Master of Music in Music Composition in Syracuse United States | Syracuse University

The Setnor School of Music provides a Master of Music (M.M.) program specializing in composition. Students receive one-on-one instruction from our distinguished faculty while also participating in weekly Composer's Symposium sessions to explore contemporary topics and interact with visiting composers.
Graduate candidates must fulfill a foundational curriculum covering research, music history, and music theory (totaling nine credits). The program requires completion of 36 graduate credits post-baccalaureate, typically spanning four semesters of residency. Each M.Mus. program follows comparable academic structures and admission processes. For Music Composition, requirements include: 8 major credits, 3 music history credits, 3 music theory credits, and 3 research credits, plus 2 ensemble credits, 1 recital credit, 12 music theory elective credits, with remaining credits allocated to music electives.
This curriculum fosters advanced performance skills and comprehensive musical understanding, evidenced by: a final project featuring at least one substantial composition and a public recital showcasing original works. Students must complete written and oral comprehensive exams in their last semester. Full-time graduate students are required to attend convocations and participate in ensembles.