Admissions Information

Degrees Offered

Degrees Offered

The following degrees are offered through the Division of Composition Studies:

  • Bachelor of Music in Composition
  • Master of Music in Composition
  • Master of Arts in Music (concentration in composition)
  • Doctor of Musical Arts in Composition (general program)
  • Doctor of Musical Arts in Composition (specialization in computer music media)

Composition is also offered as a related field of study for master's and doctoral students in other degree programs, subject to approval by the major area; application procedures for the related field in composition are included in the Graduate Program section of this website. Computer Music is offered as a related field for the MM degree in composition.

The Bachelor of Arts degree in Music is also an option for undergraduates interested in pursuing composition but with greater curricular flexibility than what is possible in the Bachelor of Music degree. The BA degree is particularly suitable for students interested in supplementing their composition studies with courses in jazz studies, music education, radio/television/film, computer science, business, or any other areas not included in the curriculum for the BM degree in Composition. Please contact the Office for Academic Advising in Music for further information about this option.

Undergraduate Program

Undergraduate Application Procedures

New Students

In addition to the general undergraduate application and audition procedures for the College of Music, applicants interested in considering composition as a major must meet with the academic advisor during one of the summer orientation sessions prior to admission. Any student accepted to the College of Music may begin studies in the undergraduate composition program through open enrollment in Beginning Composition I-II (MUCP 1180-1190); continuation in the program is determined by success during the first two years of study (see requirements below).

Transfer Students

Students transferring from other undergraduate music programs must meet the same requirements as new and continuing composition students in order to qualify for the composition program. Required course work will be determined in consultation with the academic advisor and composition division chair.

  1. Transfer students with at least two semesters of college-level composition courses who place into MUTH 2400-2410 or higher may be eligible for Intermediate Composition (MUCP 2180-2190). Consideration for Intermediate Composition is based upon the following criteria:
    1. Acceptance to the College of Music at the concentration level on an instrument or voice.
    2. Enrollment in MUTH 2400-2410 or higher; no grade lower than B in any transferred theory courses will be accepted.
    3. Submission of a composition portfolio that includes:
      1. At least three scores demonstrating a variety of compositional approaches and techniques.
      2. Recordings (on CD) of representative works, preferable corresponding to the enclosed scores. MIDI realizations may be submitted in exceptional cases.
      3. A complete list of works: title, medium, date composed, duration, and performance information (dates, locations, and performers) for each work, where applicable.
      4. Letter of recommendation from previous composition instructor.
    4. Interview with the composition division chair.
    5. Successful completion of the Freshman Barrier Examination.
  2. At the discretion of the composition division chair, students who fulfill requirements 1.a-d above but do not pass the Freshman Barrier Examination may enroll in Secondary Composition I (MUCP 2080) and audit the lecture portion of MUCP 1180 and/or 1190.

To be considered for Advanced Composition I (MUCP 3180) or higher, transfer students with significant composition and theory experience who have met the above requirements may, upon recommendation of the composition division chair, petition to take a jury at the beginning of the semester.

Graduate Program

Graduate Application Procedures

Application to the graduate program is a two-part process, including application to the Toulouse School of Graduate Studies (or to International Admissions and Programs for international students) and to the composition program in the College of Music. Both parts of the process must be completed by the first Monday in February in order for the application to be evaluated. Late or incomplete applications may not be considered.

Applying to the University and the Toulouse School of Graduate Studies

Current guidelines regarding application to the University may be obtained as follows:

  1. U.S. citizens and permanent resident aliens-refer to the Toulouse School of Graduate Studies website (www.tsgs.unt.edu/newindex.htm).
  2. International students-refer to the International Admission and Programs website (www.international.unt.edu).


