Composition Student Handbook

All students enrolled in composition lessons—including both majors and non-majors—are expected to attend division events including concerts, Music Now forums, reading sessions, workshops, etc. Failure to regularly attend composition division events may result in a lower composition lesson grade or disqualification from the program. This requirement is additional to any other attendance and assigned work expectations of the course.

All composition majors are evaluated on a regular basis. These evaluations include the Freshman Barrier Examination, Undergraduate Composition Jury, Senior Recital Hearing and Final Portfolio Review, Doctoral Qualifying Examination Hearing and the annual Graduate Review. These evaluations are scheduled at regular times throughout the academic year:

1. Second week of classes each semester: Senior Recital Hearings, Undergraduate Composition Juries (make-up or follow-up from previous semester), Doctoral Qualifying Examination Hearings.
2. Pre-finals week each semester: Undergraduate Composition Juries.
3. Ninth and tenth week of classes in spring semester: Graduate Reviews.

Detailed information on these evaluations may be found in the appropriate sections on this site.

1. Restriction codes for composition courses may be obtained as follows:
   
   1. Undergraduate students: contact the Music Advising Office — CH 211; music.advising@unt.edu.
   2. Graduate students (except for thesis and dissertation): contact the Composition Division Chair, Joseph Klein — MU 2005; joseph.klein@unt.edu.
   3. Thesis and dissertation students: send an email to graduaterecitals@unt.edu with your name, ID number, degree program, major professor, and course number to request a restriction code.
2. Students will not be provided with restriction codes for composition courses until they have updated their online composition student information.
3. Instructor preferences (first and second choices) may be selected when completing/updating the composition student profile page; in those instances where the student's choice(s) may not be accommodated, all attempts will be made to place the student with the preferred instructor in the following semester.
4. Students who intend to continue studying with their current composition instructor should confirm this with the instructor prior to registration; students who intend to change instructors are expected to contact both the current instructor and the new instructor to make their intentions clear to all parties involved.
5. All students approved for composition lessons (excluding thesis and dissertation students) will be placed in a holding section until final instructor assignments are made during the first week of classes each semester. These assignments will be posted on the composition bulletin board and e-mailed to the composer's listserv.
6. Students must register for composition lessons before the end of the first day of classes each semester to be guaranteed a studio space; placement after that time is contingent upon instructor availability.
7. Teaching assignments for composition courses are as follows:
   
   1. MUCP 1180, 1190: weekly composition labs with a teaching fellow; weekly lectures with the freshman faculty mentor.
   2. MUCP 2080, 2180, 2190: weekly individual and/or small group lessons with a teaching fellow; weekly seminar (MUCP 2200) with the sophomore faculty mentor.
   3. MUCP 4080: weekly individual and/or small group lessons with a teaching fellow or faculty member (as space permits).
   4. MUCP 3180, 3190, 4180, 4190: weekly lessons with a faculty member.
   5. MUCP 5180, 5185: weekly individual and/or small group lessons with a faculty member.
   6. MUCP 5190, 6190, 6200: weekly individual lessons with a composition faculty member.
   7. MUGC 5950, 6950: individual meetings with the major professor (as arranged); students must have an approved degree plan and advisory committee designation form on file with the Graduate Office in Music before being approved for thesis or dissertation.
8. Graduate students interested in declaring composition as a related field must be approved by the composition faculty prior to obtaining a restriction code for MUCP 5185.

1. Students must be currently enrolled in upper-division or graduate composition lessons and registered on the UNT composers listserv to be eligible for Spectrum programs. Undergraduates submitting electroacoustic works for Spectrum must also have successfully completed Introduction to Electroacoustic Music (MUCP 3670). Students enrolled in Intermediate Composition (MUCP 2180-90) or Secondary Composition I (MUCP 2080) may be considered in exceptional cases, as determined by the composition faculty.
2. An online Spectrum Submission Form must be submitted by 5:00 pm on the day of the posted deadline, and must include the following:
   
