• The department was built upon a philosophy that emphasizes experiential learning. The benefits of this approach are that it emulates the professional working environment beyond the walls of Peabody and also provides the student with the necessary skills to become a lifelong learner.
  • Composition majors pursue their studies in private weekly lessons with their individual teachers, supplemented by departmental seminars which include presentations by distinguished visiting composers, scholars, new music ensembles, and soloists.
  • Peabody has in place a Distinguished Composer-in-Residence program, in which a leading composer comes to the institute to give regular masterclasses throughout the year. The current holder of this position is Christopher Rouse.