Overview

The Music programme at Columbia University provides aspiring scholars and musicians with a multifaceted framework for understanding the art form through theoretical, historical, and cultural lenses. Students can tailor their studies to focus on specific interests ranging from computer music and composition to ethnomusicology and performance.

Why Music at Columbia University?

The department is home to a distinguished faculty who are at the cutting edge of technological change and cultural studies. Students benefit from interdisciplinary connections with other departments, such as Philosophy and Psychology, and have access to the Music Performance Program (MPP). This division supports high-calibre music-making through various ensembles and individual lessons, including the historic Columbia University Orchestra, the oldest continually operating university orchestra in the United States.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 70170 per year
National fee: USD 70170 per year
Local fee: USD 70170 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum is designed to build a strong foundation in musical literacy and history. Modules may include:

Music Theory
Musicianship: Rhythm
Musicianship: Melody
Musicianship: Harmony
History of Western Music
Topics in Music & Society
Digital Music
Jazz Transcription & Analysis
Recorded Sound

Careers with Music

Graduates are prepared for a variety of professional paths within the global music industry and academia. The programme develops critical thinking and technical skills applicable to roles in music production, composition, and performance. Additionally, the rigorous academic training provides a strong foundation for those intending to pursue graduate research in musicology, ethnomusicology, or related humanities disciplines at leading international institutions.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Music Theory

Ear Training

Topics in Music and Society

Techniques of 20th Century Music

Composition

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-08 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-01-01 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

135

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TOEFL^® IBT

105

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IELTS

7.5

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Manhattan, United States

Disciplines

Music View 2679 other Bachelors in Music in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

135

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

105

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

7.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Autobiographical information

Lists and descriptions of a student’s achievements, activities, employment and summer activities

Personal essay

An official high school transcript from all high schools attended

One high school counselor’s recommendation and school profile

The completed Mid-Year Report

SAT or ACT

Applicants may self-report their scores

English proficiency examination score (if necessary)

These recommendations must come from teachers who taught you in academic disciplines

For engineering applicants, one must come from a math or science teacher

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

70170 USD / year

≈ 70170 USD / year
Out-of-State

70170 USD / year

≈ 70170 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

70170 USD / year

≈ 70170 USD / year

Living costs

Manhattan

United States

2638 - 5751 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Music.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Manhattan

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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