Bachelor of Music - Composition (Keyboard Studies) in San Jose United States | San Jose State University

The Keyboard Studies department at San José State University boasts a faculty of globally acclaimed performing artists. These dedicated educators mentor and motivate the next generation of concert performers, music teachers, and researchers to reach professional excellence. SJSU provides exceptional personalized instruction and abundant performance chances, enabling students to achieve remarkable musical development.

Every keyboard major at San José State University benefits from private applied lessons with our distinguished faculty. The program also includes training in chamber music, accompaniment, orchestral performance, and jazz studies to equip pianists for diverse career paths. Students additionally explore piano pedagogy, repertoire studies, and technical mastery. Unique annual offerings include specialized courses like Beethoven Sonatas: Performance Traditions, examining the composer's authentic vision, and The Complete Works of Ravel, analyzing historical and cultural contexts.

SJSU piano students frequently interact with internationally celebrated artists invited by the School of Music and Dance for masterclasses and performances. Recent visiting artists have included piano luminaries such as Anton Kuerti, Charles Rosen, Menahem Pressler, John Perry, Ruth Slenczynska, Mack McCray, and Hans Boepple.

The Composition program at SJSU's School of Music and Dance offers comprehensive training in musical creation, encompassing electronic music, recording techniques, and film scoring. Central to the curriculum are private composition lessons, with regular performances of student works by peers, faculty, and professionals. Composition students participate in group sessions with faculty and visiting composers for critique and discussion. The program requires both junior and senior capstone projects alongside standard coursework.