COURSE CURRICULUM

The Bachelor of Arts in Music Composition at San José State University is designed to provide students with comprehensive training in the creative, technical, and theoretical aspects of music composition. The program emphasizes private composition instruction as its core component, allowing students to develop original works while receiving direct mentorship from faculty. Students gain broad exposure to music theory, musicianship, music history, electro-acoustic music, orchestration, and advanced compositional techniques, alongside practical training in music technology, recording, and sound design. The curriculum integrates traditional Western music studies with contemporary approaches such as film scoring, electronic music, jazz improvisation, and digital production, preparing students for diverse creative careers in the modern music industry.A key feature of the program is its strong focus on applied learning and performance opportunities. Students regularly hear their compositions performed by peers, ensembles, faculty, and guest musicians, which supports iterative artistic development. The program also includes participation in ensembles and applied lessons across instruments or composition tracks, ensuring that students develop both technical proficiency and collaborative musicianship. Upper-division coursework builds advanced skills in counterpoint, form and analysis, orchestration, and composition, while also encouraging experimentation through electro-acoustic and multimedia projects.Students complete a senior capstone project (MUSC 182), which serves as a culminating creative work demonstrating their compositional ability and artistic vision. Electives allow further specialization in areas such as film scoring, jazz studies, conducting, applied instruction, and sound recording technology. Overall, the program prepares graduates for careers in composition, music production, film and media scoring, audio engineering, or for continued graduate study in music and related fields.