   1. All performance materials, which may include a score, complete set of performance-ready parts, performance instructions, etc.
   2. Detailed tecnhical information for works requiring technology. 
   3. Detailed and accurate performance information, including performers' names, set-up, number and placement of music stands, chairs, microphones, etc.
   4. Program note (including texts for vocal works).
3. All information included in the form must be accurate and presented exactly as it should appear in the program; it is particularly important that all timings are accurate and all performers’ names are spelled correctly.
4. Scores and parts must be complete, legible, and thoroughly proofread prior to uploading; incomplete, messy, or carelessly copied/engraved works will not be considered.
5. Works incorporating technology requiring more than basic audio playback should be presented in the MEIT. Contact the CEMI director for available formats.
6. A written program note is required for each work submitted, although the composer may opt not to have this note included in the printed program notes made available at the concert. It is imperative to credit the source of all texts submitted and to provide permission information for texts not in the public domain.
7. The instructor’s approval will be required upon completion of the Spectrum Submission Form. 
8. As each program can accommodate a maximum of 60 minutes of music, it may not be possible to program all works submitted. Therefore, applications will be prioritized according to the following criteria:
   
   1. Date of submission: it is to the composer’s advantage to submit a request early.
   2. The student’s classification and degree status: graduate students will generally have priority over undergraduates and composition majors will have priority over non-majors.
   3. The scope of the work: excessively long works or those requiring very large forces may be less likely to be programmed, depending upon the number of submissions received.
   4. The composer's record of previous performances: priority will often go to those composers who have not had a work performed on a recent Spectrum program.
      Those composers whose submissions are acceptable but are not programmed due to time constraints will be given priority for the next scheduled program.
9. Members of the Composers Forum will coordinate the production of each Spectrum program, assisted by CEMI GAs as necessary. All composers participating in a Spectrum program will be required to assist in the concert production, which will be coordinated with members of the Composers Forum and/or CEMI TAs in charge of the particular programs.
10. It is imperative that composers work closely with any performers involved in the preparation of the selected work. In order to maintain a standard of professionalism, all aspects of performance protocol should be addressed during rehearsals, including stage presence, composer acknowledgments, and appropriate attire.
11. Works that have not been adequately rehearsed and/or sound-checked prior to the dress/tech rehearsal will be removed from the program at the discretion of the student’s composition instructor, the composition division chair, and/or the CEMI director.
12. A dress rehearsal schedule will be made available at the time of the program announcement; all participating composers are required to be involved in this rehearsal.
13. Preliminary programs will be sent to the composers listserv prior to the concert date; any changes must be made in writing no later than one week prior to the performance in order to appear in the final program.
14. Further details (including deadlines and performance dates) will be sent to the listserv; program information will be posted during the week following each submission deadline.
15. Participating composers may download recordings of their works, usually available within one week following the event. Instructions for accessing recordings are in the Student Resources section of this site.

The physical facilities of the Center for Experimental Music and Intermedia (CEMI) include a suite of studios and the Merrill Ellis Intermedia Theater (MEIT). These facilities are staffed and maintained by the CEMI director and the CEMI staff, who oversee the use of the studios, as well as programming and producing events in the MEIT.  For information on studio access and availabilty, scheduling, usage and safety policies, staff support, and all other issues related to these facilities, please visit the User Information page of the CEMI website.

1. Undergraduate composition majors must meet with the academic advisor each semester until the first 60 hours of coursework are completed. It is highly recommended that students continue to meet with the academic advisor on a regular basis throughout the remainder of the degree, in order to stay on track and avoid any potential delays as they proceed towards graduation.
2. Undergraduate composition majors must achieve a grade of B or better in all required theory and composition courses in order to remain in the program.  Students who are unable to meet this requirement will be counseled out of the BM Composition degree, but may remain active in the composition program under another major.   

