College of Arts and Sciences

Department of Music

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 Department of Music. Composition students remain active as performers and are able to participate in all of the department’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.

Sample curriculum