Newcomb Department of Music offers a Master of Arts degree in Composition, a Master of Arts degree in in Musicology with a concentration on New Orleans Music, a Master of Fine Arts degrees with concentrations in Performance, Musical Theatre, or Black American Music.

If you have any questions about the following material please contact us at (504) 865-5267 or music@tulane.edu.

For questions about the MFA in Musical Theater please contact prof. Laura Waringer at lwaringer@tulane.edu. The curriculum is being redesigned and we are aiming for applications to open this year for enrollment in Fall 2027.

Entrance Requirements:

Bachelors of Arts, Bachelors of Fine Arts, or equivalent degree from a recognized university or conservatory.

Evidence of musical knowledge equivalent to that of an undergraduate music major at Tulane.

Application and General Info:

Feel free to contact Daniel Sharp at dsharp@tulane.edu if you have any questions.

The application deadline for the 2026-2027 academic year is February 1, 2026. Submit your application here https://applygrad.tulane.edu/portal/apply

Musicology applicants must submit a short paper demonstrating their ability to write on and research musical topics in PDF format through the “Writing Sample” section of the application portal. The sample may be brief, and undergraduate papers are acceptable, as long as the sample demonstrates fundamental research and writing skills.

Degree Requirements:

Financial Assistance:

The Music Department has a limited number of full-tuition waivers which are offered on a merit basis. A full tuition waiver requires that the student be enrolled in a minimum of three courses per semester; a half tuition scholarship requires that the student be enrolled in two courses per semester. The Music Department also offers a limited number of teaching opportunities either in the classroom or in private lessons under the supervision of a major professor. Second-year graduate students have the opportunity to serve as residence hall counselors. If interested, the student should contact the Office of Student Housing during their first semester of graduate study. Opportunities for non-academic employment on campus or in the New Orleans area exist. Consult the Office of Student Employment and the Chair of the Music Department.

last update:
01-24-25