 

1. All composition majors are to maintain a portfolio that includes completed works, recordings, a list of works and performances, and other related documents (vita, concert programs, reviews, etc.).
2. The BM Composition portfolio must include at least six substantial works that reflect a variety of media, forms, and techniques, including at least one of each of the following:
   
   1. solo work
   2. work for voice(s), with or without accompaniment
   3. work for chamber ensemble (five or more performers)
   4. work that demonstrates facility with larger forms (e.g., a multi-movement work)
   5. electroacoustic, computer, and/or intermedia work
   6. work that incorporates structured improvisation in an organic way; score may include pictographic, graphic, or text-based elements to convey performance information.
3. Additionally, the portfolio must demonstrate proficiency composing for all instrumental families (woodwinds, brass, strings, piano, and percussion).
4. It is expected that students will regularly review the content of their composition portfolios with their composition instructor in order to ensure that there are no deficiencies.
5. All works included in the portfolio must receive public performances prior to graduation; works used to fulfill the above requirements that have not been performed prior to the senior capstone hearing and final portfolio review must be included in the senior capstone presentation.

In order to qualifying for Advanced Composition lessons, students must pass a jury before the composition faculty at the end of the semester they are enrolled in Intermediate Composition II (MUCP 2190). In extenuating circumstances (determined in consultation with the sophomore faculty mentor, the student's composition instructor, and the Composition Division chair), students may request to take the jury during the student evaluation session at the beginning of the subsequent semester.

1. In order to be eligible to take the undergraduate composition jury, students must have passed the Freshman Barrier Examination and must also be making progress toward fulfilling the requirements in item 6 below.
2. Eligible students are to complete the first page of the Undergraduate Jury Evaluation form, meet with an academic advisor to obtain the requisite information and signature, and submit the completed form to their composition instructor by the end of the day on the Friday prior to the scheduled jury date. 
3. Once confirmed, the jury schedule will be posted on the composition division bulletin board and on the calendar page of this website, usually by the tenth week of classes (for fall and spring enrollment) or during the first week of the semester (for make-up and deferred juries).
4. Each eligible student will submit a portfolio for review by the faculty. The portfolio materials must be available electronically and uploaded to a personal website, YouTube, Soundcloud, Google drive, Dropbox, etc.  A separate document with a list of links to these portfolio materials must then be uploaded to the student's profile page on this site, which is due by the end of the day on the Friday prior to the scheduled jury. The student portfolio must include the following:
   
   1. Scores of three representative works composed while at UNT; students taking a follow-up jury should include works completed since the previous jury. Scores must be presented in a professional manner: i.e., accurate, properly notated/formatted, clearly labeled, etc.
   2. Recordings of works presented while at UNT. These may include reading sessions, live performances, and/or edited studio mixes of the selected compositions. MIDI realizations may be submitted in exceptional cases, with the approval of the compositon lesson instructor and the sophomore faculty mentor.
   3. List of all works composed while at UNT. This list must be typed, clearly organized, labeled with the student's name, and include the title, medium, composition date, duration, and performance/reading information (dates, locations, and performers) for each work, as applicable. 
5. Students are to arrive promptly to the scheduled jury, at which time the following will be evaluated:
   
   1. Quality and presentation of the portfolio; such issues as musical content, notational accuracy, and neatness of manuscript/engraving quality will be considered.
   2. Academic standing (including GPA, laboratory enrollment, and concentration status).
   3. Overall productivity and participation in division activities, including attendance at division events.
   4. Understanding of contemporary musical concepts and knowledge of contemporary repertoire.
6. Following the jury, the composition faculty will make its recommendation concerning the student’s continuation in the program. Only those students who have fulfilled the following requirements will be eligible to continue in MUCP 3180 and major in composition:
   
