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Music Composition
Bachelor of Music in Music Composition
The Bachelor of Music in Composition emphasizes instruction in musical composition. Many students in this major continue to graduate study in composition at well-known institutions such as Temple and Rutgers Universities with the goal of working in higher education or to compose vocationally.
The Composition Studio is a vibrant and highly active group within the University of Delaware’s School of Music. Composition students remain active as performers and are able to participate in all of the school’s ensembles and productions. Diversity in compositional style and philosophy is encouraged, as is interdisciplinary collaboration and experimentation. Close association with the theory and musicology areas, in addition to the performance area, provides for a well-rounded academic education where students can enhance and support their creative work with specialized research and performance.
Composition students are active members of Still Breathing, the University of Delaware Contemporary Music Ensemble, which is dedicated to performing the works of living composers. Their academic experience is further enriched by the annual New Music Delaware event, which for 40 years has been dedicated to performing and promoting the works of living composers.
Areas of study
- Music Theory
- Aural skills
- Music History
- Private Weekly Composition Lessons
- Private Weekly Instrumental or Vocal Lessons
- Ensembles
- Advanced study in Orchestration, Music analysis, Harmony and Recording Techniques
Career Options
- Vocational Composition and Arranging
- Collegiate-Level Teaching
Graduate Programs
- Music Production
- Scoring
- Music Business
- Composition
- Music Education
- Music Therapy
What’s special about this program?
This major can be personalized to fit the academic and professional pursuits of each student, individualized to incorporate minors, Honors Degrees, Degrees with Distinction, service learning, study abroad and research. We maintain a low student-to-faculty ratio and small classes, providing access to a passionate, invested and highly accomplished faculty, comprised of professionally active performers, composers, educators, theorists and musicologists. The study of music at Delaware is enriched by nearly 300 performances each year by faculty, students, ensembles and guest artists. Additionally, the vast musical resources of Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington D.C. and New York City are easily accessible to our majors.
Get involved
Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia (Xi Mu chapter)
Sigma Alpha Iota (Eto Rho chapter)
National Association for Music Education (NAfME)
American Choral Directors Association (ACDA)
The Society of Composers, Inc. (SCI)
American String Teachers Association (ASTA)
The Jazz Educators and Performers Association (JEPA)
Music & Entertainment Industry Student Association (MEISA)
Registered Student Organizations (RSO)
Nationally Connected Organizations
Ensemble Opportunities
Sample curriculum
| ENGL110 | Seminar in Composition
|
| MATH113 |
Contemporary Mathematics
|
MUSC100
|
Recital Attendance |
MUSC151/152
|
Private Study
|
MUSC175/176
|
Class Piano I/II |
MUSC185/186 |
Aural Skills I/II |
MUSC195
|
Harmony I |
MUSC298
|
Beginning Composition |
MUSC321
|
(Still Breathing) and other ensembles |
UNIV101
|
First Year Experience |
University Breadth Course
|
|
Elective Courses
|
| MUSC100 | Recital Attendance
|
| MUSC196/295 | Harmony II/III
|
| MUSC205 | Music of the World
|
| MUSC211/311 | Introduction to Music History & Music History: 400-1600
|
| MUSC251/252 | Private Study
|
| MUSC275/276 | Class Piano III/IV
|
| MUSC285/286 | Aural Skills III/IV
|
| MUSC298 | Beginning Composition
|
| MUSC321 | (Still Breathing) and other ensembles
|
| MUSC484 | Recording Techniques
|
University Breadth Course
|
|
| Elective Course |
MUSC100
|
Recital Attendance |
MUSC296
|
Harmony IV |
MUSC312/313
|
Music History: 1600-1827 & Music History: 1827 to the Present |
MUSC321
|
(Still Breathing) and other ensembles |
MUSC335
|
Basic Conducting |
MUSC351/352
|
Private Study |
MUSC392
|
Contrapuntal Writing |
MUSC420
|
Advanced Composition (Fall & Spring) |
MUSC431
|
Orchestration |
University Breadth Course
|
|
| Elective Course |
MUSC100
|
Recital Attendance |
MUSC321
|
(Still Breathing) and other ensembles |
MUSC393
|
Keyboard Harmony |
| MUSC401 | Senior Degree Recital
|
MUSC407
|
Contemporary Music Literature |
MUSC420
|
Advanced Composition |
MUSC495
|
Advanced Analytical Techniques |
| Elective Courses |