Applying to the Composition Program and the College of Music

Applicants to any of the graduate programs in composition must submit a completed application form and portfolio to the College of Music Admissions Office by the first Monday in February to be considered for acceptance in the following academic year. The portfolio must include:

  1. Scores of three representative works.
  2. Recordings of three representative works, at least two of which should correspond with the scores submitted. MIDI realizations may be used in exceptional cases.
  3. A current résumé or vita, which includes the following:
    1. A list of original compositions, including title, medium, date composed, and duration.
    2. A list of performances of original compositions, including date, location, and performers.
    3. A list of prizes, commissions, grants, or other honors recently received.
  4. Complete academic transcripts (photocopies acceptable); note that this is separate from the transcripts sent to the Toulouse School of Graduate Studies.
  5. Official GRE scores (photocopies acceptable); note that this is separate from the GRE scores sent to the Toulouse School of Graduate Studies.
  6. Letters of recommendation from three persons qualified to evaluate the applicant's accomplishments and merits.
  7. Writing samples (e.g., research paper, thesis, etc.).
  8. Personal statement that addresses the following:
    1. Compositional aesthetics and influences.
    2. Statement of purpose: why are you interested in pursuing graduate studies at the University of North Texas?
    3. Long-range professional goals.

The portfolio may be submitted in one of three ways; electronic submissions (options 1 or 2 below) are preferred:

  1. In electronic format (pdf, mp3, aiff, and mov formats only), e-mailed to Administrative Assistant Michelle Hurt. Depending on the size of the files, it may be necessary to send these materials as a ZIP file.
  2. Posted on a personal website; the url may be e-mailed to Michelle Hurt.
  3. Printed and bound scores, printed documents, and audio/video recordings (CD and/or DVD format only) may be mailed to:
    • University of North Texas
    • ATTN: Michelle Hurt
    • Division of Composition Studies
    • College of Music
    • 1155 Union Circle #311367
    • Denton, TX 76203-5017


General Application Information

  1. Please note that application to the Toulouse School of Graduate Studies is separate from application to the College of Music, and that admission to the Graduate School does not imply acceptance to the composition program.
  2. Applications are ordinarily reviewed during the spring semester only; applications received in the fall semester (for admission in the spring) may be considered only in exceptional cases. Review of applications received during the fall semester is typically deferred until the general application review in the spring.
  3. Applicants may be interviewed by telephone or asked to audition in person prior to acceptance.
  4. Applicants will be notified by early April concerning the status of their applications.
  5. Applicants are expected to submit GRE scores at the time of application in order to be considered for graduate studies in composition:
    1. In exceptional cases, students may be admitted provisionally pending successful completion of the GRE Analytical Writing exam by the end of the first semester of enrollment. However, all applicants accepted to the program must have at least attempted the GRE Analytical Writing exam prior to enrollment in graduate courses.
    2. The Graduate Preparation Course (GPC), provided for international students by the Intensive English Language Institute (IELI), will not be accepted as a substitute for the GRE requirement.
  6. International applicants in composition must be provisionally accepted to the program prior to beginning studies at the Intensive English Language Institute (IELI). Acceptance to and/or studies in IELI in no way ensures acceptance to the composition program.
  7. No performance audition is required in order to apply to the graduate program in composition.


Applying to the Composition Program as a Related Field or Concentration

Students in the Master of Music (MM) and Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) programs may request composition as a related field, pending approval from the major area; students in the Master of Arts program (MA) in music may request composition as a concentration field of study.

  1. The following prerequisites apply for the related field and concentration in composition:
    1. A Bachelor's degree in music or the equivalent.
    2. At least two semesters of composition lessons or the equivalent.
    3. Evidence of compositional activity (e.g., performances, awards, etc.).
  2. Applicants who do not meet the above criteria may be provisionally accepted as a related field or concentration student in composition at the discretion of the composition faculty, pending completion of recommended deficiency courses.
  3. To be considered as a related field or concentration student in composition, applicants must submit a portfolio to the composition division chair that includes the following:
    1. Scores of three representative works.
    2. Recordings (CD and/or DVD only) of three representative works, at least two of which should correspond with the scores submitted. MIDI realizations may be used in exceptional cases.
    3. A list of original compositions, including title, medium, date composed, duration, and performance history.
    4. Complete academic transcripts (photocopies acceptable).
    5. Official GRE scores (photocopies acceptable).
    6. Letter of recommendation from a person qualified to evaluate the applicant's accomplishments and merits.
    7. Writing sample (e.g., research paper, thesis, etc.).

