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The Music Composition program pushes aspiring composers to refine their artistic abilities. Participants will learn to harness fundamental musical elements to produce an eclectic collection of original pieces, acquire essential career competencies, and investigate multiple musical genres while shaping their distinctive styles. The program encourages committed composers to sharpen and expand their creative talents. Key objectives include: developing proficiency in employing core musical components (melody, tempo, time signatures, dynamics, and form) to assemble a varied body of work;
mastering vital professional capabilities like conducting rehearsals, effective communication, marketing, publishing, and building connections;
examining diverse musical traditions and approaches to help forge their own artistic identities.
For graduate students, the curriculum focuses on producing substantial compositions, technical versatility, and blending inspirations, experiences, and skills to cultivate an individual creative approach. The capstone thesis project involves creating a major original composition.
Graduates should submit scores and, when possible, recordings for at least three (3) substantial original works, preferably composed for different performance media (for instance, a chamber ensemble work, choral piece or orchestra score). Up to two compositions may be electronic works. Neatness and legibility of scores will be considered. Scores and recordings MUST be uploaded to Acceptd. Recordings of performances are greatly preferred, although MIDI representations are acceptable.
Graduates are also required to submit two letters of recommendation by persons familiar with your work, a résumé including a complete list of compositions (include title, duration, and instrumentation for each work) and a statement of your professional goals. All of these items MUST be uploaded to Acceptd - hard copies will not be accepted.