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Music Composition

The undergraduate Music Composition program at ÀÏ˾»ú´«Ã½ is at the hub of a creative community hallmarked by artistic excellence and multidisciplinary collaboration. The program is rich with performance opportunities. Since the arrival of Dr. Edward Knight in 1997, over 1,400 works – solo pieces, soundtracks, film scores, sacred works, immersive multimedia, ballet and modern dance, chamber music, theatrical events, and compositions for choir and orchestra – written by ÀÏ˾»ú´«Ã½ composers from five continents have been premiered on and around campus.

Through workshopping and performance, composition majors gain insight into how music works, developing compositional techniques that empower them to develop their unique, authentic voice. Professional skills are emphasized, encouraging student composers to organize rehearsals and performances, building a network of fellow artists: singers, dancers, actors, choreographers, lyricists, filmmakers, game designers, lighting designers, and instrumentalists

The promise of regular performances provides composers with deadlines, the opportunity to hear their work played by skilled musicians and ensembles, and the inspiration and incentive to experiment, take chances and push boundaries as they reach across disciplines to create the music of our time.

Project 21

The student-led composer consortium, Project 21: Music of the 21st Century, stages eight or more concerts of new works each year. In addition, university orchestra, bands and choirs regularly read and record student compositions.

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  • All degrees require a minimum of 124 earned credit hours.
  • Students must be enrolled in 12 credit hours to be considered a full-time student. 
  • All courses listed on this degree plan are required for the completion of this degree. The course sequence is a suggestion only, and each student will meet with his or her advisor to discuss the most appropriate sequence for that student.

FRESHMAN YEAR

First Semester

COURSE NUMBERCOURSE TITLECREDIT HOURS
MUS 1112Theory I2
MUS 1122Aural Skills I2
AM 1371Major Instrument1
AMA 1571Class Piano I1
MUS 1211Freshman Composition A1
MUENMajor Ensemble1
 Gen Ed3
 Gen Ed3
 Total Credits14

Second Semester

COURSE NUMBERCOURSE TITLECREDIT HOURS
MUS 1212Theory II2
MUS 1222Aural Skills II2
AM 1471Major Instrument1
AMA 1671Class Piano II1
MUS 1311Freshman Composition B1
MUENMajor Ensemble1
AM 1471Minor Instrument1
 Gen Ed3
 Gen Ed3
 Total Credits15

SOPHOMORE YEAR

First Semester

COURSE NUMBERCOURSE TITLECREDIT HOURS
MUS 2112Theory III2
MUS 2122Aural Skills III2
AM 1371Major Instrument1
AMA 1771Class Piano III1
MUS 2312Sophomore Composition A2
MUENMajor Ensemble1
MUS 1123Music and the Human Experience3
AM 1371Minor Instrument1
 Gen Ed3
 Total Credits16

Second Semester

COURSE NUMBERCOURSE TITLECREDIT HOURS
MUS 35XXTheory Topical Course2
MUS 35XXTheory Topical Course2
MUS 3133Writing About Music3
MUS 3142Conducting Fundamentals2
MUS 2412Sophomore Composition B2
AM 471Major Instrument1
AMA 1871Class Piano IV1
MUENMajor Ensemble1
 Gen Ed3
 Total Credits17

JUNIOR YEAR

First Semester

COURSE NUMBERCOURSE TITLECREDIT HOURS
MUS 3113Orchestration3
MUS 3313Junior Composition A3
AM 1371Major Instrument1
AMA 1371Applied Piano1
MUENMajor Ensemble1
 Gen Ed & Lab4
 Gen Ed3
 Total Credits16

Second Semester

COURSE NUMBERCOURSE TITLECREDIT HOURS
MUS 4233Musicology Seminar3
MUS 3242Conducting—Instrumental or Vocal (Fall)2
MUS 3413Junior Composition B3
AM 1471Major Instrument1
MUS 441218th Cent. Counterpoint2
AMA 1471Applied Piano1
MUENMajor Ensemble1
 Gen Ed3
 Total Credits16

SENIOR YEAR 

First Semester

COURSE NUMBERCOURSE TITLECREDIT HOURS
MUS 4112Forms & Analysis2
MUS 4513Senior Composition A3
AM 1371Major Instrument1
AMA 1371Applied Piano1
MUENMajor Ensemble1
AM 4341Recital on Major Instrument1
 Gen Ed3
 Gen Ed3
 Total Credits15

Second Semester

COURSE NUMBERCOURSE TITLECREDIT HOURS
MUSMusic Literature Elective3
MUS 4613Senior Composition B3
AM 1471Major Instrument1
AMA 1471Applied Piano1
MUENMajor Ensemble1
MUS 4441Composition Recital1
 Gen Ed3
 Gen Ed3
 Total Credits16

– Composition Scores: Please upload three PDF scores to your University Application on Slate.
– Composition Recordings: Upload acoustic or MIDI recordings along with your corresponding PDF scores. 
– Composition Interview: An in-person or remote interview will be scheduled with Dr. Edward Knight.
– Instrumental/Vocal Audition: Applicants will need to complete an in-person or remote audition on their primary instrument/voice. 

Visit our Music Auditions page for more information and dates.

Key Faculty

Edward Knight, DMA
Professor of Music & Composer in Residence
Edward Knight, DMA
Professor of Music & Composer in Residence
[email protected] · BC A328 · 405.208.5274
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