Music Composition, B.M.

Admission as a Composition Major

A student is accepted for the bachelor of music degree program with a major in music composition by audition before the appropriate area faculty. This audition may be held at the time of the initial College of Musical Arts instrumental/vocal audition or during the course of degree study. All students are accepted into the program as pre-composition majors. 

Composition applicants are required to submit a representative portfolio of original scores with recordings if available (submitted electronically), must achieve a passing score in their main performance medium, and must receive a high score on the music theory placement exam. Upon acceptance as a pre-composition major, the student, in counsel with an advisor, develops a course of study based on degree requirements and the student’s needs and interests. Pre-composition majors submit a portfolio of original compositions along with other required documents at the end of their second year. Students successfully passing this assessment will be formally accepted as composition majors. 

MUCT Small Ensembles

The department offers small ensembles as a training ground for performance practice and a showcase for music of a particular genre, including world music ensembles, Early Music Ensemble, and New Music Ensemble. Participation in a variety of MUCT small ensembles by music composition majors is strongly encouraged.

Jury Examinations

Composition jury examinations occur each semester during final examination week. Students submit a portfolio of work from the semester, and the composition faculty review it. All pre-composition and composition majors are required to take jury examinations each term in which they are registered for MUCT 2160 or MUCT 4160. The final grade in composition is determined by combining the grade from the individual instructor with the grade given at the jury. A cumulative MUCT GPA lower than 3.0 will result in probationary status in the degree program for the following semester, excluding summer semester. A letter will be sent to the student indicating the reason for probationary status, its duration, and the steps necessary for its removal. If the student eliminates the deficiencies within the probationary period, regular status will be reinstated. If the conditions for removal are not met, the student will be discontinued as a composition major. Upon removal of deficiencies, a student may apply for reinstatement.

The bachelor of music degree with a major in music composition requires 122-138 total hours. All composition degree candidates are subject to the general requirements listed under Academic Policies, as well as general requirements listed under the Bachelor of Music degree, none of which are superseded by individual degree requirements.

Completion Requirement

Candidates for the bachelor’s degree in music composition are required to present a half-recital of original compositions consisting of at least 35 minutes of music (or equivalent, such as music for a stage play or film of substantial length). Composition majors planning to give a degree recital must be registered for MUCT 4160 during the semester in which the recital is given or must give the recital within four weeks of the beginning of the semester immediately following the last semester of MUCT 4160. Recital programs must be approved in advance by the composition faculty before a recital date can be obtained.

For specific information, consult the chair of the musicology/composition/theory department.