Portfolios for related field or concentration will be accepted throughout the academic year. Applicants for the Master of Arts degree in Music must apply to the Toulouse School of Graduate Studies and the College of Music prior to or at the time of submission of the composition portfolio; all posted deadlines must be observed. Applicants should allow at least four weeks for the portfolio to be reviewed by the composition faculty prior to notification.

Financial Aid

Financial Aid Opportunities

General Information

Scholarships, teaching assistantships (TAs), and teaching fellowships (TFs) are available in the area of composition; eligibility is specified below. Because such awards and appointments are highly competitive, applicants are strongly encouraged to audition for scholarships in their performance medium as well, or to apply for assistantships and/or fellowships in other areas (e.g., theory, jazz studies), as appropriate. Students are encouraged to pursue all avenues of financial support and to complete any required forms from Student Financial Aid and Scholarships; college work-study, grants, student loans, and university scholarships may also be available. The Toulouse School of Graduate Studies offers several opportunities for graduate financial support; please refer to the TSGS website for details.

Application Procedures

To be considered for a teaching assistantship, teaching fellowship, or an academic scholarship in composition, applicants must submit the appropriate application form along with a composition portfolio.

  1. Application forms for TAs, TFs, and scholarships in the composition division must be submitted to the Office of Graduate Studies in Music (MU 216A) by the first Monday in February each year. Late or incomplete applications may not be considered. Final decisions will be announced in April prior to the year of the appointment/award.
  2. For new graduate applicants in composition, the evaluation will be based upon the portfolio included with the graduate school application; undergraduates and continuing graduate students must submit a portfolio that includes:
    1. Scores of three representative works.
    2. Recordings (CD and/or DVD) of three representative works, at least two of which should correspond with the enclosed scores. MIDI realizations may be submitted only in exceptional cases.
    3. Complete record of works and performances.
    4. Recommendations or reference information from at least two persons qualified to evaluate the applicant's accomplishments and merits; include name, position, telephone number(s), and e-mail address for each reference.

    Portfolios may be submitted electronically or as printed/recorded media. Undergraduates should submit the composition portfolio to Administrative Assistant Michelle Hurt (MU 245) by the first Monday in February; graduate students will present their portfolios directly to the composition faculty at the annual Graduate Review.

  3. Current TAs, TFs, and scholarship holders must reapply by the posted deadline each year to be considered for continued support. Students who do not submit an application by the posted deadline may not be renewed.


Eligibility

  1. Recipients of financial assistance are expected to uphold the highest academic standards and participate regularly in composition division activities. Failure to meet these expectations may result in the suspension of future financial support.
  2. Students who have been provisionally accepted to the program are not eligible for support through the composition division until all requirements for acceptance have been met.
  3. Scholarship recipients and TAs/TFs must maintain full-time enrollment status during the period of support/appointment. Full-time enrollment is a minimum of 12 hours per semester for undergraduates and 9 hours per semester for graduate students; enrollment in 3 hours of dissertation (MUGC 6950) is considered full time for doctoral students who have completed all other required coursework. The following exceptions may be considered:
    1. Master’s students in good standing who have not yet reached the maximum amount of support through the composition division may be eligible for one semester of scholarship or TA/TF support with less than full-time enrollment.
    2. Doctoral students in good standing who have not yet reached the maximum amount of support through the composition division may be eligible for up to two semesters of scholarship or TA/TF support with less than full-time enrollment.

    Students must petition for this exception through the composition division chair. Approval is granted at the discretion of the composition faculty and is based upon availability of funds, the student's past contribution to the program, and (in the case of TAs/TFs) the instructional needs of the division.


Scholarships

Scholarships are available for graduate composition majors and undergraduate students who have passed the undergraduate composition jury. Composition scholarship awards are based on proven academic achievement, demonstrated (or potential) success, contribution to the program, and quality of compositional work. The following scholarships are available in composition, recipients to be determined each year by the composition faculty:

