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Graduate & Professional | In-Person

Master of Music in Composition

Belmont's Masters of Music in Composition will allow you to further develop your musical skills in an environmental of other talented musicians.

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College of Music & Performing Arts

Angela Stenzel
Graduate Admissions Coordinator
(615) 460.8307
Email Angela

Why Study Composition? 

Students in Belmont's Composition program often get the chance to compose for School of Music ensembles and have their works performed as part of major programs on campus. Belmont’s New Music Ensemble most often features these works, and composition students get to lead the charge on showcasing their works. 

Composition students are not limited to a strictly classical style of music and are encouraged to explore a variety of genres and musical stylings. Students partner with their faculty and advisors to stretch their abilities and apply their skills to a wide range of compositional outlets.

What You'll Learn 

  • Music research tools, materials and techniques.
  • Analytical techniques, in addition to traditional harmonic and formal analysis potentially including LaRue style analysis, analysis of rhythm and meter and an introduction to Schenkerian and related linear-reductive systems.
  • From your peers in Seminar, a weekly forum whose activities include performance of your compositions writing for other members and reading their compositions, discussion of compositions by faculty members and presentations on other pertinent topics.
  • An overview of the teaching of music theory with attention to current methods and literature, instructional techniques and building curriculum and content.
  • The works of significant twentieth-century composers and study the application of twentieth-century compositional materials, devices, and procedures

Program Details

View all program requirements.

  • Introduction to Music Research: Introduction to music research tools, materials, and techniques. The focus of the course will include major references and indexes, database, and internet research. The course will be relevant to all majors and will encompass both quantitative and qualitative research. A research project relating to the student’s major will be required.
  • Music History Seminar: A series of in-depth topical seminars for graduate music students which will cover a wide range of periods, composers, and musical genres. Prerequisites: MUG 5010 or passing score on Graduate History Placement Exam.
  • Analytical Techniques: Advanced study in the analysis of music from across a range of genres and styles. In addition to traditional harmonic and formal analysis, a variety of techniques will be explored and may include LaRue style analysis; analysis of rhythm and meter; and an introduction to Schenkerian and related linear-reductive systems. Prerequisites: MUG 5020 or passing score on Graduate Theory Placement Exam.
  • Culminating Project/Examinations: MUG 6000 includes the terminal requirements for the M.M. degree. All students are required to successfully complete comprehensive written and oral examinations and a culminating project which varies, depending on the student’s particular track. Options and requirements for each culminating track are described in Guidelines for the Master of Music Degree accessed through the Belmont University Portal. Students should register for the course during their final semester of enrollment. The class is graded pass/fail. Prerequisites: Student must have achieved Candidacy status.
  • Graduate Chamber Music Studies: Composed of graduate students interested in pursuing the chamber repertoire for their applied area. Requires two (2) hours of rehearsal and 30 minutes of coached time per week. A Graduate Chamber Music Studies Contract designating a coach and planned repertoire must be completed by student and coach and approved by the Director of Graduate Studies. Prerequisites: Permission of director required.
  • Ensemble Internship: Graduate students may select an internship with any of the following School of Music classical instrumental or choral ensembles: Instrumental - Belmont Wind Ensemble, Belmont Orchestra, Belmont Percussion Ensemble, Belmont Guitar Ensemble, Belmont Jazz Ensemble; Choral -Belmont Chamber Singers, Belmont Chorale, University Singers, Nashville Children’s Choir, Opera Workshop, Oratorio Chorus, Women’s Choir. An Internship Contract must be completed and approved by the Director of Graduate Studies, describing specific responsibilities of the internship (e.g. assistant director, lead roles, etc.). Limited to two semesters of participation. Prerequisites: Permission of director required.
  • Graduate Ensemble Studies: Graduate students may participate in an approved School of Music ensemble. Prerequisites: Permission of ensemble director and instructor required.
  • Issues in Church Music Education: A study of the philosophy and practice of the church music education program. The focus will include church music education methods and materials used to lead and teach various age groups from early childhood level through high school level.
  • Applied Composition Study: Private composition lessons from a member of our faculty.
  • Graduate Composition Seminar: This seminar provides a weekly forum whose activities include: 1) performance of student’s compositions, 2) writing for seminar members and reading these compositions, 3) discussion of compositions by faculty members and 4) presentations on other pertinent topics.
  • Compositional Analysis: Music Since 1900: A stylistic analysis and writing course dealing with the application of twentieth-century compositional materials, devices and procedures as demonstrated in the works of significant twentieth-century composers.
  • Pedagogy of Music Theory: An overview of the teaching of music theory with attention to current methods and literature, instructional techniques and building curriculum and content.

You'll have a variety of opportunities in Belmont's Master's of Music in Composition program including:

  • Participating in ensembles with other students passionate about music
  • Performing in state-of-the-art performance halls
  • Joining a thriving and creative musical community in Nashville and at Belmont

National Association of Schools of Music (NASM)

1. Apply to the University

  • Create a BU4U account
  • Complete the Belmont University Graduate Studies Application for Admission
  • Pay the $50 Application Fee

2. Submit Supplemental Materials

Once the application is submitted and the application fee is paid, an email will be sent with instructions for submitting the supplemental pieces of the application. Applicants will be required to provide the following:

  1. Two completed recommendation forms from individuals who know the applicant's musical abilities. At least one recommendation must be completed by an individual who can address the applicant's accomplishments and potential in the academic classroom setting.
  2. A list of repertory studied in the principal performing area, including undergraduate junior and senior recital repertory, if applicable.
  3. A writing sample from undergraduate academic course work.
  4. Statement of Purpose. This one-page essay should describe why you are interested in the desired degree program and Belmont University, and address your personal and professional career goals.
  5. Official transcripts of all previous college and masters level work. International applicants with college level coursework from foreign institutions must have their transcripts evaluated by a credential evaluation service such as World Education Services (wes.org). Applicants must have a minimum of a 3.0 cumulative GPA. Students who have earned below a 3.0 may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Deadlines

All prospective students should apply as soon as possible to submit their application, including all supplemental materials by the deadlines.

 

3. Audition for the School of Music

All applicants are required to audition for the School of Music. The audition day will consist of a live audition and interview with our performance faculty and an informational meeting. The information session will also allow time for questions from attendees.

Audition Dates

 

Audition Requirements:

The audition day will consist of a live interview with our composition faculty. The information session will also allow time for questions from attendees.

One week before the live interview, please submit the following materials via email to the Graduate Admissions Coordinator. Files too large to email should be shared through Dropbox or Google Drive. It is recommended that students bring copies of their scores for their own reference during the interview with composition faculty.

  1. Scores with standard audio MP3 or WAV file via email or an online link
    • Please ensure this is a high quality MP3 file (160kbps at 44.1 kHz sample rate), or a link to a high quality YouTube recording.
  2. A repertory list of all compositions.

All scholarships will be distributed based on the strength of the audition. All applicants are considered for scholarships.

Learn more about the Program

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Career Possibilities

You'll have a variety of opportunities in Belmont's Master's of Music in Composition program including:

  • Composer of original music for orchestras, bands and choirs
  • Production of original music for film scores
  • University professor in music composition

Request Information

Contact Us

College of Music & Performing Arts

Angela Stenzel
Graduate Admissions Coordinator
(615) 460.8307
Email Angela