Description

The Master of Arts degree in Music Composition is designed to advance the music composition creative skills of advanced students and to prepare them for admission to doctoral study. The program emphasizes mastery of composition of large-scale works for media, including orchestra, choir, band and/or chamber music ensembles. Based on a solid undergraduate music degree, the M.A. degree further develops abilities in music theory, including analytical, aural, written, keyboard and pedagogical skills. The program further develops breadth and depth in the area of Western music history and literature.

Fully Offered At:

• Kent Campus

Accreditation

National Association of Schools of Music

Admission Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university for unconditional admission
• Minimum 3.000 undergraduate GPA on a 4.000 point scale for unconditional admission
• Official transcripts(s)
• Résumé
• Goal statement(s)
• Portfolio of original compositions
• Three letters of recommendation
• English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions) by earning one of the following:
  • Minimum 525 TOEFL PBT score (paper-based version)
  • Minimum 71 TOEFL IBT score (Internet-based version)
  • Minimum 74 MELAB score
  • Minimum 6.0 IELTS score
  • Minimum 50 PTE score

For more information about graduate admissions, please visit the Graduate Studies admission website. For more information on international admission, visit the Office of Global Education’s admission website.

Program Learning Outcomes

1. Compile a body of completed compositions.
2. Demonstrate and apply compositional techniques for creation of new works including musical style and structure.
3. Analyze music from a wide range of styles and style periods and communicate results in written and oral formats.
4. Recognize, identify and analyze representative literature from different historical periods, countries and composers.
5. Communicate knowledge of composition, theory and other aspects of music as would be done in classroom and private teaching.