  1. Merrill Ellis Memorial Scholarship: named for composer Merrill Ellis (1916-1981) who served on the North Texas composition faculty from 1962 until his death in 1981, during which time he founded the Electronic Music Center (later the Center for Experimental Music and Intermedia) and was a pioneer in electronic music and intermedia.
  2. David M. Schimmel Memorial Scholarship: named for composer/conductor David M. Schimmel (1948-1984), a doctoral composition student and teaching fellow at North Texas at the time of his death. In addition to serving on the faculty of Mountain View College, Mr. Schimmel also taught at Southern Methodist University and Florida State University.
  3. Martin Mailman Memorial Scholarship: named for composer/conductor Martin Mailman (1932-2000), Regents Professor of composition at North Texas who served from 1966 until his death in 2000. Dr. Mailman was particularly distinguished as a composer of music for wind ensembles and dedicated much of his teaching to undergraduate students.
  4. Richard and Candace Faulk Scholarship: donor Richard Faulk received a BM degree in composition from North Texas in 1974, and a JD in Law from Southern Methodist University 1977. He currently lives in Houston with his wife, Candace, and practices law as an environmental attorney for the firm of Gardere, Wynne, and Sewell, LLP.
  5. Richard Dufallo Memorial Scholarship: named in honor of distinguished conductor and contemporary music advocate Richard Dufallo (1933-2000). In addition to his various conducting positions over the years with Juilliard, the Aspen Festival, the Buffalo Philharmonic (as associate conductor under Lukas Foss), and the New York Philharmonic (as assistant conductor under Leonard Bernstein), Mr. Dufallo was the author of a collection of interviews with 20th-century composers titled Trackings.

Additional College of Music scholarships may also be available through the composition division.

Teaching Fellowships and Teaching Assistantships

Full and partial teaching assistantships and teaching fellowships are available for graduate students in composition.

  1. While enrolled in the masters degree program in composition, a student may receive an appointment for a maximum of two years. While enrolled in the doctoral degree program in composition, a student may receive an appointment for two or three years, determined as follows:
    1. Two years maximum for students who held an appointment for more than one year while enrolled in the masters degree program in composition at UNT;
    2. Three years maximum for students who did not hold an appointment while enrolled in the masters degree program in composition at UNT, or who held such an appointment for one year or less.
  2. An "appointment" is considered to be a full fellowship, assistantship, or a combination thereof in any area of the UNT College of Music (20 hours per week). An exception to this policy may be made if the instructional needs of the composition division require the extension of a given appointment. Partial TA/TF appointments are prorated; e.g., a half appointment for one year is equivalent to a full appointment for one semester.
  3. TF/TA responsibilities may include teaching and/or assisting in the instruction of composition courses and lessons and assisting with administrative, production, and technical duties associated with CEMI. In addition to these assigned duties, TAs/TFs are expected to assist with the following:
    1. Composition TAs/TFs:
      • Assistance with sophomore composition seminars
      • Coordination of composition reading workshops (including recording)
      • Coordination of Beginning/Class Composition reading sessions (including recording)
      • Coordination of SPECTRUM programs
      • Non-technical assistance with weekly MUSIC NOW meetings (setting up chairs, piano, stands, etc.)
      • Maintaining attendance records for composition division events and preparation of final attendance report
      • Preparing MUCP 2190 students for composition jury
      • Assistance with orchestra readings
      • Non-technical assistance with division events (including CEMI and NOVA programs)
      • General assistance with guest composers/artists
      • Distributing flyers for composition division events
    2. CEMI TAs/TFs:
      • Regular maintenance of CEMI facilities
      • Maintenance of composition division and CEMI websites
      • Instructor assistance with computer music courses
      • Recording of selected composition division events (CEMI concerts, orchestra readings, etc.)
      • Technical assistance for MUSIC NOW, NOVA, and SPECTRUM events
      • Coordinating performers for division events (including CEMI and NOVA programs)
      • Designing flyers for composition division events

    Regardless of the apparent separation of responsibilities, composition TA/TFs and CEMI TA/TFs will be expected to work together in all composition division activities. The success of the composition program depends upon collaboration between both areas within the division.

  4. All TA/TF appointments begin the week prior to classes, during which time all new and returning TAs/TFs are required to attend a College of Music orientation as well as a meeting with the composition faculty mentor(s).
  5. Details of TA/TF appointments (including teaching assignments, supervision, and mentoring) are available here. Further information concerning policies for teaching assistantships and teaching fellowships is available in the Office of Graduate Studies in Music.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Undergraduate:

  • What can I do to prepare for the composition program?