   1. Completion of MUCP 1180-1190, 2180-2190, and MUTH 1400-1410, 1500-1510, 2400-2410, and 2500-2510 with no grade lower than B.
   2. Successful completion of the Upper Divisional Examination (UDE).
   3. Successful completion of the Piano Proficiency Examination (PPE).
   4. Continuous enrollment in a music laboratory.
   5. Regular attendance at and participation in composition division events, including Music Now.
   6. Recommendation of composition faculty following jury review.
      Additionally, the student’s potential success as a composition major is taken into consideration when determining continuation in the program.
7. Students who do not meet all of the above requirements at the time of the Undergraduate Composition Jury may be allowed to take Secondary Composition II (MUCP 4080) until all deficiencies have been remedied. Students may petition to apply up to two semesters of MUCP 4080 toward the Advanced Composition requirement for the composition degree. A follow-up jury will be required before continuing in Advanced Composition.
8. The final grade for MUCP 2190 reflects the student’s performance at the jury as well as fulfillment of course requirements and is determined by the student’s instructor in consultation with the composition faculty.
9. Students will be notified of the results usually within one week of the jury.
10. The Undergraduate Composition Jury may be taken no more than twice: if a student is unable to pass the jury after the second attempt, the composition faculty may recommend dismissal from the BM composition program; however, the student may continue to be involved in Composition Division activities as a BA Music student or in another BM major.

1. Students approved for the senior capstone may proceed with scheduling the public event in consultation with the composition faculty. The student will confirm a senior capstone review committee consisting of the composition instructor and two other composition faculty members. It is recommended that students select faculty members with whom they have previously studied. The selected committee members sign Part II of the Senior Capstone Event Approval Form and return the form to the student.
2. Once the student and the composition faculty have determined a mutually acceptable presentation date (no later than six weeks prior to the event; see items 2 and 3 under Senior Capstone Hearing and Final Portfolio Review above), the event may be scheduled through the online event scheduling system or contact the Music Scheduling Office.
3. Any special arrangements (e.g., audio/video playback, theatrical lighting, staging) must be made at least four weeks prior to the event. Presentations that include works requiring more than basic audio playback and/or amplification must be presented in the Merrill Ellis Intermedia Theater (MEIT), and must adhere to the following guidelines:
   
   1. At least one CEMI TA is required to provide technical support for events presented in the MEIT.
   2. A maximum of ten total hours of technical support time (which may be divided between two or more technical assistants) will be allotted to each student presenting a senior capstone; any additional expenses (including CEMI TA overtime) incurred in the production of the senior capstone are the sole responsibility of the student; contact the CEMI director for current CEMI hourly rates.
   3. All CEMI TA assignments must be coordinated through the CEMI director.
4. All rehearsal/tech times should be scheduled as early as possible, but no fewer than three days in advance. Use of the Merrill Ellis Intermedia Theater (either for rehearsals or presentations) will require CEMI technical assistance and must be approved by the CEMI director in advance.
5. The student will submit event information to the program coordinator at least three weeks prior to the scheduled presentation. If the event is a performance (e.g., recital, musical production), the student will submit a complete and accurate program that includes composition titles, movement titles (if any), composition dates, accurate timings, and the names of all assisting performers.
6. Program notes are required for the portfolio, although the student may opt not to distribute them at the event; these must be submitted to the composition instructor for approval at least one week prior to the presentation.
7. Flyers, posters, or any other advertising for the event must be approved by the composition instructor. It is recommended that these materials be posted no later than one week prior to the event. Advertising materials should include the following information:
   
   1. day, date, year, and, time of event.
   2. location of the event: include building, hall name, and room number.
   3. UNT College of Music logo.
8. Once Part III of the Senior Capstone Event Approval Form has been completed and the requisite approvals have been obtained (no later than one week prior to the recital), the student will submit the form along with a draft of the senior capstone program to the Composition Division chair. Forms not completed and received by the due date may result in the cancellation or postponement of the capstone presentation.
9. Senior capstone presentations may be shared by no more than two composers, must be presented only during long semesters (i.e., fall or spring), and must include 35 to 45 minutes of original music per composer. In order to facilitate production of the event, the student is expected to organize a stage crew; those assisting with the presentation should be familiar with concert protocol, including appropriate attire and proper stage presence.
10. Due to increased recital activity at the end of each semester, senior composition capstones presented in November or April may necessitate combined events; students who do not wish to share a capstone presentation with another composition student should plan to schedule their events earlier in the semester.
11. In the case of combined events, each student must complete a separate Senior Capstone Hearing and Final Portfolio Review Form and Senior Capstone Event Approval Form, although it is recommended that the same review committee be used for both students. It is expected that students sharing a capstone event will coordinate their efforts with regard to all aspects of the production.
12. Following the senior capstone presentation, each committee member will complete a Senior Capstone Evaluation, which is forwarded to the student's composition instructor; once the evaluations have been received, the composition instructor will complete the Senior Capstone Final Report and submit all materials to the composition division chair. The student will be informed of the committee's decision usually within one week of the event.

