Mary Pappert School of Music

Master of Music: Major in Composition

The Composition Program serves to provide the graduate student with a solid background of theoretical studies that are applied to the further personal development of compositional skills. Under the guidance of a master composer, students learn to express their creativity in the composition of works ordinarily for orchestra, and sufficiently mature to warrant professional performance. Student composers enjoy the opportunity to hear their works performed by the school’s ensembles.

Admission Requirements

1. Applicants must meet the admission requirements as stated in the Graduate Admissions and Policies publication.

2.  Submit a portfolio of original work.

Sample Curriculum

Secondary Concentration

In order to allow for greater curricular flexibility and to tailor graduate study to the professional needs and objectives of the individual student, all degree programs include the option of a secondary concentration which complements the major. Normally, about one-third of each curriculum is devoted to elective courses. The choice of elective courses within the same specific area comprises the secondary concentration. Several possible secondary concentrations are available including music education, jazz studies, theory, music technology, conducting and sacred music. The specific courses which comprise the secondary concentration are determined by the appropriate faculty and the student in consultation with the student's primary advisor.