Doctor of Musical Arts in Composition in Toronto Canada | University of Toronto

Alongside studio sessions and small group classes, the composition curriculum includes specialized courses covering counterpoint, orchestration, instrumental techniques, electronic and computer music, film scoring (including silent films), multimedia composition, songwriting, and studies of diverse compositional approaches and musical genres.
Performance opportunities are essential for student composers, and our program integrates them through collaborative efforts with studio instructors and chamber coaches, resident composer roles with major ensembles like the contemporary gamUT ensemble, and annual fully-staged original opera productions during our New Music Festival. The Karen Kieser Prize awards a professional chamber work performance, while UofT-affiliated groups like the Cecilia String Quartet regularly commission student pieces. This prepares our composers for the professional realm, connecting them with performers, arts institutions, and audiences. The composition department provides both major and minor options within the Mus.Bac. program. While most students audition after their first year, a select few may enter the composition stream directly. Accepted composition majors and minors receive weekly private lessons and participate in the Composer's Forum workshop series. The Faculty of Music additionally invites visiting composers annually. Graduate studies include both Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees.