Bachelor of Music in Composition

The Bachelor of Music degree program in composition is designed for students who are interested in obtaining a strong foundation in music composition and for students who are preparing for advanced study in music composition, music theory, or musicology. An admissions audition and a portfolio of compositions is required for consideration.

University and Music Supplemental Application

After you create your admissions account, you will be asked to select an application type. You will be creating two applications – the main university application (First-Year or Transfer) and the College of Music Supplemental Application. Follow the advertised deadlines for the main university application. The College of Music Supplemental Application deadline is Dec 1 for Fall applicants, and Oct 1 for Spring applicants. Current MSU students do not file a main university application. Instead, file only the Music Supplemental Application.

Composition Portfolio

Submit a composition portfolio including scores and audio and/or video recordings (live/studio recordings strongly encouraged) as instructed below:

• The composition portfolio is submitted to the College of Music Supplemental Application via the Digital Portfolio section of the application.  Access to the Digital Portfolio will be given after the College of Music Supplemental Application is submitted.
• Submit at least three (3) but no more than five (5) original compositions representative of your creative work.  Any submission beyond five works will not be considered. 
• For notated works (with or without electronics), ignore titles and name your files in the following way, making sure score numbers match corresponding recording numbers:
  • Score 1_[Your Last Name]
  • Recording 1_[Your Last Name]
  • Score 2_[Your Last Name]
  • Recording 2_[Your Last Name]
  • Example:
    • Score 1_Hutcheson
    • Recording 1_Hutcheson
• For non-notated (fixed media works, sound art, etc.), ignore titles and name your files in the following way:
  • Media 1_[Your Last Name]
  • Media 2_[Your Last Name]
  • Example:
    • Media 1_Hutcheson
• Multi-movement works should be submitted as one single file, for both scores and audio files.
• Upload your submissions in a logical order: Score 1, followed by Audio 1, or Media 1, followed by Media 2, etc.
• To give context for works that are not notated, applicants may submit additional supporting documentation. Label this submission as “Documentation_[Your Last Name].”

Composition Interview

This informal interview with members of the composition faculty will be scheduled on your audition day. If you are not coming to campus for an audition, we will schedule this virtually on a later date. Potential discussion topics include questions related to your portfolio, your musical background, hopes and plans for studying at MSU, and time for you to ask questions about MSU and the composition program. Admission decisions will be made in combination with audition results.

Personal Statement

In your personal statement please describe your educational and musical background, goals and objectives, and future career plans. Please feel free to include any information that you feel would be helpful to the College of Music in making our admission decision. Limit your statement to 300-500 words. This statement must be uploaded to the Supplemental Music Application after it is submitted. Please upload at least two weeks prior to your scheduled audition and interview.

Letters of Recommendation

Request letters of recommendation from two individuals familiar with your musical abilities.

Audition Materials

This major requires a successful admissions audition on one of the below-listed disciplines.

Instruments

• Bassoon
• Cello
• Clarinet
• Double Bass
• Euphonium
• Flute
• Harp
• Horn
• Oboe
• Percussion
• Piano
• Saxophone
• Trombone
• Trumpet
• Tuba
• Viola
• Violin
• Voice

Jazz Instruments

• Double Bass
• Drums
• Guitar
• Piano
• Saxophone
• Trombone
• Trumpet
• Voice