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Programs

Composition

The Eastman Composition Department is devoted to teaching students who wish to pursue a professional and/or academic career in concert and computer music composition. Our programs equip students with a thorough knowledge of all contemporary forms of musical expression and the ability to present their personal style in each of them.

Information about faculty and research can be found on the Composition website.

AdmissionsLink to section

Applying to Master's ProgramsLink to section

The Department of Composition offers two master’s degrees: the Master of Music and the Master of Arts. The MM is a performance-based degree, and the MA is a research degree. Both degrees require an interview; the MM also requires an audition.

Master of Arts in Composition Admission Requirements

  • Online application
  • Interview
  • Personal statement and resume
  • Three recommendations
  • One music research paper
  • Transcripts (all collegiate study)
  • Portfolio (scores and recordings of three to four representative works)

Master of Music in Composition Admission Requirements

  • Online application
  • Interview
  • Personal statement and resume
  • Three recommendations
  • Transcripts (all collegiate study)
  • Portfolio (scores and recordings of three to four representative works)
  • Audition (many applied areas also require a prescreening recording)

Applying to Doctoral ProgramsLink to section

The Department of Composition offers two doctoral degrees: the Doctor of Philosophy and the Doctor of Musical Arts. DMA applicants should demonstrate a high level of achievement on their major instrument or voice through an audition and will study their instrument as part of their degree.

PhD Admission Requirements

  • Online application
  • Interview
  • Personal statement and resume
  • Three recommendations
  • One music research paper
  • Transcripts (all collegiate study)
  • Portfolio (scores and recordings of three to four representative works)

Doctor of Musical Arts Admission Requirements

  • Online application
  • Interview
  • Personal statement and resume
  • Three recommendations
  • One music research paper
  • Transcripts (all collegiate study)
  • Portfolio (scores and recordings of three to four representative works)
  • Audition (many applied areas also require a prescreening recording)

AcademicsLink to section

Master's Degrees and RequirementsLink to section

The Master of Arts in Composition is a 34-unit degree designed to be completed in two years. Individual composition tutorials (one hour per week) provide the core of the program. In addition, students take courses in computer music techniques, compositional practice circa 1925 to 1955, and music electives, in addition to the MA thesis and the comprehensive review (a 30-minute lecture on their own music and progress toward the degree). More information on the MA in Composition is here: https://www.esm.rochester.edu/registrar/policy/07-00/#07.02.04.

The Master of Music in Composition is a 32-unit degree designed to be completed in two years. Individual composition tutorials (one hour per week) provide the core of the program. In addition, students take courses in applied music (two semesters), compositional practice circa 1925 to 1955, and music electives, in addition to the MM thesis and the comprehensive review (a 30-minute lecture on their own music and progress toward the degree). They also perform a recital on the major instrument, with at least one work not composed by the student. More information on the MM in Composition is here: https://www.esm.rochester.edu/registrar/policy/06-00/#06.02.05.

Doctoral Degrees and RequirementsLink to section

The DMA in Composition is designed for students who are highly accomplished performers and composers, who wish to study both disciplines. Individual composition tutorials (one hour per week) provide the core of the program, in addition to applied study of the major instrument (three semesters minimum). In addition, students take four research and writing seminars (three in music history, one in composition), three theory or compositional practice courses, electives (or a minor), and the DMA dissertation project. Performance requirements include a jury and two doctoral recitals. The degree culminates with the comprehensive examinations. For more information, see: https://www.esm.rochester.edu/registrar/policy/06-00/#06.03.09.

The PhD in Composition is awarded for completion of scholarly and creative research satisfactorily defended in a dissertation. Individual composition tutorials (one hour per week) provide the core of the program, in addition to coursework in compositional practice, computer music techniques, doctoral seminars, two theory courses, electives, and the capstone project. The degree culminates in the comprehensive examinations and the dissertation (a large-scale composition and substantial analytical essay). For more information on the PhD in composition, see: https://www.esm.rochester.edu/registrar/policy/07-00/#07.03.08.

Graduate Course TitlesLink to section

  • CMP 401: Advanced Composition I
  • CMP 402: Advanced Composition II
  • CMP 412: Compositional Practice circa 1925–1955
  • CMP 413: Compositional Practice circa 1955–1980
  • CMP 421: Advanced Computer Music Techniques I
  • CMP 422: Advanced Computer Music Techniques II
  • CMP 496: MM Thesis
  • ESM 460: Composition Comprehensive Review
  • CMP 501: Advanced Composition III
  • CMP 502: Advanced Composition IV
  • CMP 591/592: Composition Research Seminar
  • CMP 413: Compositional Practice circa 1955–1980
  • CMP 596: DMA Dissertation Project