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:
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Statement of Goals: The Statement of Goals should include the student’s special interests within the discipline and expectations for the program.
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Resume: A resume should include the student’s academic record and a list of professional activities.
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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.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Major Area Requirements: | 18 | |
| MDT 621 | Grad Applied Music Major I | 3 |
| MDT 622 | Graduate Applied Music Major II | 3 |
| MDT 623 | Grad Applied Music Major III | 3 |
| MDT 629 | Grad Applied Music Major IV | 3 |
| MDT 507 | Computer Music | 3 |
| MDT 601 | Graduate Musicianship | 3 |
| Other History Electives: | 6 | |
| MDT 501 | Baroque Music | 3 |
| MDT 502 | Classical Music | 3 |
| MDT 503 | Romantic Music | 3 |
| MDT 504 | The Opera | 3 |
| MDT 505 | Contemporary Music | 3 |
| MDT 506 | Music in America | 3 |
| MDT 612 | Early Jazz to the Swing Era | 3 |
| MDT 613 | Jazz History II | 3 |
| Other Music Electives: | 9 | |
| MDT 508 | Woodwind Literature | 3 |
| MDT 525 | Application of Theory in Performance | 3 |
| MDT 526 | Jazz Arranging | 3 |
| MDT 610 | Performance Seminar | 3 |
| MDT 614 | Jazz Compostion | 3 |
| 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 631 | Independent Study | 1 |
| MDT 632 | Independent Study | 2 |
| MDT 633 | Independent Study | 3 |
| Required Credits (18 of core credits and 6 music history courses) | 24 | |
| Total Credits (24 required; 8 electives) | 32 | |
| Culminating Activity 1 | ||
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● 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.
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | Credits | |
| MDT 621 | Grad Applied Music Major I | 3 |
| MDT 601 | Graduate Musicianship | 3 |
| MDT 5XX Music History Elective or MDT 6XX Music Elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 9 | |
| Semester 2 | ||
| MDT 622 | Graduate Applied Music Major II | 3 |
| MDT 507 | Computer Music | 3 |
| MDT 507 | Computer Music | |
| MDT 5XX or MDT 6XX Music History Course | 3 | |
| Credits | 9 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Semester 1 | ||
| MDT 623 | Grad Applied Music Major III | 3 |
| MDT 5XX or MDT 6XX Music History Elective | 3 | |
| MDT 5XX or MDT 6XX Music Elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 9 | |
| Semester 2 | ||
| MDT 629 | Grad Applied Music Major IV | 3 |
| MDT 5XX or MDT 6XX Music Elective | 2 | |
| Credits | 5 | |
| Total Credits | 32 | |
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In addition to the general graduate study admission requirement, an applicant for admission to this degree program is required to satisfy the following: 1: An undergraduate degree with a major in music or, in exceptional cases, a proven equivalency in music theory, music history, and relevant repertory: 2: Portfolio of composition and two copies of CD/MP3/wav recording of at least one of the substantial compositions
- Portfolio should include: A composition for a large ensemble, a composition for a small ensemble, a composition for a solo instrument. Total performance time of the complete portfolio should be approximately 30 minutes)
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Requires a research paper, Q&A with a panel of three music faculty members.
The culminating activity will consist of a composition 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.