1. During orientation week (the week prior to the start of classes), all new graduate composition students will be required to:
   
   1. Attend graduate orientation/advising meetings (College of Music and major area):
      
      • General (College of Music)
      • Major area (composition program)
   2. Take the Graduate Composition Examination: this 60-minute diagnostic examination assesses the student’s knowledge of contemporary composers and repertoire (through score and listening identification), terminology, bibliographic resources, and other information pertinent to composition in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries.
   3. Take the Graduate Placement Examinations (GPE).
   4. Schedule an advisory meeting with the Composition Division chair to determine placement in composition courses (including any prerequisite or leveling courses) and general course scheduling; this meeting will take place after the GPE results have been posted.
2. New international graduate students who are required to enroll in the Intensive English Language Program (IELI) prior to taking graduate coursework are expected to contact the Composition Division chair during orientation week. IELI students accepted to the graduate composition program will also be expected to attend departmental meetings, division events, etc.
3. New teaching fellows and teaching assistants are required to attend a special meeting during orientation week.

Additional information regarding new graduate student orientation may be found on the College of Music Graduate Studies and the UNT Toulouse Graduate School websites.

All graduate composition majors not enrolled in thesis or dissertation will be reviewed by the composition faculty in late March and/or early April. The Graduate Review schedule will typically be posted on the composition division bulletin board and the online calendar by mid-March.

1. The purpose of this annual review is as follows:
   
   1. To evaluate the student's artistic, academic, and professional development, including contribution to the composition program.
   2. To advise and assist first-year graduate students with the degree plan and selection of the advisory committee.
   3. To evaluate doctoral students who are completing coursework and determine preparedness for the doctoral literature examination and the subsequent qualifying examinations.
   4. To approve enrollment in Thesis (MUGC 5950) for master's students.
2. Each eligible student will submit a portfolio for review by the faculty. The portfolio materials must be available electronically and uploaded to a personal website, YouTube, Soundcloud, Google drive, Dropbox, etc.  A separate document with a list of links to these portfolio materials must then be uploaded to the student's profile page on this site, which is due by the end of the day on the Friday prior to the first scheduled Graduate Review session. The student portfolio must include the following:
   
   1. Scores of all works composed during the past year; sketches of any works in progress may also be included.
   2. Recordings of works presented during the past year. Recordings may include reading sessions, live performances, and/or edited studio mixes of the selected compositions. MIDI realizations may be used in exceptional cases, with the approval of the compositon lesson instructor and the Composition Division chair.
   3. Documentation of performances of original compositions (e.g., programs, flyers, news clippings, festival/conference acceptance letters) from the past year, as appropriate.
   4. A current résumé or vita, which includes the following:
      
      • A list of recent compositions, including title, medium, date composed, and duration.
      • A list of recent performances, including date, location, and performers.
      • A list of prizes, commissions, grants, or other honors recently received.
3. Students are to arrive promptly to the scheduled review session, at which time the composition portfolio, division attendance records, and transcripts will be reviewed. All materials submitted for review must be well organized and professionally presented: i.e., accurate, properly notated/formatted, clearly labeled, etc.
4. Following the Graduate Review, the composition faculty will provide verbal and/or written comments concerning the student’s progress in the program.
5. Probationary students may be scheduled for a review of their work at one of the other regularly scheduled evaluation sessions, either at the end of the fall semester or the beginning of the spring semester. Procedures are the same as above, with special emphasis on any deficiencies noted at the time of acceptance. Continuation in the program will be determined by the composition faculty at that time.
6. Whenever warranted, additional reviews of the student’s work may be called for at any time during the course of study in order to monitor progress in the program. Students who fail to meet the standards established by the composition division may be dismissed from the program upon recommendation of the composition faculty.

