Music Minor: Music Composition
Music composition involves the creation of original music with a comprehensive study of compositional technique, music theory, music history, and an analysis of music literature of all types and styles. Further study in electronic music includes the use of computers and other electronic means of music creation.
The student in enrolled in music composition as a minor will take two semesters of coursework in music theory and music history, perform in university ensembles, and receive two semesters of private one-on-one lessons in composition with faculty. The program culminates in the review and performance of original music by the student prepared in careful consultation with their primary composition instructor.
Course Requirements (31 cr)
Music Theory (8 cr.)
- MUS T101 Introduction to Music (3 cr.) - Remedial prerequisite if needed.
- MUS T113 Music Theory I (3 cr.)
- MUS T114 Music Theory II (3 cr.)
- MUS T115 Sight-Singing and Aural Perception I (1 cr.)
- MUS T116 Sight-Singing and Aural Perception II (1cr.)
Music History & Literature (13 cr.)
- MUS I101 Literature and Structure (2 cr.)
- MUS I102 Literature and Structure (2 cr.)
- MUS M403 History of Music I (3 cr.)
- MUS M404 History of Music II (3 cr.)
- Music History or Theory Electives (3 credits min.)
Music Composition Concentration (10 cr.)
- MUS K300 Composition Concentration (2 semesters)
- MUS K410 Composition Seminar (2 semesters)
- MUS K361 Introduction to MIDI and Computer Music (3 cr.)
- Music Electives in Composition (min. 3 credits)
- Ensemble (1 semester)
- Final Capstone Project: Composition Portfolio
The student must complete a minimum of two semesters of private, applied instruction in composition at the concentration level. In addition, the student will enroll concurrently in composition workshop with one semester substituted for K133 if available. The student must also complete a minimum of one semester of ensemble. Applied lesson, ensemble, and workshop credits will not be counted in the minor area credit total but will be counted overall toward degree completion.
As determined by the primary music advisor and director of music studies any remedial or prerequisite music theory and music history courses, noted above, must be taken before enrolling in the primary music theory and music history course sequences. Remedial or prerequisite courses will not count toward the concentration area total but will count toward overall degree completion.
MUS-K361 Introduction to MIDI and Computer Music can be applied toward computer literacy requirements in many programs. Contact your program advisor for more information.
Music electives will be counted toward program requirements only at the 200 level or higher. Electives are chosen in consultation with the primary area advisor or the director of music studies. Composition students with an emphasis in electronic music are advised to take Electronic Studio Resources I and II (MUS K-403 and MUS-K404) as part of their music electives.
The student will submit a final composition portfolio upon completion of all coursework in music that will consist of a minimum of twenty (20) minutes of original music composed by the student while in residency.
The Director of Music studies reserves the right to replace any of the courses above on a case by case basis pending course availability.
