Music Composition - M.A.

Full Description

The Master of Arts degree in Music Composition is designed to advance the music composition creative skills of advanced students and to prepare them for admission to doctoral study. The program emphasizes mastery of composition of large-scale works for media, including orchestra, choir, band and/or chamber music ensembles.

Based on a solid undergraduate music degree, the M.A. degree further develops abilities in music theory, including analytical, aural, written, keyboard and pedagogical skills. The program further develops breadth and depth in the area of Western music history and literature.

For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.

Admission Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
• Minimum 3.000 undergraduate GPA on a 4.000 point scale
• Official transcripts(s)
• Résumé
• Goal statement(s)
• Portfolio of original compositions
• Three letters of recommendation
• English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions) by earning one of the following:
  • Minimum 525 TOEFL PBT score (paper-based version)
  • Minimum 71 TOEFL IBT score (Internet-based version)
  • Minimum 74 MELAB score
  • Minimum 6.0 IELTS score
  • Minimum 50 PTE score
  • Minimum 100 Duolingo test score

For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.

Application Deadlines

• Fall Semester
  • Rolling admissions
• Spring Semester
  • Rolling admissions
• Summer Term
  • Rolling admissions

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the program will be able to:

1. Compile a body of completed compositions.
2. Demonstrate and apply compositional techniques for creation of new works, including musical style and structure.
3. Analyze music from a wide range of styles and style periods and communicate results in written and oral formats.
4. Recognize, identify and analyze representative literature from different historical periods, countries and composers.
5. Communicate knowledge of composition, theory and other aspects of music as would be done in classroom and private teaching.

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

¹

Selection of music theory course is based on students' result from the theory placement exam. In the case of the exam results placing a student into MUS 51011 and/or MUS 51012, these courses will not count towards the M.A. degree and must be taken in addition to the music theory requirements.

²

Students writing a thesis must pass a final oral examination covering the thesis and the student’s major area of study. The final oral examination may be attempted two times.

• Delivery:
  • In person
• Location:
  • Kent Campus

National Association of Schools of Music