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Bachelor of Music, Composition Concentration

Faculty

Thomas Limbert Headshot
Thomas Limbert
Director of the Composition Program
[email protected]
Green Music Center 2067
707-664-2218

Advising Checklist - Bachelor of Music, Composition Concentration (PDF)

 

The Bachelor of Music Composition Concentration is designed for students whose primary focus is creating original music. In addition to core music courses in theory, musicianship, history, literature, applied skills, ensembles, and instrumental/vocal private instruction and related repertory classes, composition students study privately with composition faculty and undertake additional coursework related specifically to music creation including music technology. 

Upon graduation, Composition graduates will have produced a unique and diverse portfolio of works for various instrumental, vocal, and electronic media. The degree prepares students for a career involving music creation and/or graduate work in composition.

 

Private Instruction, Repertory Class, Juries and Ensemble Requirements

Students in the Composition Concentration enroll in private instruction on their major instrument or voice for six (6) semesters, and in composition for six (6) semesters. In addition, students take six (6) semesters of a Repertory Class (Vocal, Instrumental, or Jazz) in conjunction with their private lessons, and at least one (1) semester of MUS 425 Composition Seminar.

 

Students must pass a juried performance demonstration(s) each semester they take private instruction and/or composition lessons, with a minimum score of 75%. For the composition jury, students are required to submit notated scores of any compositions finished during the semester under the guidance of their instructor in PDF format.  Each score should be accompanied by a written description of the composition highlighting both the inspiration and construction of the piece. While not required, students are also encouraged to submit a midi mock-up of their composition(s) as well.

 

Composition majors are required to enroll in a minimum of one (1) major ensemble on their major instrument/voice every semester in residence for a total of eight (8) semesters. 

 

Capstone Experience

Students enrolled in the Composition degree program must complete MUS 490 Senior Project (2 units). The senior project is determined in consultation with the Composition Program Director. For more information about the Senior Project, please visit the Student Resources menu on the Department of Music website.

 

Core Music Course Requirements

Preparatory

Theory/Musicianship

History/Literature

Choose one of the following:

Choose MUS 160A & 160B or MUS 350:

And these courses:

Applied Skills

Applied Music Studies (Private Lessons)

6 units total. Transfer students take every semester in residence.

Repertory Class

6 units total. Transfer students take every semester in residence.

Performing Ensembles

8 units total, or every semester in residence.

Ensemble Options for Vocalists

Ensemble Options for Instrumentalists

Minor Ensemble Options

Concentration Course Requirements

Capstone Experience

Consult with Faculty Advisor.

Applied Music Studies (Composition)

6 units total. Transfer students take every semester in residence.

MUS 447 - Applied Music Studies Unit(s): 1

Music Electives

6 units total. Consult with Program Director.

Program Roadmaps

Sample Four-Year Plan: BM, Composition

Sample Two-Year Plan: BM, Composition 

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