The M.M. in Music Composition requires composition lessons and courses in music technology and theory. The thesis project for this degree consists of composing a major work. Teaching Assistantships are available but highly competitive.
Application Guidelines
- Applications are accepted for the fall term only
- Graduate applicants must have a minimum of a 3.0 cumulative GPA for consideration
- Applicants must be in-progress toward completing or have earned the appropriate prior music degree(s) from a regionally accredited institution in order to apply for a graduate level music program. If you are accepted and decide to attend the Frost School, you will be required to provide a final transcript showing a conferred degree.
Admission Requirements
- Completed application and fee
- Official transcripts from all higher education institutions attended
- 3 letters for recommendation
- Portfolio
- Check the Audition/Portfolio Requirements page for specific requirements
- GRE Score
- GRE scores are only valid for a period of five years. The Frost School of Music Graduate program requires a minimum 295 combined Verbal and Quantitative score and minimum 4.0 on the Analytical Writing. The GRE codes for UM are as follows: Institution Code R5815, Department Code 2404
- TOEFL/IELTS Score
- Test scores are required for international applicants whose native language is not English and who have not received a degree from an accredited English-speaking institution. Additional information can be found on International Applicants.
- TOEFL and IELTS scores are only valid for a period of two years. The Frost School of Music requires applicants to receive a minimum TOEFL score of 80 or a minimum IELTS score of 6.5. The TOEFL codes for UM are as follows: Institution Code R5815, Department Code 2404
Curriculum Requirements
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Major Area | ||
| Choose 4 credits from the following: | 4 | |
| Graduate Composition (may be repeated) | ||
| Graduate Composition and Technologies | ||
| Advanced Graduate Composition and Technologies | ||
| MTC 810 | Master's Thesis | 6 |
| Other Studies in Music | ||
| MTC 711 | Experiential Musicianship and Theory Pedagogy | 3 |
| MCY Electives | 6 | |
| Applied Lessons, Ensembles, and/or Conducting | 4 | |
| Electives | ||
| Approved MTC Electives | 3 | |
| Graduate Electives at the 700 Level | 3 | |
| Graduate Level Music Technology Course * | 3 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 32 | |
* Course that would fulfill this requirement include MTC 605, MTC 606, MTC 621, MTC 705, MTC 767, MSJ 622, MMI 610, MMI 620, MMI 621, MMI 631, MMI 701, MMI 751, MMI 759, MMI 760, MMI 763
| Year One | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credit Hours | |
| Choose from the following: | 2 | |
| Graduate Composition | ||
| Graduate Composition and Technologies | ||
| Advanced Graduate Composition and Technologies | ||
| MTC 711 | Experiential Musicianship and Theory Pedagogy | 3 |
| MCY Elective | 3 | |
| Applied Lessons, Ensemble, or Conducting | 1 | |
| Credit Hours | 9 | |
| Spring | ||
| Choose from the following: | 2 | |
| Graduate Composition | ||
| Graduate Composition and Technologies | ||
| Advanced Graduate Composition and Technologies | ||
| Graduate Level Music Technology Course * | 3 | |
| MCY Elective | 3 | |
| Applied Lessons, Ensemble, or Conducting | 1 | |
| Credit Hours | 9 | |
| Year Two | ||
| Fall | ||
| MTC 810 | Master's Thesis | 2 |
| Applied Lessons, Ensembles, or Conducting | 1 | |
| MTC Elective | 3 | |
| Graduate Level Elective at the 700 Level | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 9 | |
| Spring | ||
| MTC 810 | Master's Thesis | 4 |
| Applied Lessons, Ensemble, or Conducting | 1 | |
| Credit Hours | 5 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 32 | |
* Course that would fulfill this requirement include MTC 605, MTC 606, MTC 621, MTC 705, MTC 767, MSJ 622, MMI 610, MMI 620, MMI 621, MMI 631, MMI 701, MMI 751, MMI 759, MMI 760, MMI 763
This is a suggested Plan of Study. Your actual course sequence may vary depending on your previous academic experience as well as current course offerings. Students should meet with their academic advisor each semester to determine the appropriate course selection.
Mission
The mission of the Master of Music in Composition is:
- To provide the highest quality and most educational and creative environment for work relating to the creation and understanding of music;
- To foster advancement in composition;
- To provide students with advanced work in the filed of composition and thus enabling a career in professional or scholarly pursuit of music;
- To substantially contribute to the Frost School of Music's role as a regional, national, and international nexus for the creation and understanding of music.
Goals
The objectives of the program are:
- To provide training for students to develop advanced compositional skills;
- To prepare students to meet the needs and challenges of the musician in the 21st century;
- To provide students with the skills, knowledge, and experience to complete independent and original work in the field;
- To give students an advanced knowledge of music as performers, composers, or listeners, enlarging and enhancing their musical interests and abilities.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Students will be able to compose musical works of artistic merit.
- Students will present a well-organized recital of their compositions.
