Admission Contact
Office of Admission
Eugene Lang College of Liberal Arts
79 Fifth Avenue, 5th floor
New York, NY 10003
Phone: 212.229.5150 or
800.292.3040
lang@newschool.edu
Prospective students with questions about Contemporary Music: Please email langarts@newschool.edu.
Contemporary Music Program Director and Departmental Faculty Advisor
Clara Latham
Associate Professor, Music
lathamc@newschool.edu
Student Success Advisor for Contemporary Music
Brian Dudley
Manager, BA/BFA Student Success
dudleyb@newschool.edu
This page outlines requirements for the degree in Contemporary Music (BA Contemporary Music). Students can also study this subject as a minor. Students majoring in The Arts who are interested in studying contemporary music should choose the Arts in Context concentration (BA The Arts). For example, a student can focus on music criticism by taking courses in Contemporary Music and Writing or Journalism; other majors, such as Psychology, Culture and Media, or Anthropology, can also provide wider contexts for music studies. Arts in Context students should follow the Music minor requirements below or an alternative plan of study approved by the Music director.
Part of the interdisciplinary Arts curriculum at Eugene Lang College, the Contemporary Music program explores the global diversity of today's music through a broader study of music history, theory, and criticism and the evolving technologies used in composing, producing, performing, and listening. This liberal arts curriculum emphasizes innovative musical thinking and music making in The New School’s tradition of progressive education and experimentation in the arts.
The Contemporary Music major includes three foundational courses on music theories, technologies, and research methods, plus a rotating selection of music electives. Most courses are suitable for students at all levels of musical training and experience, and most courses do not assume the ability to read music notation. Only specific courses satisfy the major requirements, including electives. Courses should be chosen carefully, in consultation with the program director, faculty advisors, and your Student Success advisor. Learn more and track your progress in the Detailed Degree Requirements and Arts Requirements Worksheets below.
Lang students can also enroll in other music courses, performance ensembles, and private lessons through The New School’s College of Performing Arts (Mannes School of Music and the School of Jazz and Contemporary Music) and Parsons School of Design.
Introductory courses:
Other required courses:
Senior Capstone:
Total credits: 36–48
The New School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.