MA in Music - Composition and Theory in Waltham United States | Brandeis University

Music flourishes at Brandeis. Our distinguished faculty includes award-winning composers, scholars, instrumentalists, vocalists, and conductors. Students can pursue either a one-year MA or a two-year MFA in composition and theory. These programs are structured to help you master compositional techniques, supported by coursework in music theory, analysis, and electro-acoustic music.

The one-year MA program is ideal for those seeking introductory graduate studies without a long-term commitment. For more comprehensive training, the two-year MFA program provides advanced study culminating in a master's thesis featuring an original composition.

Brandeis provides unique performance opportunities through New Music Brandeis, a contemporary concert series highlighting works by students, faculty, and alumni. Your compositions may also be workshopped by the renowned Lydian String Quartet and visiting ensembles hosted by our music department.

Our cutting-edge facilities feature:

The Slosberg Music Center, home to
30 pianos, including Leonard Bernstein's childhood instrument
The Jencks Early Music Room, boasting a remarkable collection of period instruments like two harpsichords and a historic Viennese fortepiano
The BEAMS electro-acoustic studio