Prior to taking the qualifying examination, all doctoral students are required to pass the Doctoral Literature Examination. This exam is taken by every doctoral composition major at the beginning of the third year of study; therefore, it is important for students to have completed all MUMH coursework requirements within the first two years in the program. The two-hour examination is in two parts, and includes a combination of score and audio examples selected from a repertoire list of 200 works: part I consists of seven works composed before 1900; part II consists of seven works composed since 1900. Students will be asked to provide the following information regarding each work:

1. Composer’s name
2. Approximate date of composition
3. Work title
4. Genre
5. Salient musical characteristics: include a brief statement to support your answer

Students must pass both portions of this examination before proceeding with the written qualifying examination.

1. The qualifying examination consists of two parts: a written component and an oral component. The written examination is administered during the course of a week and includes the major field and minor/related field examinations.
2. The major field examination is a take-home exam that is based on the student’s repertoire list, and is administered over three days. The exam consists of either three essay questions or two essay questions and two shorter analysis questions; the exact structure of each exam will be determined by the examination committee and conveyed to the student prior to the examination date.
3. The minor/related field examination is typically administered during the same week as the major field exam and may consist of an essay, project, portfolio, or other format type. For specific information concerning the content, format, and grading criteria of this portion of the examination, the student should contact the minor/related field area representative (minor professor) on the committee.
4. The student's major professor will solicit questions for the major field portion of the qualifying examination from members of the examination committee. The examination is then compiled by the student's major professor in consultation with the Composition Division chair, or with the composition faculty representative on the examination committee in cases where the Composition Division chair is serving as the major professor.
5. The complete major field examination will be sent in electronic format to the student from the Composition Division administrative coordinator on the first morning of the examination period, and must be returned by email to the administrative coordinator no later than noon on the fourth day. Essays must thoroughly address the questions and are to be properly formatted, including adequate citations. Analysis questions will typically include both a score component and an accompanying essay that elaborates upon and synthesizes the score analysis.
6. The major field portion of the examination will be graded by the examination committee; if necessary, an additional evaluator from the composition faculty may be selected by the Composition Division chair. Results will be available usually within two weeks following the completion of the examination.
7. If the examination committee determines that the written portion of the qualifying examination is unacceptable in any way, it may require the student to retake one or more portions of the examination before proceeding with the oral portion of the exam.  In these cases, the student is expected to consult with the examination committee to determine the terms and expectations of the retake examination. If the student fails any portion of the written qualifying examination on the second attempt, the composition faculty may recommend dismissal from the program.
8. Once the committee has determined that the student may proceed with the oral examination, the student may schedule the oral examination with the examination committee, making sure to reserve a room through the Music Scheduling Office. This two-hour examination is intended to be a synthesis of all areas of the written qualifying examinations, including a discussion of works from the repertoire list, as well as a comprehensive examination over material covered during graduate coursework and general knowledge commensurate with the degree. It is expected that any areas of concern evident in the written qualifying examination will be more thoroughly explored during the oral examination.
9. Students are to follow the guidelines below when scheduling the oral qualifying examination:
   
   1. Present a range of possible examination dates to all members of the examination committee; students should be as flexible as possible in this matter, as coordinating several faculty schedules may be difficult. It is recommended that students correspond with committee members by e-mail to facilitate scheduling. Alternatively, students may use a program such as Doodle to facilitate the scheduling process.  
   2. Select a two-hour block of time that is acceptable to all members of the examination committee.
   3. Schedule a room for the examination. Oral examinations are typically conducted in the Floyd Graham/Green Room (MU 251), in one of the CEMI studios, or in the major professor’s studio. Students must follow College of Music procedures when scheduling a room for the examination.
   4. Confirm the date, time, and location of the oral examination with all examination committee members once it has been scheduled through the Music Scheduling Office.
10. Students who do not adequately demonstrate a doctoral-level understanding of the material covered in the oral examination may be asked to retake the examination at a later date after consultation with the examination committee. If the student fails the oral examination on the second attempt, the examination committee, in consultation with the Composition Division chair, may recommend dismissal from the program.

