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Subject · 763 verified programs

Composition: degrees, diplomas and programs

Degrees in creating new music, from concert and chamber works to experimental and cross-disciplinary projects, with workshops and performances of student work.

Also called: Music Composition, Composition and Theory, Contemporary Composition, Komposition, Composizione, Composition musicale, Composición.

225 BM / BMus · 151 MM / MMus · 74 BA / BA (Hons) · 71 Other master’s award · 65 Other bachelor’s award · 50 MA · 41 DMA · 41 PhD · 13 Other diploma · 6 BFA · 5 MFA · 5 BS / BSc · 5 Other practice doctorate · 4 Certificate · 2 Artist Diploma · 2 Graduate Diploma · 1 Postgraduate Diploma · 1 Other research doctorate · 1 Graduate / postgraduate certificate · 354 dedicated degree, 182 named major, 174 official concentration, 53 documented pathway

763 programs

How results are ordered: alphabetically by institution, or by most recently checked when you choose that sort. There is no price ranking, because tuition in different currencies, fee categories and bases (per year, per credit, whole program) is not comparable. A program appears under a subject only through a verified link (dedicated degree, major, concentration or documented pathway). A value we could not verify is shown as “not published”, never as “no”. Items marked Sponsored are paid placements; they never change verification or order. Online programs are not counted as physically located in a state or city, and an institution’s location does not tell you whether it enrols students from your country.

About composition study

Composition is the creation of original music, and degree study treats it as a craft that develops through writing, hearing the results and revising. Students learn to notate for instruments and voices, to shape form and texture, and to develop an individual musical voice. Regular lessons with a composition teacher are central, supported by seminars where students present and discuss their work.

A defining feature of the subject is the chance to have music played. Programs often arrange readings and workshops with performers, and student works may be given concerts or recordings. Training commonly includes orchestration, analysis of existing repertoire, counterpoint and harmony, and technology such as notation software and electronic or computer music tools.

Composition is usually oriented to concert, chamber, choral or experimental music, although many programs welcome mixed interests. It overlaps with electronic music, songwriting and scoring for screen, which have their own subjects here. Aesthetic approaches vary by school, from conservative to avant-garde, so reading about faculty and ensembles matters.

What study typically involves

  • Individual composition lessons and seminars
  • Orchestration and instrumentation
  • Analysis of repertoire from many periods and styles
  • Harmony, counterpoint and form
  • Notation, score preparation and parts
  • Electronic and computer music tools
  • Workshops, readings and performances of student works
  • Contemporary music, aesthetics and new ideas in practice

Award titles. Composition is commonly recognized through the BM or BMus in composition, or a BA or BS in music with a composition emphasis, and at postgraduate level the MM, MMus, MA or MFA depending on the country. Doctoral study includes the Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) and the research PhD, which may be practice-based. Conservatories may also offer postgraduate diplomas. Names and structure vary by country and are not treated as equivalent here.

On this directory a program appears under Composition only when it is a dedicated composition degree, a named composition major, an official composition concentration or a documented composition pathway. One composition elective does not count. Related areas such as electronic music or screen scoring have separate subject pages.

Auditions and admissions guidance

Requirements differ for every program and instrument. Always check the official admissions page; this directory cannot guarantee acceptance.

Composition applicants are usually asked to submit a portfolio of scores, often with recordings, showing a range of recent work. Panels commonly look for evidence of craft, clear notation and individual ideas more than polished performances. Programs may specify how many works or minutes of music to submit and whether electronic works are accepted.

Many programs also require an interview, a statement of artistic interests, tests in theory and aural skills, and proof of keyboard or instrumental competence. Some ask for a short composition exercise, such as writing for a given ensemble or harmonizing a melody. Graduate applicants may need to show a developed body of work and propose projects or research questions.

Requirements depend on the institution and country and differ from performance or research routes. Check the official admissions page for portfolio format and deadlines. Nothing here guarantees admission.

See also the guide to preparing for auditions.

Funding and costs

Funding may include scholarships awarded on portfolio, teaching or theory assistantships, tuition waivers and fellowships. Composers can also apply to external competitions, commissioning programs, residencies and grants, some of which are open to students.

Terms vary by institution and country, and many students receive partial support or none. Check with each program and funding body directly.

Costs beyond tuition. Possible costs include notation and audio software licenses, a computer and keyboard, printing of scores and parts, fees for performers or recording sessions where a program does not cover them, and competition entry fees.