Audio & Music Bachelor’s Degrees in New York City
New York City, the epicenter of the global music and entertainment industries, is the perfect place to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Audio & Music. Whether you aspire to become a sound engineer, music producer, or audio designer, NYC offers unparalleled opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive in the field. With access to state-of-the-art studios, renowned faculty, and a dynamic music scene that spans every genre imaginable, students gain both technical expertise and creative inspiration. Explore programs that combine cutting-edge technology, hands-on experience, and industry connections to help you launch a successful career in audio and music production.
The New School
The New School’s Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Jazz and Contemporary Music is a dynamic program that merges rigorous academic training with unparalleled opportunities for performance and collaboration. Rooted in the heart of New York City, students engage with a vibrant music scene while honing their craft under the mentorship of world-renowned jazz and contemporary music artists.
- Tuition: Approximately $52,000 per year
- Address: 151 Bank St, New York, NY 10014
- Disability Access: Yes, Offers accommodations and support through its Student Disability Services.
- Commute:
Subway:
- Take the F or M train from 34th Street-Herald Square to 14th Street Station.
- Walk west to The New School.
Bus:
- Take the M7 or M20 bus south along 6th Avenue.
- Get off near 12th Street and walk to the campus.
New York University
NYU’s Steinhardt School offers a Bachelor of Music in Music Technology, focusing on sound design, recording, and audio engineering. The program provides hands-on experience with professional audio equipment and internships in the music industry.
- Tuition: Approximately $56,500 per year
- Address: 345 E 24th St, New York, NY 10010
- Disability Access: Yes, NYU provides resources via the Moses Center for Student Accessibility.
- Commute:
Subway:
- Take the 1 train from 28th Street Station to Christopher Street–Sheridan Square Station.
- Walk east to NYU.
Brooklyn College
The Conservatory of Music at Brooklyn College offers a Bachelor of Music in Music Education. This program prepares students for teaching careers and includes courses in music theory, history, and pedagogy, along with performance opportunities.
- Tuition: Approximately $7,500 per year (in-state), $15,000 per year (out-of-state)
- Address: 2900 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11210
- Disability Access: Yes, visit Center for Student Disability Services for more information.
- Commute:
Subway:
- Take the 2 or 5 train from 34th Street–Penn Station to Flatbush Avenue–Brooklyn College Station.
- Walk east to the campus.
- Time: ~45 minutes.
Queens College
Queens College’s Bachelor of Music program emphasizes performance, composition, and music education. Students benefit from diverse ensembles and collaborations with faculty who are active in New York City’s music scene.
- Tuition: Approximately $7,500 per year (in-state), $15,000 per year (out-of-state)
- Address: 65-30 Kissena Blvd, Flushing, NY 11367
- Disability Access: Yes, Queens College ensures accessibility with the Office of Special Services for Students with Disabilities.
- Commute:
Subway + Bus:
- Take the E or F train from 34th Street–Herald Square to Forest Hills–71st Avenue.
- Transfer to the Q64 bus to Queens College.
- Time: ~1 hour.
Lehman College
Lehman College offers a Bachelor of Arts in Music, which includes tracks in performance, music education, and music technology. Students gain access to state-of-the-art facilities and opportunities to perform in the Bronx and beyond.
- Tuition: Approximately $7,500 per year (in-state), $15,000 per year (out-of-state)
- Address: 250 Bedford Park Blvd W, Bronx, NY 10468
- Disability Access: Yes, see Student Disability Services for more information.
- Commute:
Subway: Take the 4 train from Grand Central Station to Bedford Park Boulevard Station, then walk west. (~50 minutes)
Driving: ~35 minutes via Harlem River Drive.
Wagner College
Wagner College offers a Bachelor of Arts in Music with a liberal arts focus, blending music theory, history, and performance studies. The program also emphasizes collaboration across artistic disciplines.
- Tuition: Approximately $50,000 per year
- Address: 1 Campus Rd, Staten Island, NY 10301
- Disability Access: Yes, Wagner College provides support through Disability Services.
- Commute:
Ferry + Bus: Take the Staten Island Ferry from Whitehall Terminal to St. George, then the S61 bus to Wagner College. (~1 hour)
Driving: ~40 minutes via the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge.
Montclair State University
John J. Cali School of Music, College of the Arts, Montclair State University, provides bachelor’s degrees in Music Therapy and Music Education. The programs focus on blending music performance with therapeutic and teaching methodologies, offering fieldwork opportunities.
- Tuition: Approximately $13,000 per year (in-state), $21,000 per year (out-of-state)
- Address: 1 Normal Ave, Montclair, NJ 07043
- Disability Access: Yes, see the Disability Resource Center for more information.
- Commute:
Train: Take the NJ Transit Montclair-Boonton Line from New York Penn Station to Montclair Heights Station. (~50 minutes)
Driving: ~30–45 minutes via Lincoln Tunnel and NJ-3 W.
Kean University
Kean University’s Bachelor of Music programs emphasize performance and technology. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for careers in music production, teaching, and performance arts.
- Tuition: Approximately $12,500 per year (in-state), $20,000 per year (out-of-state)
- Address: 1000 Morris Ave, Union, NJ 07083
- Disability Access: Yes, Kean University offers resources through Accessibility Services.
- Commute:
Train: Take NJ Transit Raritan Valley Line from New York Penn Station to Union Station, then walk or take a short bus/taxi to campus. (~50 minutes)
Driving: ~30–40 minutes via Lincoln Tunnel and NJ Turnpike.