Offered in: Chicago

The Music Composition program challenges dedicated composers to develop and refine their creative voice through rigorous artistic and technical study.

Program goals are:

• Originality – Graduates will demonstrate creative independence and critical thinking in the conception and development of original works.

• Craftsmanship – Graduates will exhibit technical fluency in compositional techniques across acoustic and electronic media, supported by strong analytical, keyboard, conducting, rehearsal, and technological skills.

• Professionalism – Graduates will apply professional standards in collaboration, communication, and presentation within the broader musical field.

At the graduate level, faculty emphasize the creation of extended works, the development of breadth and depth of technique, and the synthesis of influences, experiences, and abilities that lead to the emergence of a personal artistic style. The culminating thesis project is an original composition of significant scope.

Four public composition recitals each year, along with frequent collaborations with programs such as dance, piano, instrumental ensembles, and opera, provide students with regular opportunities to workshop and present their music in performance. The graduate recital demonstrates artistic growth across four semesters of study and the ability to compose works of increased sophistication and expanded scale for larger ensembles. 

Admission Requirements

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

Grade Requirements

The minimum passing grade in the major sequence (MCMP 411 GRADUATE COMPOSITION I, MCMP 414 GRADUATE COMPOSITION IV, MCMP 416 GRADUATE COMPOSITION RECITAL; and MCMP 490 THESIS), is B-.

GPA Requirements

Master’s degree students must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 (B) or higher to be in good academic standing at Roosevelt.

CCPA Graduate Degrees 

No more than two grades lower than B- may be applied to master’s degrees. The grades of D+, D, D-, or F cannot be counted toward any graduate degree program. Additionally, graduate courses that are a part of a degree program may not be eligible for Pass/Fail grading.

Course Requirements (Music Composition) 

THESIS REQUIREMENT

For the thesis project, candidates for the Master of Music in Composition must compose an original work of significant scope. Examples include:

• a 10–12 minute work for orchestra or wind ensemble;

• a 15–20 minute work for a large chamber ensemble (10–15 performers); or

• a 15–20 minute electroacoustic composition.

A completed transmittal form must be submitted to the Registrar’s Office, and the full score (or recordings and programming materials, when appropriate) must be deposited in the University Archive. These materials are due April 1 for spring graduation or November 15 for fall graduation.

All candidates must also present a recital of original compositions totaling at least 30 minutes of music (minimum of two works). All works performed on the recital must have been composed during the student’s residency at CCPA. The thesis composition may be included on the recital program. The recital program must be approved by the student’s primary composition teacher no later than six weeks prior to the recital date.

During the final semester in residence, students present their thesis work and discuss their compositional techniques and influences in the required Composition Seminar (MCMP 400).

Your degree map is a general guide outlining the recommended courses to complete each term along the academic pathway to your degree. It reflects the most current scheduling information provided by your academic program.

Degree maps are reviewed annually and updated as scheduling patterns evolve. Students who remain continuously enrolled retain the degree requirements in effect at the time of their initial enrollment.

Students should work closely with their Academic Advisor to understand curriculum requirements and course sequencing, as individual academic plans may vary.

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The Orchestration sequence (MTA 401 and MTA 402) and the Electroacoustic sequence (MTA 425 and MTA 426) are offered in alternating academic years. In years where the Orchestration sequence is being offered, students should take an MAS elective (fall) and MTA 402 (spring); in years where the Electroacoustic sequence is being offered, students should take MTA 425 (fall) and MTA 426 (spring).