    Perhaps the most important preparation for the UNT composition program is to practice your primary instrument/voice! Because acceptance to the College of Music is based on the performance audition, demonstrated proficiency on an instrument/voice is imperative. It is strongly recommended that entering students study basic music theory—including harmony, counterpoint, and aural skills. Proficiency on the piano is also recommended, since it will be necessary for every music student to pass a piano proficiency exam as a graduation requirement. Beyond that, one may wish to study musical scores by a variety of composers. The Beginning Composition course website is a useful resource for prospective composition students.

  • Do I need to submit a portfolio of original compositions in order to be accepted to the program?

    Undergraduate transfer students must submit a composition portfolio if they wish to be considered for composition lessons at the sophomore level or higher; however, the composition portfolio is not required for students entering the program at the freshman level. While the composition portfolio is one of the key tools for evaluating prospective composition majors at many other institutions, the UNT composition program is unique: acceptance to the undergraduate composition program is based on the performance audition, which has proven to be a much more accurate indicator of potential success than the contents of a composition portfolio. Once accepted to the College of Music, entering composition students are given the chance to demonstrate their technical and creative skills during the first two years of study, as they begin building their composition portfolios and preparing for the sophomore jury.

  • May I submit a composition portfolio even if one is not required?

    Because all entering composition students are required to take the two-semester Beginning Composition course during the first year of study, the submission of a portfolio will not exempt a prospective student from this requirement. However, should a portfolio be submitted, it will be reviewed and placed in the applicant’s file.

  • Will I be expected to write atonal music as a composition major?

    As composers living and working in the twenty-first century, we are able to draw upon a vast amount of music that is now part of our collective tradition, including many so-called “atonal”—as well as “arhythmic,” “atemporal,” “aleatoric,” etc.—styles from the last century. Those pursuing advanced studies in the field of composition are obligated to familiarize themselves with these contemporary approaches to composition and to address certain compositional challenges that arise with each. Achieving a requisite level of proficiency with these various styles and techniques will enable students to develop a personal language with a greater understanding of the aesthetic context.

  • Is it possible to double-major in composition and another area?

    While this is possible in exceptional cases, it is not generally recommended due to the demands and expectations of each area. As with other majors, studying composition at UNT is a full-time endeavor — and students who spread themselves too thin by declaring more than one major often find it difficult to work at an acceptable level in one (or more) area(s). That said, it is not uncommon — and is even recommended — to remain an undeclared major for the first year or two of study. This allows one to better understand the expectations of the various degree programs while taking the core courses required of all music students.

  • How do I choose a composition instructor?

    All composition students are encouraged to study with several composition faculty members during their time in the program. There is no expectation to remain in one particular studio, although more advanced students may wish to continue with a particular faculty member as they finalize their portfolios and prepare for their senior composition recitals. Undergraduate composition majors are able to request faculty studios once they have passed the Sophomore Jury, and have thus been officially accepted into the program; non-composition majors (including BA students) may request faculty studios when they are eligible to enroll in Advanced Secondary Composition (MUCP 4080). Students request their preference of composition faculty studios during registration period each semester. While every effort will be made to fulfill these requests, it is not always possible to do so; in such cases, priority is given to the more advanced students in the program.

  • Will I be expected to compose computer music?

    Given the fact that technology affects nearly every facet of our lives—and music is no exception—it is absolutely imperative for composers in this day and age to be at least moderately proficient with music technology. Such experience is not limited to computer music notation, but includes recording, mixing, editing, synthesis, algorithmic composition, interactive technologies, and intermedia as well. All undergraduate composition majors are required to take the Introduction to Electroacoustic Music course (MUCP 4670), and will include at least one work in the final portfolio that applies technology in some way. One of the unique features of the composition program at UNT is the high degree of integration between acoustic and electroacoustic/computer music. All of the composition faculty members have experience in both of these areas, and the same is expected of the students working in the program as well.

  • Do you recommend any particular computer notation software?

    While no particular music notation software is endorsed over another, both Finale and Sibelius are supported in the College of Music computer labs. All students are expected to demonstrate proficiency with a computer notation program during their composition studies, though entering composition majors are required to notate their works by hand throughout the first year of study; music notation software may be used beginning in the sophomore year, once the student has demonstrated a thorough understanding of notational practices.

