Nov 25, 2024  
Spring 2023 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
Spring 2023 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

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.

BG Perspective (BGP) Requirements


Must complete at least 1 course in each of the following:

   English Composition and Oral Communication
   _____________________________    ________

   Quantitative Literacy
   _____________________________    ________

Must Complete at least 2 courses in each of the following:

   Humanities and the Arts
   _____________________________    ________ 
   _____________________________    ________    

   Natural Sciences - at least one Lab Science required
   _____________________________    ________ 
   _____________________________    ________                                                                                      

   Social and Behavioral Sciences
   _____________________________    ________ 
   _____________________________    ________                                                                        

Complete total required BGP credit hours by selecting courses from any of the above categories:

   _____________________________    ________ 
   _____________________________    ________ 
   _____________________________    ________ 
   _____________________________    ________                                                                                    

University Requirements

Designated courses in Humanities and the Arts and the Social and Behavioral Sciences domains may be used to fulfill both the BGP requirement and one of the following university requirements:

Cultural Diversity in the US    ____________
International Perspective       ____________

Composition Requirement:
WRIT 1120                              

Total BGP Credits: Must be at least 36                      

Other


(Students must successfully complete 6 semesters of MUS 99 )

Total Hours: 122-128


*GSW 1110, GSW 1120, and MUCT 2610  may count for BGP credit

  • Some students may be required to enroll in MUCT 1130  or MUCT 1150  pending results of Freshman Placement examination.
  • Up to 4 credits of class piano may be waived by exam. Class Piano proficiency exams I and II are required. Experienced pianists may be eligible for accelerated courses in class piano