Offered in: Chicago

The Music Composition program challenges dedicated composers to develop and refine their creative voice through rigorous artistic and technical study. At the undergraduate level, the primary focus is the cultivation of technique, expressive range, and professional readiness.

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.

The curriculum develops essential competencies, including composition in both electronic and acoustic media, analytical study, conducting and rehearsal techniques, keyboard proficiency, effective written and spoken communication, and fluency with relevant technologies.

Four public composition recitals each year and regular collaborations with programs such as dance, piano, and opera provide sustained opportunities for students to workshop, refine, and formally present their work. The senior recital demonstrates artistic growth across eight semesters of study through a portfolio of compositions of varied length, scope, and genre.

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.

Recital Requirement

During the senior year, the student will present a recital (MCMP 315 SENIOR COMPOSITION 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.

Grade Requirements:

C- is the minimum passing grade in MCMP 211 COMPOSITION (MAJOR) . 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 and MCMP 314 COMPOSITION VIII.

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

GPA Requirements:

A student must earn a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher in all major area coursework, and a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher in all core, elective, and general education coursework.

Residency Requirements:

The final 30 credit hours toward a student's degree must be completed at Roosevelt University, or a minimum of 60 hours must be taken in residence at Roosevelt University.

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Other instrument or voice with permission

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.