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As a music composition student, you will build a strong foundation in the skills fundamental to becoming a composer of original works, including: keyboard, ear-training, theory, and musicology. Through this program, you will also deepen your understanding of music history across a diverse range of musical styles.
Through periodic reviews of original compositional work, you will develop and refine your artistic voice in preparation for a professional career in composition. With a background in music composition, you could go on to become a conductor, composer, music arranger, music teacher, or any number of related professions.
The program information listed here reflects the approved curriculum for the 2024–25 academic year per the Brooklyn College Bulletin. Bulletins from past academic years can be found here.
Music is a writing intensive major.
All of the following:
In addition to the courses listed above, a faculty approved portfolio and approval of the conservatory faculty are required for the Bachelor of Music degree. The portfolio will consist of representative works from required (Music 3251 through 3256), elective, and honors composition courses.
Students must submit a portfolio of work for review by a music composition jury at the end of each semester of Music 3251–3256 or 4861–4862 (Music Composition). A special jury for students in Music 3252 includes evaluation of overall progress in the program, on the basis of which permission to continue in the music composition program is granted or denied.
Students who wish to be considered for performance lessons, Music 3791 and 3792, in place of advanced keyboard classes, Music 3225 and 3226, must demonstrate proficiency in an audition no later than the beginning of their junior year. Final approval will be given by the director.
All music courses offered to satisfy the requirements for a major in music must be completed with a grade of C or higher.
To help you pursue your studies in the most efficient manner, and to maximize your efforts to graduate in four years, Brooklyn College has created four-year degree maps for all its majors.
View degree maps for this major and others.
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Brooklyn College is an integral part of the cultural and artistic energy of New York City. Our faculty members in the Conservatory of Music offer incomparable expertise and tremendous talent, and each brings a unique perspective to their teaching and mentoring in and out of the classroom.
Through job fairs, the internship database, and internship panels, the Magner Career Center gives students in the music composition B.Mus. program access to career opportunities at a wide variety of employers, including:
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