Mar 28, 2024  
Graduate Catalog 2017-2018 
    
Graduate Catalog 2017-2018 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Composition (M.M.)


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Jonathan Newman, Assistant Professor of Music
Ruebush Hall, Room 139, (540) 665-4630, jnewman2@su.edu

The Master of Music in Composition curriculum is designed to enhance the skills of the composer of serious art music.

Program Outcomes

Students completing the Master of Music in Composition degree will be able to:

  • demonstrate a variety of techniques in the composition of original music;
  • demonstrate knowledge of music theory and music history;
  • employ technology and demonstrate knowledge of technological resources; and
  • demonstrate the ability to research and write.

Degree Requirements

The degree requirement is 30 credit hours and an overall grade point average of 3.0. Students must complete a minimum of four credits of CONR 694 Culminating Project , as the culminating project. The culminating project is to take the form of a large-scale original work of at least 10 minutes duration and is to be scored for a large ensemble such as orchestra, chamber orchestra, wind ensemble, soloist(s) and/or chorus with orchestra, etc. Any exceptions must be approved by the composition faculty. The score must be copied using Finale® or a similar quality computer music copy program. For presentation at the final jury, each copy of the score is to be accompanied by a concise, but thorough, descriptive analysis of the materials and formal structures utilized by the composer in the thesis piece.

Course and Credit Requirements


  • APMC 502 Applied Composition Credit(s): 4 (two semester sequence)
  • APMC 602 Applied Composition Credit(s): 4 (two semester sequence)
  • Credit(s): 3
  • Credit(s): 1, 2 or 3 +
  • Music Theory electives Credit(s): 4
  • Music Literature electives Credit(s): 6
  • Comprehensive Examination - Pass/Fail

Recommended Electives


  • Conducting
  • Applied music
  • Music Theory courses
  • Ensemble
    (maximum of four credit hours of ensemble may be applied toward degree requirements)

Total: 5 credits


Total: 30 credits


+After initial registration in CONR 694 , the student must remain continuously registered for that course for at least one credit each fall and spring semester until the requirement is fulfilled. Summer registration is optional. Registration and billing are automatic until the requirement is fulfilled or the student submits a written statement of withdrawal from the curriculum. The course may be repeated for credit, but a maximum of four credits may be used to fulfill degree requirements. Extra CONR culminating research credits may not be used as elective credits.

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