Program Highlights

Our composition program includes intensive study in the creation of original music. We offer traditional focuses on either or both acoustic instrumental music and computer music, and have expanded into the fields of media composition where the creator can design and assemble a professional portfolio that is on the cutting edge of national and international standards. Performance opportunities abound as our talented performance students and faculty lend their musical skills to our composition projects, and our new technology areas can collaborate to realize your works.

The capstone project is the final of a set of four doctoral projects, all with particular attention to building a compelling and impressive portfolio of creative works. We seek for the candidate to have the ability to excel in one or a number of different compositional pathways. The paper may be on any relevant subject matter of interest with the goal of perfecting writing skills and developing publication potential.

Teaching Assistantships are available through both the Composition and Theory Areas to provide teaching experience for our candidates. The program requires 45 hours of coursework beyond the master's degree, with a capstone doctoral creative project.

DOCTORAL PERFORMANCE PROJECTS INFORMATION

There are four doctoral projects that represent the capstone of the DMA in Composition. They begin with a portfolio review, with attention given to the breadth of genres and media represented, mastery of orchestration and notational practice, or conversely, mastery of media and application processes, issues of performance practicality, and the presence of both a personal aesthetic and distinctive compositional voice. Performances of new and/or existing works are expected. The last two projects involve a significant original work and accompanying document. With the approval of the candidate's committee, we encourage both traditional types of work as well as any kind of interdisciplinary work. Pursuing new and imaginative ideas is especially endorsed.

Facilities & Technology

The Composition Area features a newly built computer music lab with iMac computers. Software includes Finale, Sibelius, Logic Pro, Audacity, Ableton, the Microsoft Suite, Adobe Suite, as well as software for specific sound design and media creation.

Our Equipment and Technology

In 2020, we began major updates in our production facilities. Concert venues and studios are now connected via Dante and NDI networks for the highest quality and efficient audio and video production workflow. Here are some examples of our equipment in service today.

• Dante Mic Pre-Amps/ADC: multiple units of Focusrite RedNet MP8R and X2P
• A range of Microphone brands that we use: Schoeps, DPA, Neumann, AKG, AEA, and Royer
• Panasonic Professional 4K cameras, Blackmagic video switcher and video recorders

Composition faculty have additional resources for computer music and media generation as part of their teaching offices. 

Student Labs

Student Lab with iMac stations all equipped with keyboards and notation/DAW software

Professional Equipment

Experience using 4K professional digital cameras and advanced recording techniques

Technology Courses

Computer music sound design projects and Max interactive live music courses available

Live Recordings

Experiences in studio and live recording, as well as recording engineering are available, both as courses and/or employed work-study programs

Admissions

We welcome students from many different backgrounds and experiences. Entering first-year students with limited composition experience will take an Introduction to Composition class that will begin the process of understanding the many different paths/tracks to take. The class will emphasize an understanding of a variety of musical languages and the many different kinds of composition in today's world. Of course, there will also be composing, with the goal of public performances of your works. Individual lessons within a faculty studio will normally begin after taking this Intro class. Students with a large and developed portfolio will usually be assigned studio lessons.

Curriculum

Alumni Success & Careers

Questions