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 Composition, students should 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 major 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 Composition.

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 Composition degree program can select any of the upper-level courses as elective courses if they meet the prerequisites.

Program Requirements  

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