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Composition Virtual Open House

Composition studio performance with musicians and digital music platforms and software

Saturday, October 4, and Thursday, October 23

Learn about studying composition at MSU. Gather details about student performance opportunities, degrees, and career paths and have an opportunity to ask faculty questions. There are two events: one on October 4 at 2:00pm, and one on October 23 at 7:30pm. These will be held over Zoom and require registration below.

Oct. 4 Registration
Oct. 23 Registration

Faculty

Alexis Bacon Alexis Bacon
Associate Professor of Composition
David Biedenbender David Biedenbender
Associate Professor of Composition and Chair of the Composition Area
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

About Composition at MSU

Group of students and musicians stand in a row on stage with a projector behind them showing a musical score

Composition students pose with the KAIA String Quartet.

Music composition lies at the intersection of the creation, research, and performance of music and sound with other art forms. At MSU, our award-winning and diverse faculty has generated international recognition of the highest caliber and offers opportunities for world-class music education.

As a composition major, you will have the opportunity to:

  • Hear your music played by the MSU Symphony Orchestra, Wind Symphony, University Chorale, professional guest ensembles (such as Eighth Blackbird, the Imani Winds, Newfound Chamber Winds, and Time for Three), and by MSU student performers.
  • Work with faculty who embrace and foster a diversity of composition styles.
  • Compose music of all kinds, such as concert music, music for film and video games, and electronic music through experimentation and performance.
  • Collaborate with fellow musicians and student filmmakers and video game designers.
  • Enjoy the beautiful new performance and recording facilities on MSU’s historic North Campus.
  • Be a part of a thriving community of young composers.

The composition area at MSU is led by a distinguished faculty of composers who foster a vibrant, creative, supportive environment in which students reflect, grow, and thrive.

Explore MSU Composition

Visit the MSU Composition website to learn more about the variety of engaging opportunities available to students.

Interested in applying?

The application deadline is December 1st. Visit the Admissions page to learn more about engaging opportunities for students.

Questions?

Reach out to Dr. David Biedenbender at dmb@msu.edu, or other composition faculty you’re interested in working with.