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 portfolio of three to five original compositions and/or musical arrangements (at least two of which must be completely and accurately notated, two of which must be accompanied by recordings of performances or MIDI realizations, and one of which must have a minimum duration of approximately five minutes). After submitting the College of Music Supplemental application, you will have access to the Digital Portfolio. Upload your media and scores there. You must submit the Music Supplement first, and then upload.

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