Master of Arts in Composition
Designed for students seeking intensive and specialized professional training in composition. Applicants must possess a bachelor’s degree in music or its equivalent along with a substantial composition background.
Note: The difference between the curricula for the MM and MA programs in composition is that the non-Composition electives for the MM degree are within SMTD (e.g., performance, musicology, or music theory), while the non-Composition electives for the MA degree are in another academic unit at U-M. While the application process differs for these degrees, the admission criteria are identical, and it is possible to change from one to the other after admission. Applicants whose undergraduate work was strong in liberal arts and who wish to continue that emphasis at the graduate level may prefer to apply for the MA. Applicants wishing the maximum number of elections in music should choose the MM program. Course elections in performance do not count toward the thirty hours required for the Master of Arts degree.
Curriculum
The Master of Arts in Composition requires a minimum of 30 credits. SMTD coursework to include:
Private composition instruction
Composition Seminar
Music Theory
Musicology
Electronic Music and/or Music Technology
Non-Composition non-SMTD elective
Final Project:
A presentation of a short orchestral work or other large ensemble work composed while in residence.
Silent Advisor
Degree requirements and term-by-term layout for current students.
Faculty
Evan Chambers
Michael Daugherty
Roshanne Etezady
Kristin Kuster
Erik Santos
Bright Sheng
Performance Opportunities
There is a vibrant culture of collaboration between performers and composers at SMTD. Student composers receive premieres of their works at a variety of venues, including 5-6 Student Composer Concerts per year, and concerts by U-M ensembles. Competitions for new choral music and instrumental works are featured each year. Our performance studios actively commission new works for their degree recitals, and the Chamber Music department offers an annual award for the best performance of an SMTD composer’s work. Composition students also regularly collaborate with filmmakers, dancer/choreographers, and are actively involved in directing music for stage productions, a cappella groups, and musical theatre performers. Each term, the William Bolcom Residency in Composition hosts renowned guest artists who come to campus to interact with students and faculty through lessons, workshops, meals, lectures, and performances. Funding for student performance projects is available from SMTD's EXCEL grant programs, as well as through the Rackham Graduate School for MA and DMA students.
New Music Concerts
Student composers often take the spotlight with their compositions performed at the annual New Music Concerts by the University Orchestras.
