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College of Music
Giving & Alumni
College of Music
Areas
Areas

COMPOSITION

Areas
Ensembles

WELCOME TO COMPOSITION AT MSU

The composition program at Michigan State University stands at the crossroads of music creation, research, and performance, integrating various art forms. Faculty and students work with both acoustic and electronic media, encompassing chamber and large ensembles, real-time interactive performances, video/film, installations, instrument design, and improvisation.

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Prospective Students
Our programs are designed to offer experiential learning through individual lessons and collaborative experiences.
Listen & Look
Explore media showcasing the work of students and faculty.
Electronic and Media Arts Studios
Explore resources dedicated to electronic music composition, including tools, techniques, and insights into this dynamic field.

Composition Faculty

David Biedenbender David Biedenbender
Associate Professor of Composition and Chair of the Composition Area
Alexis Bacon Alexis Bacon
Associate Professor of Composition
Ricardo Lorenz Ricardo Lorenz
Professor of Composition
Anthony T. Marasco Anthony T. Marasco
Assistant Professor of Composition and Technology
Mark Sullivan Mark Sullivan
Associate Professor of Composition
Zhou Tian Zhou Tian
Professor of Composition

Featured News

MSU composers write for LA Phil
August 30, 2021

When side gig meets center stage
August 22, 2022

MSU alumnus and high school band director commissioned to write symphony for West Point Band.

New fund, new music
October 6, 2023

A partnership evolves to expand opportunities for students and the community.

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Upcoming Events

Online
October 25, 2024
Symphony Band and Wind Symphony
8:00 pm
Wharton Center
MSU Bands

The concert features guest composer Viet Cuong and American-Vietnamese guest vocalist Bích-Vân with works by Cuong, Biedenbender, Turina, and Llinás, performed by the MSU Wind Symphony and Symphony Band, conducted by Kevin L. Sedatole and David Thornton.

Event Details
$$$
October 28, 2024
Musique 21, “An Ode to Nature”
7:30 pm
Fairchild Theatre
Musique 21

Experience nature through contemporary composers with music by Dobrinka Tabakova, Michael-Thomas Foumai, Jennifer Jolley, and Viet Cuong. Conducted by Katherine Kilburn, this concert blends vibrant ideas and sounds.

Event Details
$$$
April 21, 2025
Musique 21, “Finnish Perspective”
7:30 pm
Fairchild Theatre
Musique 21

Honoring the influential composer Kaija Saariaho, this concert explores her impactful music and that of other Finnish composers, showcasing their distinctively Finnish musical character. Conducted by Octavio Más-Arocas.

Event Details
$$$
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