The master of arts1 in composition option offers the opportunity for in-depth study of music composition. Some graduates of the program will go on to earn a doctoral degree in composition or music theory, while others will seek careers as film and theater composers, sound designers, teachers, and freelance writers. The program is responsive to the individual ambitions of its students to prepare them for their professional careers in the best way possible.
- 1
Degree program has final approval from the National Association of Schools of Music.
General Competencies for All Music MA Programs
- Demonstrate advanced capacities to work independently and make effective artistic and intellectual judgments and professional decisions in the area of specialization by producing a final project or equivalent.
- Demonstrate advanced competence in the area of specialization.
Additional Competencies, M.A. in Conducting
- Demonstrate advanced competencies in conducting through studies in gestural technique, score analysis, repertoire, and regular conducting experiences with appropriate ensembles.
- Demonstrate engagement with other fields of music outside of conducting.
- Demonstrate professional capability by rehearsing and conducting a concert-length performance or the equivalent.
- Demonstrate the ability to apply critical thinking to music literature and to have in-depth discussions regarding specific works in the repertoire.
Additional Competencies, M.A. in Composition
- Demonstrate advanced competencies in composition.
- Demonstrate advanced knowledge and skills in one or more related fields of music.
- Complete a faculty approved final project.
- Manage an advanced performance of their original composition.
Additional Competencies: MA in Musicology
- Demonstrate advanced competencies in musicology, theory, and criticism through written work and research papers in graduate-level music history and theory courses.
- Demonstrate appropriate competency in music theory and analysis by using the analytical tools and research concerns in music theory and analysis appropriately in writing and research.
- Demonstrate professional capability in the major area of study by completing a final project that demonstrates advanced competence and intellectual independence in research and writing in musicology.
- Demonstrate the ability to apply critical thinking to music literature and to describe personal advanced independent work of particular interest.
