NYU Musical Theatre Composition Program

[fiyero8132]

Posted: 4/5/06 at 9:18pm

I've been reading about this program and it sounds amazing. My career goal is to become a composer of musicals. It sounds a bit farfetched but I know I can do it. Can anyone tell me anything about this graduate program? Is it the only program of its kind? What are the prerequisites? What are the chances of being accepted? Any information would be appreciated.

[fiyero8132]

Posted: 4/5/06 at 9:36pm

Bump

[inlovewithjerryherman]

Posted: 4/5/06 at 9:53pm

one of my professors this year was just accepted into the program, i'm going to keep in touch with her. As she goes through it, I can let you know next year, lol/.

Posted: 4/6/06 at 12:44am

I've done some research on it. Here's what I can tell you:
- It's a 2 year program, in musical theatre writing. You apply as... if I remember correctly, a composer, a composer/lyricist, or a lyricist/bookwriter. I might be wrong about the last one. Shows how helpful I am being.
- It's at NYU, and it has some great people involved. Particularly, Jeneane (sp) Tesori and William Finn are teaching there. At the open house, the students referred to William Finn as if they were good friends with the guy.
- It's a conservatory. Very intense. Expensive, being a graduate conservatory and being at NYU.
- It's not the only musical theatre writing program, but I believe it's the only musical theatre writing conservatory. At 40 hours a week, you'd think that every musical theatre writer ever comes out of this program. Which actually isn't true, I found that I recognized the names at BMI more often than the names at NYU. Although NYU hasn't been around as long; I'm sure that in another 10, 20 years that statement won't be quite as true.
- No real prerequisites. You have to submit some pieces, and there's a very unique application as well.

They do open houses once a year, I believe. Call them up. They're incredibly helpful and nice people over there. You've missed it for the fall of 2006, but look into applying this fall for 2007's admissions.

[Composer9]

Posted: 4/6/06 at 12:56am

I was actually accepted into the program this year as a composer/lyricist. If you have any questions about the program or the application process feel free to PM me. :)

inlovewithjerryherman: Who's your professor, if you don't mind me asking? Male or female?

Updated On: 4/6/06 at 12:56 AM

[Roninjoey]

Posted: 4/6/06 at 1:37am

I was gonna PM you but you don't accept PMs.

[Composer9]

Posted: 4/6/06 at 3:13am

Sorry about that. I don't know how that setting changed. Please, PM me if you have any questions etc. :)

[Composer9]

Posted: 4/6/06 at 2:39pm

I thought i'd bump this in case anyone had any questions. :)

[keatonbynumbers]

Posted: 4/6/06 at 2:50pm

Isn't there an undergraduate program?

[Composer9]

Posted: 4/6/06 at 3:09pm

I do not believe Tisch has an undergraduate musical theatre writing program. I know they have an undergrad dramatic writing program, but not specifically Musical theatre writing...also I believe, and was told, that their grad program is the only one of its kind specifically because they focus so much on collaboration--which is what drew me to the program in the first place.

Posted: 4/6/06 at 3:20pm

Nope, it's a grad program only. NYU's Tisch school does have a few undergrad programs that musical theatre writers could consider, particularly the Dramatic Writing one (TV/plays/etc), as well as a few classes towards the matter. But they're not writing musicals for 40 hours per week like the Graduate classes.

[bwaysinger]

Posted: 4/6/06 at 3:27pm

It's a great program. I know many people from this program and have performed readings and presentations for the classes. It's a good, solid program and excellent training and connections.

[touchmeinthemorning]

Posted: 4/6/06 at 3:37pm

BMI is also a wonderful program. I wouldn't poo poo either of them.