COURSE CURRICULUM

The Bachelor of Music (BM) in Composition at The University of Alabama is an intensive and creatively focused degree requiring a minimum of 122 total semester hours, with 82 hours dedicated specifically to major coursework that develops both technical mastery and artistic expression. The curriculum is built around a strong sequence of music theory courses, progressing from basic voice leading and diatonic harmony to advanced chromatic harmony and analytical techniques, ensuring students gain a deep understanding of musical structure. Alongside theory, students complete a continuous composition sequence (Composition I through VI), where they progressively refine their original works under faculty guidance. Historical and cultural understanding is also emphasized through music history courses and studies in world music, while specialized subjects such as counterpoint, form and analysis, instrumentation, and 20th-century music analysis expand their compositional toolkit. Performance and practical musicianship are essential components of the program, requiring piano proficiency through multiple semesters, applied music study, and participation in ensembles, which help students understand how compositions function in real performance settings. Conducting courses further enhance musical leadership skills. Advanced-level electives allow for some customization, while upper-level residency requirements ensure students complete significant coursework on campus. A unique and critical requirement of the program is the senior recital, where students must present a portfolio of their original compositions to the satisfaction of faculty, demonstrating their creative growth and readiness for professional work or graduate study. Although no minor is required, students must maintain at least a 2.0 GPA in the major and regularly meet with academic advisors to stay on track. Overall, this program blends rigorous academic study with hands-on creative practice, preparing graduates for careers in composition, film scoring, music production, or further study in advanced music programs.