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 consult with the composition division chair and fill out an Undergraduate Audition Information Form during one of the orientation sessions prior to admission. Any music major may begin studies in the undergraduate composition program through open enrollment in Beginning Composition (MUCP 1180-1190); continuation is determined by success in the program 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 degree program advisor and composition division chair. Transfer students with previous compositional experience 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. Interview with the composition division chair.
2. Submission of a composition portfolio that includes:
   a. At least three scores demonstrating a variety of compositional approaches and techniques.
   b. Recordings (on CD) of representative works, preferable corresponding to the enclosed scores. MIDI realizations may be submitted in exceptional cases.
   c. A complete list of works: title, medium, date composed, duration, and performance information (dates, locations, and performers) for each work, where applicable.
   d. Letter of recommendation from previous composition instructor.
3. Acceptance at the concentration level on an instrument or voice.
4. Acceptance to MUTH 2400-2410 or higher; no grade lower than B in any transferred theory courses will be accepted.
5. Successful completion of Freshman Barrier Examination.
   

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 petition to take a jury at the beginning of the semester.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW
During the course of study, undergraduate composition majors are exposed to a broad range of contemporary styles and techniques including serialism, indeterminacy, graphic notation, polytonality, minimalism, and electroacoustic/computer music, among others. Through rigorous study of compositional procedures, students develop their technical and artistic skills as they explore the vast wealth of sonic and temporal resources available to composers at the beginning of the twenty-first century.

The first two years in the undergraduate composition program are probationary; students do not officially qualify as composition majors until passing the sophomore jury at the end of the second year of study. Please refer to the Composition Student Handbook for further information and guidelines.

Freshman Year
During the first year in the program students are introduced to basic compositional techniques, contemporary repertoire, and terminology. Students begin the program by enrolling in Beginning Composition I-II (MUCP 1180-1190, 2 credit hours each), a two-semester course that is taken either concurrently with or upon successful completion of MUTH 1400-1410 and MUTH 1500-1510. Regularly assigned composition projects are presented and discussed in class, and students meet with the instructor individually for regular progress reports. Students are also required to attend various composition division events including concerts and weekly MUSIC NOW presentations. Continuation in the composition program is contingent upon meeting the following requirements:

1. Completion of MUCP 1180-1190 with no grade lower than B.
2. Completion of MUTH 1400-1410 and 1500-1510 with no grade lower than B.
3. Successful completion of the Freshman Barrier Examination.
4. Acceptance at the concentration level on an instrument or voice.
5. Continuous enrollment in a music laboratory.
6. Regular attendance at composition division events.
7. Consent of the composition faculty.

Sophomore Year
During the second year students develop their technique and skills as they compose short compositions for a variety of instrumental and vocal media.
Students approved to continue in the composition program may take Intermediate Composition I-II (MUCP 2180-2190, 2 credit hours each). These courses are taught in small groups (2-3 students each) by the composition division’s teaching fellows, who report on the progress of each student at regular meetings with the sophomore faculty mentor. Sophomore composers attend weekly masterclasses with the faculty mentor, during which students discuss composition-related topics and present their current works.

At the end of the semester of MUCP 2190, students interested in continuing in the program are required to take a Sophomore Composition Jury before the composition faculty in order to qualify for upper-division status.
Only those students who have fulfilled the following requirements by the end of the semester they are enrolled in MUCP 2190 will be eligible to major in composition:

1. Completion of MUCP 2180-2190, MUTH 2400-2410, and MUTH 2500-2510 with no grade lower than B.
2. Successful completion of Upper Divisional Examination.
3. Successful completion of Piano Proficiency Examination.
4. Continuous enrollment in a music laboratory.
5. Regular attendance at and participation in composition division events.
6. Recommendation of composition faculty following jury review.
   

Junior Year
In the third year, students refine and personalize their compositional language, composing more substantial works and integrating electroacoustic and computer music media.

Students who have successfully completed the sophomore composition jury are eligible to study with a composition faculty member in Advanced Composition I-II (MUCP 3180-3190, 3 credit hours each), and may also enroll in the following upper-division composition courses:

1. Instrumentation (MUCP 4310)
2. Orchestration (MUCP 4320) [prerequisite: MUCP 4310]
3. Contemporary Music (MUCP 4460)
4. Intermedia Performance Arts (MUCP 4595)
5. Introduction to Electroacoustic Music (MUCP 4670)
6. Topics in Electroacoustic Music (MUCP 4680) [prerequisite: MUCP 4670]

Students enrolled in upper-division composition courses are also eligible to participate in SPECTRUM and CEMI CENTERPIECES programs.

Senior Year
By the fourth year students are rounding out their composition portfolios as they prepare for the presentation of the senior composition recital.
Students approved for continuation in the composition program are eligible to enroll in Advanced Composition III (MUCP 4180, 3 credit hours) and may continue upper-division composition coursework. MUCP 4180 may be repeated for credit until the student is prepared to enroll in Senior Composition Recital (MUCP 4190, 3 credit hours), during which time a recital of original compositions is organized and presented in a public performance.

Composition Studies for Non-composition Majors
Non-composition majors (including Bachelor of Arts students) are eligible to take many of the same courses as composition majors. Please refer to the Composition Student Handbook for further information.

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