Bachelor of Music in Music Composition

The Music Composition major combines the best aspects of traditional music writing (private lessons, notation, instrumentation, and orchestration skills), incorporates electronic composition methods using a variety of programs ranging from Garage Band to ProTools, and develops expertise with music notation programs. Students also gain practical experience by participating in various instrumental and vocal ensembles.Composition majors also spend time learning to play different instruments, providing practical experience. In addition to music study, composition majors take courses in other areas to gain skills in visual and dramatic art, writing, literary analysis, computer science, and acoustics. Over the course of four years, each composer presents a new work on a composition recital each semester. The program culminates with an hour-long recital of original works during their senior year. Our students have won prestigious awards and have been accepted to the leading graduate programs for music composition. Alumni also have had their original music performed across the country.