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Composition Specializations:

Composing for Visual MediaSongwriting

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Master of Music in

Music Composition

Guided by the mission and purposes of the Master of Music in Composition program, the curriculum will adhere to the following five Program Learning Outcomes.

  1. Proficiency in Music for Media Composition: Students will be able to demonstrate knowledge of musical structure and harmonic language by composing original music that displays advanced expertise in musical form and function, stylistic versatility and orchestration techniques.
  2. Critical Thinking in Music: Students will be able to demonstrate the ability to critically analyze and solve problems that are characteristic in the study of music.
  3. Professional Creative Practices: Students will be able to demonstrate advanced competency in the professional knowledge and practice of arranging, music directing, recording studio techniques and computer technology.
  4. Professional Business Practices: Students will be able to demonstrate knowledge and competency in music industry business practices including marketing and promotion, characteristics of performance contracts and publishing, and entrepreneurship.
  5. Pedagogy: Students will be able to demonstrate knowledge and competency in teaching in applied lesson and classroom formats including course development, lecture preparation and presentation, grading practices and student relationships.

Audition Portfolio for Music Composition Specialization:

Composing for Visual Media: Applicants to the Composing for Visual Media program are required to submit:

  1. Full-score manuscripts in PDF format of three (3) original compositions. Score manuscripts be professionally created, using software such as Finale, Sibelius, or Dorico, and accurately reflect the audio recordings.
  2. Quicktime recordings of submitted compositions with the music in sync to video picture. The compositions should convey an ability to capture mood, color and action through both composition and orchestration. Live recorded works are appreciated whenever possible; however, MIDI-generated recordings, as well as hybrid recordings (MIDI combined with live recordings), are quite acceptable.

Songwriting: Applicants to the Songwriting program are required to submit:

  1. Recordings of and lead sheets to three (3) songs to which the applicant has significantly contributed.
  2. A statement of the nature and degree of the applicant’s contribution to each song (songs that are the product of collaboration are acceptable).
  3. Two (2) printed scores of arrangements for varied instrumentation (these can be arrangements of the applicant’s song submissions or of other material). MIDI arrangements are acceptable and recordings may be included.
  4. A video of you demonstrating competency on an instrument (keyboard or guitar)

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