  • Are there opportunities to have my music performed?

    Such opportunities include over half a dozen student composition recitals produced within the composition division each year (Spectrum, Centerpieces) as well as regular reading sessions (including those with the UNT Symphony Orchestra, UNT Chamber Orchestra, and the Nova Ensemble); but students are also encouraged to seek other opportunities outside of the composition division, such as departmental performances, student degree recitals, and even College of Music ensembles. As the largest accredited music program in the country, the UNT College of Music hosts a vast resource of outstanding performers. Because there are many demands on these musicians’ time and talents, it is necessary for composers to be industrious when recruiting performers for their works. Developing good “people skills” and providing performers with professional-quality work will go a long way towards cultivating successful collaborative relationships.

  • Are undergraduate students eligible for composition scholarships?

    Scholarships in the composition area are very competitive; as a result, only graduate students and advanced undergraduates (those who have passed the sophomore jury and are in good standing) are eligible for consideration. Freshman and sophomore composition students are encouraged to apply for academic scholarships or audition for scholarships in their primary performance medium, as such support is not restricted to performance majors.

  • Can the composition program prepare me for a career as a commercial music composer?

    While the composition program is not a “trade school” designed to train and place composers in commercial music careers, the skills developed while working in the program provide graduates with a solid technical and artistic foundation that will make them viable and competitive in a wide range of musical careers. For examples of the varied careers among graduates of the UNT composition program, please refer to the Alumni page on this website.

  • Are there opportunities to compose music for film?

    While the UNT composition program is not geared specifically toward film music careers, the skills one acquires through the course of study will prove invaluable to prospective film composers. There are also regular opportunities for advanced composition students to collaborate with students from UNT’s renowned Radio/Television/Film program. Many of these collaborative projects are presented in a public screening at the end of each academic year.

  • What can I do with an undergraduate degree in composition?

    Alumni of the undergraduate composition program have had successful careers as composers, arrangers, orchestrators, recording engineers, producers, and copyists. Many are freelance artists, some work for commercial studios, while others have become more entrepreneurial in their professional endeavors, establishing their own music businesses. Composers interested in academic careers in music must consider graduate studies upon completion of the undergraduate degree; but there are many opportunities available to students with a Bachelor’s degree as well. For more specific examples, please refer to the Alumni page on this website.

  • What is the difference between the Bachelor of Music degree in Composition and the Bachelor of Arts degree in Music?

    The UNT College of Music is unique in that it provides both Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Arts degrees. While the BM degree is perhaps preferable for performers, the BA degree is actually an attractive option for the composition student, one that provides a much broader educational experience and greater curricular flexibility. Whereas the BM degree in Composition has a prescribed degree plan with very few elective credits, the BA degree in Music includes over two dozen advanced elective hours, allowing students to tailor their degrees toward specific interests. Students in the BA program are eligible to take any of the composition courses available to the BM composition major (although the lesson course numbers may differ, the content is the same), but are also able to apply courses from areas that are not included in the BM composition curriculum (e.g., computer science, radio/television/film, jazz studies, business). For more information about these options, please consult the current undergraduate catalog (http://www.unt.edu/catalog/undergrad/com.htm) or contact the Office for Academic Advising in Music.

  • Will I still be eligible to study composition at the graduate level if I have a BA degree instead of a BM degree?

    There are many institutions throughout the country—such as liberal arts colleges or research universities—that offer only a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music; so most graduate composition programs are less concerned with the letters in your undergraduate degree than in what courses you have taken, your GPA, and the quality of your education. The academic advisors at the UNT College of Music will assist you in choosing a Bachelor of Arts curriculum that will provide you with the best opportunities upon graduation.

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Graduate:

  • Do I need to have an undergraduate degree in music in order to apply for a graduate degree in composition?

    As long as graduate applicants demonstrate the requisite level of technical, artistic, and academic aptitude, and have taken all the composition, theory, and aural skills courses equivalent to that in the undergraduate composition curriculum at UNT, the degree or major of the applicant’s undergraduate degree are of less importance than the courses taken, GPA, and the quality of education at the applicant’s undergraduate institution. Graduate students in the UNT composition program have held such varied undergraduate degrees as BA, BS, and BFA, with majors in philosophy, computer science, mathematics, and business, among others. The broad backgrounds of our students further enhances the rich educational experience in the composition program.

