tisch School of the Arts, 721 Broadway, 8th floor, New, NY 10003
I AM AN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT AND WOULD LIKE TO APPLY. DO YOU ACCEPT INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS, AND WHAT REQUIREMENTS MUST I COMPLETE?
Yes, we do accept international students. International students comprise roughly 16% of our most recent entering class with over 7,000 international students and scholars from over 130 different countries. Please view the international freshman applicant requirements and steps to apply on the Undergraduate Admissions website. In addition, all applicants must complete the required creative portfolio for admission to The Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music.
NYU also welcomes applications for transfer admission from international applicants. More international transfer information can be found on the Undergraduate Admissions website. Additionally, more resources for international students can be found on the Tisch-Student Affairs website.
I HAVE BEEN ACCEPTED TO THE PROGRAM BUT AM UNABLE TO ATTEND AT THIS TIME, DO YOU ALLOW STUDENTS TO DEFER THEIR ADMISSION?
Freshman applicants who have been offered admission to NYU may request to defer their enrollment for up to one year. Students who are approved to defer their enrollment and who satisfy the requirements listed on the NYU-Undergraduate Admissions website do not have to file a new application and are guaranteed re-admission for the subsequent fall semester. Deferred students pay a tuition deposit for the original term of entry, which will be credited to the new term of entry. In addition, deferred students are considered Early Decision applicants for the new term of entry. They are expected to re-confirm their intention to enroll when our new Early Decision students are expected to do so in January and are held to the same expectations as our other Early Decision students. In essence, students who are approved to defer their enrollment are committed to enrolling at NYU but are simply making that commitment a year in advance.
CAN I DECLARE A DOUBLE MAJOR OR MINOR?
Yes, but it can be very difficult if it is with another Tisch major. Because all Tisch departments are studio-based, their curriculum follows a strict schedule. As long as your double major or minor does not interfere with your department work it is not a problem. All incoming students are assigned a departmental advisor who will assist you with any curricular questions. If you are interested in pursuing a double major or minor, you should start by researching the major/minor requirements online, then speak with an advisor in the secondary department.
To double-major in any department where there is an approved second major, you must first discuss the requirements of the major with a representative of that department. You must then pick up a green double major application form at the front desk in the Tisch-Office of Student Affairs, 726 Broadway, 2nd floor, or you can visit the Academic Downloads page to download and complete the form. After an advisor from the second department completes the appropriate section of the form, the form is then submitted to the home department for approval. Once approved, the second major is recorded on the official transcript.
MAY I STUDY ABROAD?
Yes, and in fact, it is highly encouraged and many of our Recorded Music students take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. NYU is ranked number one nationally for number of study abroad students and number three in total number of international students. Students can choose to study abroad in three portal campuses: NYU Washington Square, NYU Abu Dhabi, and NYU Shanghai. Additionally, students can choose to study abroad in 12 global academic centers: Accra, Berlin, Buenos Aires, Florence, London, Madrid, Paris, Prague, Shanghai, Tel Aviv, Sydney, and Washington, D.C.
During the Junior year, January winter session, or during any summer semester, you may choose to study abroad with either a Tisch program, or you may choose to do an “academic semester” abroad with any of the NYU Global Programs.
DO YOU OFFER CLASSES FOR VISITING OR NON-MATRICULATING STUDENTS?
During the winter and summer sessions, all Recorded Music classes are open to visiting and non-matriculating students. Unfortunately, during the academic year, we do not allow visiting or non-matriculating students from other universities to take classes in the Institute of Recorded Music. However, we do offer a limited selection of classes each semester that are open to all currently matriculated NYU students. Please check our website for our current selection of non-major course offerings.
I AM A HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT AND WANT TO TAKE CLASSES IN YOUR DEPARTMENT. WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS?
Yes. The Institute of Recorded Music offers two wonderful high school programs, the Future Music Moguls Workshop during the spring and the four-week intensive Summer High School Program. The Future Music Moguls workshop is a FREE 12-week Saturday program designed to introduce talented high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors to all aspects of the contemporary music business, with a special focus on developing entrepreneurial skills. The Summer H.S. Program is a four-week intensive program that allows rising seniors to earn six college credits while in residence at NYU. Students will become entrepreneurs-in-training by studying how music is recorded, produced and distributed to consumers.
