Music Composition - M.A. Download to print

The Master of Arts in Music Composition is designed to advance the music composition creative skills of advanced students and to prepare them for admission to doctoral study. The program emphasizes mastery of composition of large-scale works for media including orchestra, choir, band and/or chamber music ensembles. Based on a solid undergraduate music degree, the master's degree further develops abilities in music theory including analytical, aural, written, keyboard and pedagogical skills. The program further develops breadth and depth in the area of Western music history and literature.
 

Official transcripts(s); 3.00 GPA; portfolio of original compositions; goal statement(s); three letters of recommendation; and resume.

For more information about graduate admission, please visit the Graduate Studies website.

Minimum 32 total credit hours.
 

1. Students compile a body of completed compositions.
2. Students demonstrate and apply compositional techniques for creation of new works including musical style and structure.
3. Students analyze music from a wide range of styles and style periods and communicate results in written and oral formats.
4. Students are able to recognize, identify, and analyze representative literature from different historical periods, countries and composers.
5. Students are able to communicate knowledge of composition, theory and other aspects of music as would be done in classroom and private teaching.

The Master of Arts program requires a thesis.

All students writing a thesis must pass a final oral examination covering the thesis and the student’s major area of study. The final oral examination may be attempted two times.
 

National Association of Schools of Music