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The M.M.–Music Composition degree program provides students the opportunity to continue their studies in composition or to begin exploring the art of composition, if their undergraduate degree was in another field. Students will expand their musical voice while learning the art and craft of composing, songwriting, arranging, orchestrating, and creating. Our Master’s of Music (M.M.) degree program in Music Composition offers instruction without a stylistic agenda; each student composer follows their own artistic direction while developing professionally competitive musical skills.

Admission Requirements

  • Cumulative GPA 3.0
  • Online application
  • Résumé
  • Statement of Intent
  • Recommendation letters (2)
  • Undergraduate transcripts
  • Audition Application/Portfolio

Background Preparation

  • Undergraduate studies in music equivalent to a Bachelor of Music degree with a major in theory or composition, or any other undergraduate music degree which includes four semesters of music theory, a music history survey, and advanced undergraduate courses in theory, composition, orchestration, counterpoint, or music history totaling at least 12 semester hours.
  • A successful portfolio

Enrolling in a graduate education degree at Fredonia will give you the opportunity to gain advanced theoretical and specialist knowledge. Studying with engaged faculty and participating in applied learning experiences prepare you to meet challenges and be successful in your profession. This degree plan map provides a sample pathway to graduation, and it can be used as a guide and a checklist for degree requirements. For complete information about this program, please consult the university catalog at: www.fredonia.edu/catalog

Sample Degree Plan

First Year

Fall Semester

Course Title Credits
MUS 521 Music Bibliography 3
MUS 545 Classical Period in Music 3
MUS 609 Composition 3
TOTAL 9

Spring Semester

Course Title Credits
MUS 610 Composition 3
MUS 614 The Pedagogy of Music Theory 3
MUS 643 Baroque Period in Music 3
TOTAL 9

Second Year

Fall Semester

Course Title Credits
MUS 611 Composition 3
MUS 646 Romantic Period in Music 3
MUS 670 Advanced Harmonic Designs 3
TOTAL 9

Spring Semester

Course Title Credits
MUS 624 Analytic Techniques 3
MUS 653 Post-Tonal Analysis 3
MUS 695 Graduate Thesis 3
TOTAL 9

First Year

Fall Semester

Course Title Credits
MUS 521 Music Bibliography 3
MUS 545 Classical Period in Music 3
MUS 609 Composition 3
TOTAL 9

Spring Semester

Course Title Credits
MUS 610 Composition 3
MUS 614 The Pedagogy of Music Theory 3
MUS 643 Baroque Period in Music 3
TOTAL 9

Second Year

Fall Semester

Course Title Credits
MUS 611 Composition 3
MUS 646 Romantic Period in Music 3
MUS 670 Advanced Harmonic Designs 3
TOTAL 9

Spring Semester

Course Title Credits
MUS 624 Analytic Techniques 3
MUS 653 Post-Tonal Analysis 3
MUS 695 Graduate Thesis 3
TOTAL 9

GRAND TOTAL: 54

This Sample Degree Map is based on the requirements published in the University Catalog.

About This Program

Music Composition

Head of Music Composition

  • Mason Hall State University of New York at Fredonia Fredonia, NY 14063

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