WHAT SHOULD MY CREATIVE SAMPLE INCLUDE?
If you are sending media, please limit it to 5 minutes of material. The creative sample is a substantiation of your talent, so if you are a performer, we should hear you perform. If you are a composer, producer, or budding entrepreneur, show us evidence of that. The bottom line is: show us who you are in a creative, professional, and succinct way. Specific details are included on our department website.
WHAT IF I HAVE LIMITED EXPERIENCE IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY AND DO NOT HAVE THE RESOURCES TO SING A SONG OR TO MANAGE A BAND? HOW WILL I BE ABLE TO SUBMIT A CREATIVE SAMPLE FOR THE PORTFOLIO?
You do not need to have experience in the music industry nor do you need to have access to resources to demonstrate your vision, creativity and passion and your potential for success in the music industry. For instance, you might take a popular recording artist and write us a letter detailing how you would have used your creativity and vision to differently market or promote that artist or write us a letter about how you would have recorded that artist differently in the recording studio. You could also discuss what types of programs or events you would create in your hometown or high school to provide greater opportunity for engagement in the music industry, or submit a collection of writings showcasing your music analysis or criticism. Be creative!
WILL I BE TRAINED AS A MUSIC EXECUTIVE WHILE ENROLLED IN THE DEPARTMENT?
Taken alongside courses in production, musicianship & performance, and history & criticism, our complement of business courses will give you the necessary training to function in a professional music industry environment. Our program's special entrepreneurial focus will encourage you to think creatively and with an innovative lens about opportunities for growth in the music business.
WILL I BE TRAINED AS A PRODUCER OR ENGINEER WHILE ENROLLED IN THE DEPARTMENT?
Taken alongside courses in business, musicianship & performance, and history & criticism, our production courses are designed to give students the essential training to operate in a variety of professional audio recording situations. Students who have graduated from our program who have a special focus on producing have gone on to pursue careers as producers, engineers, and mixers among other professional positions.
I WANT TO BECOME A PRODUCER ENTREPRENEUR. WILL I ONLY HAVE TO TAKE COURSES IN THE RECORDING STUDIO?
No. Our goal is to train well-rounded students holistically in four areas: business, production, musicianship & performance, and history & criticism. As a result, all students in The Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music are required to take common core courses in business, production, musicianship & performance, and history & criticism toward their training as music entrepreneurs. By the end of the second year of study, students are expected to begin to specialize in one of the areas toward completion of their capstone projects.
WILL I BE TRAINED AS A PERFORMER WHILE ENROLLED IN THE DEPARTMENT?
While the Institute of Recorded Music does not train performers in the traditional conservatory sense, we do currently offer specific classes in performance training such as Writing the Hit Song, Advanced Songwriting Workshop, Audio Ear Training, Music Theory for Producers, and Stage Presence & the Art of Performance. Additionally, students have 26 credits of electives which can be used toward a large number of performance and craft-oriented classes outside the department at NYU. While enrolled in the department, your advisor will be able to direct you to these courses.
I AM A SINGER AND WANT TO BE A RECORDING ARTIST. IS THIS THE PROGRAM FOR ME?
If you are a performer and you are primarily interested in developing a brand and honing your business acumen and production skills in the effort to establish yourself as a music entrepreneur, this program is right for you. If your interests, however, are solely devoted to performing, you may be better served at a performance-training program since we do not have a formal performance component. Many of our students, however, are performers but are interested in the production and business aspects of the industry. They may perform for their class projects and collaborate with each other outside of class, but beyond that, they are responsible for finding an outlet to perform. There are opportunities for performance training outside of the department in one of the many courses offered throughout New York University, which students are encouraged to pursue.
WILL I BE TRAINED AS A MUSIC JOURNALIST WHILE ENROLLED IN THE DEPARTMENT?
