Offered in: Chicago

The Music Composition program challenges dedicated individual composers to develop and hone their creative skills. The goals of the program for all students are to:

• Cultivate the ability to utilize all of the building blocks of music (pitch, rhythm, meter, tension and relaxation, formal structure) to create a diverse portfolio of works.
• Gain the necessary professional skills: rehearsal, communication, promotion, publication, and networking.
• Explore various musical languages and styles in pursuit of the formation of their own unique voices.

The primary focus at the undergraduate level is the development of technique and expressivity. The curriculum addresses essential knowledge and skills: work with both electronic and acoustic media, keyboard skills, fluency in speaking and writing, conducting and rehearsal techniques, analytical ability, and relevant technologies.

Four public composition recitals each year and multiple opportunities for collaboration with other programs such as dance, piano, and opera provide students with ample and regular opportunities to work with other musicians to prepare formal performances of their own compositions. The senior recital demonstrates growth and progress in the student's portfolio over eight semesters of study in works of varying length, scope and genre. A complete listing of program requirements is published in the Music Conservatory Handbook (Academic Supplement).

Admission Requirements

Please consult the CCPA Admission and Audition Information web page for audition requirements for prospective Music Composition majors.

Program Requirements

Students are required to have at least one work performed in a student composition recital each year.

Residency Requirement

A student must earn at least 60 credit hours at Roosevelt University.

Minimum Grade Requirement

C- is the minimum passing grade in MCMP 211 COMPOSITION (MAJOR) , MCMP 212 COMPOSITION II (MAJOR), and MCMP 213 COMPOSITION III. At the completion of the second year of composition study, a student must receive a minimum grade of B- in MCMP 214 COMPOSITION IV and in MCMP 215 SOPHOMORE COMPOSITION JURY to be admitted to the upper division. The grade of B- is the minimum passing grade in upper division composition study MCMP 311 COMPOSITION V through MCMP 314 COMPOSITION VIII

A grade lower than C- in any MTA course is considered a failing grade.

A student must earn a GPA of at least 3.0 in all major area coursework.

Recital Requirement

During the senior year, the student will present a recital of original compositions, including program notes. The recital must consist of at least 40 minutes of music representative of the student's work in the program and approved by the primary composition instructor.

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Other instrument or voice with permission

Your degree map is a general guide suggesting courses to complete each term on the academic pathway to your degree. It is based on the most current scheduling information from your academic program. Your program’s degree map is reviewed annually and updated as schedules change (although you retain the same course requirements as long as you are continuously enrolled in your degree program).

Always work closely with your academic advisor to understand curriculum requirements and scheduling, as each student’s academic plan can look slightly different.