Composition

In addition to receiving the basic music training of the core curriculum in musicianship and music literacy, Bachelor of Music students develop an understanding of music making and a body of work consistent with the college level.

Upon successful completion of the B.Mus. in Music with a concentration in Composition, students will be able to:

• Create original or arranged/transcribed music works and performance material for acoustic and/or electronic forces that meet or surpass the professional standards within the field in regard to theoretical and technical fluency.
• Identify, analyze, emulate, and artistically elaborate on compositional systems from different historical periods, with an emphasis on 20th- and 21st-century compositional techniques.
• Conduct rehearsals and/or performances of their own works or works by others, as well as play at least one acoustic instrument (minimum requirement: piano) at a moderate proficiency level in solo and/ or ensemble settings.
• Produce a professional portfolio of performance material and high-quality recordings of original works that clearly demonstrates technical and theoretical knowledge within the field of music composition.
• Competitively apply for graduate academic programs and/or entering-level professional positions within the field of music composition and related areas.

The Bachelor of Music curriculum is made of sequential courses designed to address skills specific to composers as well as to achieve fluency in the use of tools needed by a professional musician. With four levels of composition courses followed by private lessons in composition, the Composition concentration sequence provides students with intensive training in the use of techniques and procedures to develop an original composition from concept to finished product. Students work with a variety of media, styles, and forms and apply the concepts learned in class to particular compositions. As part of their class work, students compose music in all main genres and styles of vocal and instrumental music for public performance. Two levels of orchestration and two of counterpoint complement the requirements for the Bachelor of Music in Music with Composition concentration.

Other studies in music, such as jazz arranging, computer music, songwriting, film scoring, and piano complement our comprehensive curriculum in the form of required or elective courses. Students electing the Bachelor of Music in Music with Composition concentration degree program can select any of the upper-level courses as elective courses if they meet the prerequisites.

Program Requirements  

Contemporary, Urban and Popular Music

This performance-based program includes dedicated course sequences in music business and music technology as well as specialized course work in theory, history, keyboard, arranging and orchestration.
 

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

• Collaborate in the development of a commercially marketable original band, which produces a cohesive repertoire of original music, generates professional-quality recorded product and creates a live show worthy of an industry showcase.
• Demonstrate, through musical performance, a mastery of a wide repertoire of popular music styles, and a practical familiarity with the essential genres that serve as historical and artistic precedent; apply the experiences gained through transcription, analysis, reproduction and performance to their own artistic vision.
• Fluently communicate an understanding of music industry resources, contracts, career management and development, publishing and licensing, marketing vehicles and revenue streams.
• Demonstrate a practical familiarity with Music Technology tools and software, sufficient to create and arrange professional-quality scores and multi-track demo recordings of their work.
• Display an awareness of the place and time occupied by their own music in the context of the social, cultural, and stylistic developments of Popular Music from the early-20th century to the present, and critically assess artistic and technical aspects of their own and others’ recorded and live performances.

Through participation in various dedicated CUP ensembles and private lessons, students gain extensive experience in performing in a wide range of popular music styles. At the advanced level, CUP students undertake collaborative projects focused on the development, recording and performance of original work.

The music technology sequence supplies the necessary skills for the contemporary musician in documenting their work at a professionally presentable level, while the music business sequence addresses the skills and resources needed in order to successfully manage a music career, with an understanding of the matrix of activities, promotional vehicles and revenue streams in the music industry, as well as fundamentals of career development and business acumen.

Students pursuing the Bachelor of Music in Music with a concentration in CUP must apply to enter the program in the Music Department. A grade of “C” or better is required in all major coursework.
 

Program Requirements