The Institute of Recorded Music offers a progression of history & criticism core courses that students are required to take toward the completion of their major. We also offer a variety of history & criticism electives. Beyond these courses, students may also elect to do a minor or double major in the CAS Journalism department. While enrolled in the department, your advisor will be able to direct you to these opportunities.
WHAT IF I FIT IN TO MORE THAN ONE CATEGORY?
While a small subset of multi-faceted music industry titans are several types rolled into one, we encourage students to narrow their focus while enrolled in the program and specialize in one of the areas: Executive Entrepreneurship, Production Entrepreneurship, Performance Entrepreneurship or Journalism Entrepreneurship. However, we encourage flexibility: a student who enters the program training to become an Executive Entrepreneur might discover a love for recording and ultimately emerge as a Production Entrepreneur, or vice-versa.
IS THERE A TECHNOLOGY REQUIREMENT FOR ADMISSION?
We do not require our applicants to have prior recording production experience. Many do, but we have admitted students with no experience whatsoever. We will train everyone once they arrive.
WHAT SORT OF EQUIPMENT AND SOFTWARE DOES THE DEPARTMENT USE?
Recorded Music's production facilities utilize a combination of analog and digital audio equipment - balancing traditional and modern technology, and facilitating all production techniques. In its recording studios, edit suites, and music production lab, the department's Mac Pro and iMac computers host multiple digital audio workstations, including Pro Tools and Pro Tools HD, Logic Pro, Ableton Live/Suite, and Reason. In addition to computer-based digital audio workstations, two of our three recording studios are equipped with Studer A827 two-inch analog tape recorders.
Studio 505 features a 24-channel Solid State Logic (SSL) XL9000K analog console capable of stereo and 5.1 surround mixing. Control room monitoring includes speakers by PMC, Meyer Sound, and Tivoli Audio, and a Grace Design reference headphone amplifier. Headphone monitoring in the studio is provided via 16-channel discrete mixers.
Studio 510 features a 36-channel API Vision analog console capable of stereo and 5.1 surround mixing. Control room monitoring includes speakers by PMC, Meyer Sound, and Tivoli Audio, and a Grace Design reference headphone amplifier. Headphone monitoring in the studio is provided via 16-channel discrete mixers.
Studio 21 North features a 16-channel Rupert Neve Designs 5088 analog console with Mic Pre/EQ and 5-Band EQ Portico modules. Control room monitoring includes speakers by Meyer Sound and Tivoli Audio, and the studio utilizes a discrete 8-channel headphone mixer system. Studio 21 North also features a 16-fader DAW controller by Euphonix/Avid.
Each studio also incorporates a variety of analog and digital outboard equipment, including preamps, compressors, equalizers, and reverb/effects units by API, Chandler, George Massengurg Labs, Lexicon, Pendulum Audio, and more. Students may also avail themselves to our Masterpiece mix-bus analog mastering and audio processing system designed by Rupert Neve.
Students have access to a variety of microphones - dynamic, condenser, ribbon, and tube, from manufacturers such as AKG, Brauner, Neumann, Schoeps, Sennheiser, and Shure. Other accessories include passive, active, and tube direct boxes, as well as a system for re-amplifying pre-recorded tracks via guitar amps.
Instruments include acoustic and electric guitars, electric basses, amps, banjo, mandolin, Steinway pianos, Fender Rhodes, a Hammond organ, and a variety of keyboard synths.
Our music production lab houses 17 digital audio workstations and also features two modular analog synthesizers, multiple drum machines, turntables with a dj mixer, and 8-fader DAW controllers.
To view our department facilities, click here.
CAN I RENT OUT THE STUDIO TO RECORD MY BAND?
No. The studio is used exclusively for classroom projects, and even Recorded Music majors are prohibited from using the studio for personal projects.
IS THERE A MUSIC THEORY REQUIREMENT?
All admitted students will take the Writing the Hit Song, Music Theory for Producers, and Audio Ear Training for Producers courses. While we encourage our students to continue to take music theory classes as electives to further their knowledge, we do not require our students to take intensive theory or musicianship classes since not all of our students are musicians.
DON'T SEE THE ANSWER TO YOUR QUESTION HERE?
Please contact us at tisch.recorded.music@nyu.edu or 212.992.8400.
