NYU Steinhardt / Tisch

NYU Steinhardt and Tisch together offer two of the most prominent music industry programs in the United States, both based in New York City. Steinhardt's Music Business program offers a BM and MA focused on the commercial and business side of the music industry. Tisch's Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music offers a BFA focused on the creative, production, and entrepreneurial side of recorded music. Both programs leverage NYU's location in the heart of the global music business.

Programs and Degrees

Steinhardt School: Music Business

• BM in Music Business: An undergraduate degree combining music theory, performance, and business coursework. Students take classes in publishing, concert management, international markets, and music law, plus courses at NYU's Stern School of Business. The program prepares students for careers in record label operations, artist management, publishing, and concert promotion.
• MA in Music Business: A graduate degree (42 to 45 credits) covering music publishing, data analytics, law, global markets, promotion, publicity, strategic marketing, concert management, and A&R. Available full-time or part-time. Application deadline is January 15.

Steinhardt also offers programs in Music Technology, Composition, Instrumental Performance, Vocal Performance, and Music Therapy.

Tisch School: Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music

• BFA in Recorded Music: The first and only program of its kind, providing professional business and artistic training for the recorded music industry. Students complete 128 credits across six areas:
  • Professional Development: Career building, internships, and post-graduate planning
  • Production: Pro Tools, Logic, Ableton Live, engineering, producing, and critical listening
  • Writing, History, and Emergent Media: Music journalism, creative entrepreneurs in historical context, and emergent media
  • Business and Technology: How the contemporary music business works, music marketing, business plan development, and project management
  • Performance, Musicianship, and Songwriting: Music theory, hit songwriting, and performance skills
  • Study Abroad: All Recorded Music majors must study away for one full-time semester

The Clive Davis Institute is located at 370 Jay Street in Brooklyn, NYU's hub for engineers, game designers, media artists, and musicians.

Tuition and Costs (2026-2027)

NYU's cost of attendance varies by school:

Steinhardt School (Undergraduate):

• Tuition and fees: Included in total cost of attendance
• Food and housing: $26,438
• Total cost of attendance: $100,998 per year

Tisch School of the Arts (Undergraduate):

• Tuition: $75,326
• Food and housing: $26,438
• Total cost of attendance: $107,748 per year

Steinhardt Graduate (per credit):

• Tuition per credit: $2,363
• Registration/service fee (first credit): $584 per term
• Registration/service fee (each additional credit): $81 per term
• Estimated 12 credits (full-time): $29,831 per year
• Estimated 16 credits: $39,607 per year

NYU is known for offering one of the most generous financial aid packages among private universities. The NYU Promise guarantees that families earning under $100,000 per year have their full tuition covered without loans.

Notable Alumni and Faculty

NYU Music Business and Clive Davis Institute alumni have achieved recognition across the music industry:

• Andrew Watt (Music Business): Grammy-winning producer of Billy Idol's "Abracadabra" (2026 Grammy winner)
• Jamel Smith (MA '19, Music Business): Grammy-nominated songwriter
• Sam Guyton (BM '21): Music entrepreneur blending artistry with business
• Rose Hernandez (BM '24): Associate business manager at Gold Business Management
• Isa Bruder (BM '22): Programming team at City Parks Foundation's SummerStage festival
• Tymie Jadagu (BM '22): Recording artist

Four NYU Steinhardt alumni and faculty won 2026 Grammy Awards, including Andrew Watt for Producer of the Year.

Admission Process

Undergraduate admission to both Steinhardt and Tisch is handled through NYU's central undergraduate admissions process. Applicants submit the Common Application and indicate their preferred school and program. Tisch Clive Davis Institute applicants may need to submit a creative portfolio. Steinhardt Music Business applicants may need an audition or interview depending on the specific program track.

Graduate admission to Steinhardt's MA in Music Business requires a separate application with a January 15 deadline. Requirements include transcripts, statement of purpose, resume, and letters of recommendation.

Who Should Apply

Steinhardt's BM in Music Business is ideal for students who want to work on the commercial side of the music industry: label operations, publishing, artist management, concert promotion, and music marketing. The program blends music coursework with Stern School of Business classes, making it suited for students who want both musical literacy and business acumen.

Tisch's BFA in Recorded Music is for students who want to be creative entrepreneurs in the music industry: producers, label founders, recording artists, songwriters, and music journalists. The program emphasizes hands-on production training, business plan development, and artistic experimentation. The mandatory study abroad semester adds a global perspective.

Both programs are expensive, but NYU's financial aid for families earning under $100,000 makes them more accessible than the sticker price suggests.

Related Resources

• Streaming Royalty Calculator - Estimate streaming revenue for artists and producers
• Publishing Royalty Split Calculator - Calculate splits for co-writing and production sessions
• Sync Licensing Fee Calculator - Estimate sync fees for placements
• Complete Guide to Making Money as a Musician in 2026 - Revenue strategies including production and business income
• Clive Davis Institute Official Website - Program details and admission information
• Steinhardt Music Business Official Website - Curriculum, faculty, and application requirements