School of Music
BM in Performance - Composition
This degree concentration is designed for those who wish to prepare for a career in music composition and those who plan to do graduate work in composition. The program aims to instill students with a thorough understanding of both traditional and contemporary compositional tools and prompts students to engage in the discourse surrounding the making of new music in our society. Private lessons, participation in the USM Composers Ensemble, regular composition and performance of new works, and classes in counterpoint and analysis are emphasized.
Program Requirements
The minimum number of credits required for the degree is 120.
| Credits | |
| Music Theory and Aural Skills 22 credits | |
| MUT 100 Music Theory and Aural Skills 1 | 4 |
| MUT 101 Music Theory and Aural Skills 2 | 4 |
| MUT 200 Music Theory and Aural Skills 3 | 4 |
| MUT 201 Music Theory and Aural Skills 4 | 4 |
| MUT 330 Form and Analysis | 3 |
| MUT 332 Counterpoint | 3 |
| Music History 12 credits | |
| MUH 105 Multi-Cultural Perspectives of American Popular Music | |
| and Jazz | 3 |
| MUH 222 Music History Survey 1 | 3 |
| MUH 223 Music History Survey 2 | 3 |
MUH 220 Twentieth/Twenty-First Century Music | 3 |
| Functional Piano 4 credits | |
| MUS 150 Piano Class 1 | 1 |
| MUS 151 Piano Class 2 | 1 |
| MUS 250 Piano Class 3 | 1 |
| MUS 251 Piano Class 4 | 1 |
| Conducting 4 credits | |
| MUS 244 Basic Conducting | 2 |
| MUE 252 Choral Conducting or MUE 313 Instrumental Conducting | 2 |
| Applied Music 27 credits | |
| MUP 203 Composition (6 semesters) | 18 |
| MUP 202 (3 semesters) | 6 |
| Applied Lessons on choice of instrument | |
MUS 442 Recital Class (8 semesters) | 0 |
| (must have compositions performed in 4 semesters) | |
| MUP 490 Capstone: Senior Recital | 3 |
| Bachelor of Music Composition students must pass a juried proficiency examination in their applied area; this exam will be graded pass/fail. |
| Ensemble Requirements 4 credits | |
| Major Ensemble (2 semesters) | 1 |
| University Chorale, Chamber Singers, Concert Band or University Orchestra | |
| MUS 406 Composer's Ensemble (7 semesters) | 3.5 |
| MUS 406 Chamber Music | .5 |
| Additional Courses | |
| MUS 271 Principles of Digital Audio and Music Production | 3 |
| Music Electives | 7 |
| General Electives | 3 |
| University Core Curriculum and Non-Music Electives | 34 |
Admission Information
Admission to all degree programs in music is based on the following criteria:
- Performance audition on the applicant's major instrument and a portfolio review of compositions.
- Tests of aural comprehension, rhythmic recitation, and sight singing administered individually by a member of the staff.
- A diagnostic written test of music fundamentals, including intervals, scales, chords, and key signatures.