Music Composition, M.Mus.

Matriculation Requirements

Applicants for this program must offer at least 36 credits in music courses including courses in analysis, counterpoint, harmony, and history.

Consideration is given to applicants who do not meet course requirements but have unusual talent or experience equivalent to course work. Such applicants should consult the assistant director.

A placement examination is given to all applicants for admission. The test includes writing skills (harmonic and contrapuntal techniques), analysis, history, and literature. Further information about the examination may be obtained from the assistant director.

Applicants for the program in music composition must submit a music composition portfolio of three to five pieces, which should be sent as instructed by the program coordinator at the time of application.

General matriculation and admission requirements of graduate studies are in the section “Admission” of the Graduate Bulletin.

Program Requirements (30 Credits)

Thirty credits are required for the Master of Music degree in music composition.

Before completing 12 credits, students must pass a test given by the conservatory in French, German, or another language approved by the assistant director. Students who completed their bachelor’s degree using a modern language other than English may be exempted from this language examination by the assistant director.

Students must pass a comprehensive examination. Information about requirements for the comprehensive examination is in the section “Academic Regulations and Procedures.” Courses in the conservatory offered toward the degree must be 7000-level courses. The program of study must be approved by the conservatory.

Students must also complete requirements for the program in music composition or in performance as follows. Any remaining credits required for the degree must be in courses chosen in consultation with the assistant director.

Music Composition (24 credits): Music U7321X, U7322X, U7323X, U7400G; one course chosen from Music U7603G, U7604G, U7605G, U7606G, U7631G, U7650X, 7651X, U7840X, 7850X, 7860X, 7861X; one course chosen from Music U7632G, U7641X, U7642X, U7643X; two semesters of Music U7420G; and Music U7940G. Students must submit a master’s composition project.

Recommendation

Composition majors interested in electronic music who take Music U7321X-U7323X should also consider taking Music U7371G and U7372G.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Gain experience in music composition and develop skills in artistic creation.
• Expand the functional knowledge of the terminology and language of music.
• Experience an extensive and varied music repertory through performance, analysis, and concert production.
• Write and speak about music with precision and clarity.
• Communicate and interact with colleagues in a professional manner and articulate and defend critical judgments.

Admissions Requirements

• Fall Application Deadline: March 1, rolling admission
• Spring Application Deadline: November 1, rolling admission

Supporting Documents for Matriculation

Submit the following documents to the Office of Graduate Admissions:

• Transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. Applicants who earned a bachelor’s degree outside the United States need to submit a course-by-course international transcript evaluation. See Graduate Admissions for more information.
• Two letters of recommendation
• A portfolio via SlideRoom

The portfolio should consist of from three to five pieces showing the range of music created by the composer. A variety of types of works are preferred, from solo, to ensemble, to electronic, to works with media.

Music that can be notated (conventionally or non-conventionally) should be submitted in Adobe PDF format as a publication ready document. A recording of the piece may also be provided in mp3 format for audio only or mp4 format for audio with video. No audio of MIDI playback (such as Sibelius or Finale playback) should be sent unless the MIDI playback represents the final version of the piece.

Works for which notation is not relevant or impossible to provide (such as with some works employing electronics or improvisation) need to include a recording of the piece and a description of the work as well as any instructions that might be provided to a performer (if appropriate).

A document outlining the contents of the portfolio needs to be included (either in MS Word or PDF format). It should include the following information:

• Applicant’s Name
• Applicant’s E-Mail
• Applicant’s Phone
• Program of Interest (M. Mus.)
• Intended Year and Semester
• Portfolio Contents (list the filenames associated with each piece)

This program does not accept nondegree applicants.

Required Tests

• F-1 or J-1 international students must submit English Proficiency Exam. TOEFL—79, IELTS—6.5, PTE—58–63, Duolingo—105–160.

More Information

Refer to the instructions at Graduate Admissions.

Contact

Jason K. Eckardt, Program Coordinator

350 Leonard & Claire Tow Center for the Performing Arts
E: jeckardt@brooklyn.cuny.edu
P: 718.951.5000, ext. 2598

Or contact:

Office of Graduate Admissions

222 West Quad Center
2900 Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11210
E: grads@brooklyn.cuny.edu
P: 718.951.4536

Office Hours

Mondays–Fridays, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

To make an appointment with a graduate admissions counselor, visit:

BC Admissions Appointment Tool