Students learn to write for traditional instruments in solo, chamber music, and large ensemble settings, as well as create sound using computers and synthesizers.

Master's and doctoral degree programs in music theory and composition also are available. Our composition faculty includes nationally recognized composers who write in a variety of styles and media.

Program Overview

• Our composition program balances academic coursework with creative projects. Composition majors study music theory and music history in order to learn about the music and the compositional techniques of the past and present. Composition majors also take instrumental or voice lessons and participate in university ensembles.
• A weekly composition seminar brings together undergraduate and graduate composers with the composition faculty. Beginning in the sophomore year, students in the program begin taking one-on-one composition lessons with a composition instructor. Composers have the opportunity to present their compositions in public concerts every semester, and every composer presents a senior recital of her or his music.
• Students who graduate with a liberal arts degree in composition will have the necessary skills to enter graduate school, to work in the business of commercial music, to work as a music copyist or music arranger, or to pursue a variety of careers outside of the field of music.