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The composition program provides diverse and thorough degree options in composition, allowing students to learn from renowned composers in the discipline. Featuring various composition seminars covering film scoring, vocal writing, and ensemble composition, along with rigorous orchestration classes culminating in semester-end orchestral performances, the curriculum delivers essential and practical training for aspiring composers.
Student composers enjoy numerous performance opportunities, such as guest artist collaborations, the UW-Madison Contemporary Chamber Ensemble (which accepts open score submissions), composition program recitals, and departmental student showcases. The most prestigious opportunity is the annual concerto competition, where one selected student composer, chosen through a competitive review, gets to have their work professionally rehearsed and performed by the UW-Madison Symphony Orchestra during a regular concert season.