This four-year program is formulated for the student with particular capabilities in musical composition.
A student will not be allowed to enrol in this program unless ability in composition has already been demonstrated by submitting copies of original scores to the Composition Division.
Composers will have opportunities to hear their works performed by ensembles of students and faculty during their four years at the University.
To be eligible for graduation, a student majoring in Composition must compose at least 45 minutes of music and have it performed. In each year of the program, there must be at least one public premiere performance of the student's work. Performance dates and locations must be documented, including a recording if possible, and submitted to the principal composition teacher. Reading sessions by an orchestra or another large ensemble are acceptable as performances only upon approval of the Composition division.
| COMPOSITION | |
| Program requirements for the Bachelor of Music in Composition include: | |
| Core B.Mus. Requirements in Music History, Musicianship, Music Theory, and Music Technology (32-37 credits) | |
| For specific requirements, see Bachelor of Music, Degree Requirements. | |
| Music Performance (8 credits) | |
| A total of 8 credits from any combination of the following courses: | |
| MUSC_V 172 or 182 | 4 |
| MUSC_V 272 or 282 | 4 |
| MUSC_V 371 or 381 | 2 |
| MUSC_V 471 or 481 | 2 |
| Over four years, students must take 8 credits of Music Performance courses to meet the performance requirements, including at least 4 credits of instruction on piano. Students may study either at the concentration level (182, 282, 381, 481) or the secondary level (172, 272, 371, 471). Students who study at the concentration level must meet jury requirements. | |
| Ensembles (3-6 credits) | |
| One course of a large, small or Interactive Performance Systems (i.e., laptop ensemble) (The Music Advisor can help students choose a course that meets the Ensemble requirements.) | |
| Composition Study (24 credits) | |
| MUSC_V 107 | 6 |
| MUSC_V 207 | 6 |
| MUSC_V 307 | 6 |
| MUSC_V 407 | 6 |
| It is possible to commence a Major in Composition after one year in another major. In such a case, the Composition division will decide whether the student must take all of MUSC_V 107, 207, 307, and 407. | |
| Program-Specific Requirements (29 credits) | |
| MUSC_V 108 | 3 |
| MUSC_V 309 | 2 |
| MUSC_V 319 | 3 |
| Music electives1, 2 | 21 |
| 1 Up to 9 Ensemble credits and/or additional performance lessons (pending the Director’s approval regarding funds availability). | |
| 2 The following courses are recommended but not required: MUSC_V 310 (2) Orchestration, MUSC_V 311 (3) Fundamentals of Conducting, MUSC_V 312 (3) Instrumental Conducting, MUSC_V 313 (3) Choral Conducting, MUSC_V 320 (3) Computer Music, MUSC_V 419 (3-6) Interactive Performance Systems, 300- or 400-level courses in Music Theory, Music History, and Ethnomusicology. | |
| Other Course Requirements | |
| Writing Requirement (WRDS_V 150, WRDS_V 151 or ENGL_V 100) | 3 |
| Literature Requirement | 3 |
| Non-Music Electives | 18 |
| TOTAL CREDITS | 120-128 |