COURSE CURRICULUM

Composition is a structured graduate program designed to develop advanced creative, analytical, and professional skills in contemporary music composition. The program is completed over two years and combines individual instruction, group learning, seminars, and a major creative project. In the first year, students complete MUS503 (Introduction to Graduate Study and Music Bibliography), MUS555 (Individual Tuition in Composition), and MUS561 (Group Instruction in Music Composition), which establish foundational research, compositional practice, and collaborative skills. In the second year, students continue individual and group composition training through MUS555 and MUS561, while also completing MUS598B, the MMus Graduating Compositions, which represents the primary creative output of the degree. Students must also complete MUS500 (Analytical Topics and Techniques) and an additional 3.0 units of approved electives drawn from areas such as musicology, performance practice, acoustics, computer music, ensembles, and related theoretical or applied music studies. The program allows flexibility in elective selection to support individual artistic development. The final requirement is a major original composition or set of compositions that are typically performed during the final year, accompanied by an analytical paper approved by the academic supervisor. Overall, the program integrates creative practice, research, and performance to prepare students for professional careers in composition, performance, and academia.