Performance—Composition, M.M.

The M.M. in Composition students will develop writing skills and techniques in a variety of styles and musical forms so that they can organize their thematic ideas into original compositions and arrangements. For students interested in electronic music, the well-equipped studios in the MDT Department will provide an excellent opportunity to explore in depth this vital aspect of music, using the latest computer technology. Students interested in composing for film, dance, or theatre will be encouraged to form interactive relationships with students majoring in those disciplines. Candidates are required to submit a Statement of Goals, a Resume, and a Portfolio that should demonstrate the student’s skills in music composition.

AUDITION REQUIREMENTS

The candidate for the Master of Music in Composition is required to submit the following documentation:

  • Statement of Goals: The Statement of Goals should include the student’s special interests within the discipline and expectations for the program.

  • Resume: A resume should include the student’s academic record and a list of professional activities.

  • Portfolio: The composition portfolio should demonstrate the student’s skills in music composition.


Candidates are required to submit a portfolio of several original compositions, which may include at least one work in each of the following categories:
 

  • A composition for a large ensemble (orchestra, symphonic band, or chorus) 
  • A composition for a small ensemble (vocal with keyboard or instrumental accompaniment, a cappella choir, or a chamber ensemble)
  • A composition for a solo instrument or voice (with or without accompaniment)

At least three of the compositions submitted must be of sufficient duration to demonstrate skill in handling a fully developed structure.

Preferably, two copies of a CD/MP3/.wav recording of at least one of the substantial compositions should accompany the submission.

All compositions that use (a) graphic or non-standard notation or (b) aleatoric elements or (c) taped/electronic sounds, must be accompanied by CD recordings.

Major Area Requirements:18
MDT 507Computer Music3
MDT 621Grad Applied Music Major I3
MDT 622Graduate Applied Music Major II3
MDT 623Grad Applied Music Major III3
MDT 629Grad Applied Music Major IV3
3
MDT 601Graduate Musicianship3
Other History Electives:6
MDT 501Baroque Music3
MDT 502Classical Music3
3
MDT 503Romantic Music3
MDT 504The Opera3
MDT 505Contemporary Music3
MDT 506Music in America3
MDT 612Early Jazz to the Swing Era3
MDT 613Jazz History II3
Other Music Electives:9
3
MDT 508Woodwind Literature and Performance3
MDT 525Application of Theory in Performance3
MDT 526Jazz Arranging3
MDT 610Performance Seminar3
MDT 614Jazz Compostion3
MDT 616
& MDT 617
& MDT 618		Graduate Applied Music Minor I
and Grad Applied Music Minor II
and Graduate Applied Music Min III		3
MDT 624
& MDT 625
& MDT 626
& MDT 634		Graduate Music Ensemble I
and Graduate Music Ensemble II
and Grad Music Ensemble III
and Grad Music Ensemble IV		4
MDT 631Independent Study1
MDT 632Independent Study2
MDT 633Independent Study3
Required Credits (18 of core credits and 6 music history courses)24
Total Credits (24 required; 8 electives)32
Culminating Activity 1
1

● The culminating activity will consist of a composition/compositions to be performed during one of the scheduled artistic events presented by the MDT plus a research paper accompanied by a presentation illustrating the student’s compositional style and technique. The research paper requires a Q&A session with a three-member panel.

● Proficiency in performance as demonstrated by an audition on a major instrument or voice.

● The terminal project is a culminating recital. MDT 610 Performance Seminar; a recommended prerequisite course for MDT 610 is MDT 525 to assist with the final research paper. As a corequisite requirement, MDT 610 requires a Q&A session with a three-member panel.