  • What is the difference between the Master of Music degree in Composition and the Master of Arts degree in Music?

    Composition students in the master’s degree program have two options: the Master of Music degree in Composition and the Master of Arts degree in Music (with a concentration in Composition). The MM degree is perhaps the more traditional route, consisting of a fairly prescribed degree plan that focuses on courses related directly to composition studies and a related field in music. The MA degree allows for more curricular flexibility and a minor field of study outside of music. This degree is recommended for students whose creative and research interests draw from a broader range of subjects (e.g., film, literature, visual arts, dance, computer science, business), and allows students to build a degree plan around those interests. Students in the MA program are eligible to take any of the composition courses available to the MM composition major (although the lesson course numbers may differ, the content is the same), and both degrees are designed to prepare students for doctoral-level studies in music.

  • How do I choose a composition instructor?

    All composition students are encouraged to study with a variety of composition faculty during their time in the program. There is no expectation to remain in one particular studio, although more advanced students may wish to continue with a particular faculty member as they prepare for doctoral qualifying examinations, thesis, or dissertation. Students request their preference of composition faculty studios during registration period each semester. While every effort will be made to fulfill these requests, it is not always possible to do so; in such cases, priority is given to the more advanced students in the program.

  • Are there opportunities to have my music performed?

    Such opportunities include over half a dozen student composition recitals produced within the composition division each year (Spectrum, Centerpieces) as well as regular reading sessions (including those with the UNT Symphony Orchestra, the UNT Chamber Orchestra, and the Nova Ensemble); but students are also encouraged to seek other opportunities outside of the composition division, such as departmental performances, student degree recitals, and even College of Music ensembles. As the largest accredited music program in the country, the UNT College of Music hosts a vast resource of outstanding performers. Because there are many demands on these musicians’ time and talents, it is necessary for composers to be industrious when recruiting performers for their works. Developing good “people skills” and providing performers with professional-quality work will go a long way towards cultivating successful collaborative relationships.

  • Are there opportunities to compose music for films?

    While the UNT composition program is not geared specifically toward film music careers, there are regular opportunities for advanced composition students to collaborate with students from UNT’s renowned Radio/Television/Film program. Many of these collaborative projects are publicly presented at the end of each academic year.

  • Do you recommend any particular computer notation software?

    While no particular music notation software is endorsed over another, both Finale and Sibelius are supported in the College of Music computer labs. All students are expected to demonstrate proficiency with a computer notation program during their composition studies.

  • Will I be expected to compose computer music?

    Given the fact that technology affects nearly every facet of our lives—and music is no exception—it is absolutely imperative for composers in this day and age to be at least moderately proficient with music technology. Such experience is not limited to computer music notation, but includes recording, mixing, editing, synthesis, algorithmic composition, interactive technologies, and intermedia as well. All graduate composition majors are required to take at least one advanced electroacoustic/computer music course during their studies—and it is possible to declare computer music as a related field for the MM degree and as a specialization in the DMA. One of the unique features of the composition program at UNT is the high degree of integration between acoustic and electroacoustic/computer music. All of the composition faculty members have experience in both of these areas, and all students working in the program are expected to as well.

  • Will I have an opportunity to teach in the composition program?

    All doctoral composition students will have the opportunity to work as teaching assistants and/or teaching fellows during their residency. In order to provide this experience to everybody, it is often necessary to delay the initial TA/TF appointment a semester or two for entering doctoral students. However, all doctoral composition majors in good standing are eligible for up to three years of full-time TA/TF support (or the equivalent) during their studies. Because of the number of doctoral composition majors and the limited positions available, master’s composition students are typically not selected as composition TAs/TFs; however, those master’s students who demonstrate exceptional skills in technology may be eligible to work as CEMI TAs.

  • Can I complete a doctoral degree in composition with a one-year residency and summer courses?

    Because composition courses are not usually taught during the summer months (with the exception of composition lessons), it is not really possible to complete a doctoral degree in composition with fewer than two complete years (four long semesters) in residence.