1. Master's composition students are eligible to enroll in MUGC 5950 upon completion of the following requirements:
   
   1. MUCP 5080 (3.0 hours).
   2. MUCP 5190 (3.0 hours).
   3. Pre-Thesis Hearing with the composition faculty (typically scheduled during Graduate Review, or one of the other student evaluation sessions). In addition to reviewing coursework, grades, and professional activities, this hearing includes:
      
      • Approval of the composition portfolio (including at least two substantial works composed since beginning the MA program in composition). The scope of the works included in the student's portfolio must be deemed appropriate to the expectations of the master's program by the composition faculty; students should discuss these expectations with their composition instructor(s) prior to the portfolio review.
      • Approval of a preliminary thesis plan; while not as formal as the official Final Document Proposal, this plan is intended to give the faculty a general idea of the scope, content, and timeline of the proposed thesis. Students whose project will require more than two semesters to complete the final document must present compelling reasons for such an extension at the time of the hearing in order to obtain approval from the composition faculty.
   4. Additionally, the degree plan and advisory committee form must be approved and filed with the Office of Graduate Studies in Music before students are eligible to enroll in MUGC 5950.
2. Doctoral composition students are eligible to enroll in MUGC 6950 upon completion of the following requirements:
   
   1. MUCP 5080 (3.0 hours).
   2. MUCP 6190 and/or MUCP 6200 (9.0 hours).
   3. Approval of the composition portfolio (including at least three substantial works composed since beginning the PhD program in composition) during the second-year Graduate Review. The scope of the works included in the student's portfolio must be deemed appropriate to the expectations of the doctoral program by the composition faculty; students should discuss these expectations with their composition instructor(s) prior to the Graduate Review.
   4. Doctoral Literature Examination.
   5. Additionally, the degree plan and advisory committee form must be approved and filed with the Office of Graduate Studies in Music before students are eligible to enroll in MUGC 6950.
3. Master's students are expected to enroll in thesis (MUGC 5950) for two semesters (3.0 credit hours each); doctoral students are expected to enroll in dissertation (MUGC 6950) for three semesters (3.0 credit hours each). During those semesters of enrollment, students will meet with the major professor on a regular basis (typically one hour per week, similar to graduate composition lessons). Other arrangements may be made (e.g., longer but less frequent lessons, e-mail/phone/online correspondence for non-resident students) contingent upon the following:
   
   1. Both the student and major professor agree to the terms.
   2. The Composition Division chair approves the arrangement.
   3. Sufficient progress on the final document can be demonstrated to the graduate advisory committee and the composition faculty each semester.
4. In exceptional cases—such as those where the student has completed all other coursework yet must satisfy minimum enrollment requirements for the purpose of student loans, visa, etc.—students may petition to take up to 6.0 hours of thesis/dissertation in a given semester. Such requests must be approved in writing by the Composition Division chair.
5. Once begun, students must maintain continuous enrollment in MUGC 5950/6950 during the fall and spring semesters until the final document has been approved and submitted to the Toulouse School of Graduate Studies. In emergency situations, students in MUGC 5950/6950 may file a request for a leave of absence of up to one year; students who fail to enroll in MUGC 5950/6950 for two consecutive semesters, or who discontinue enrollment with faculty approval, must apply for readmission to the Toulouse Graduate School and the composition program.
6. The Final Document Proposal must be submitted and approved by the student's graduate advisory committee by the end of the first semester of enrollment in MUGC 5950/6950. Students who have not met this requirement will not be allowed to continue in MUGC 5950/6950 until they have done so, and will thus risk forfeiting the previous semester's thesis/dissertation credits.
7. If the student has not completed and defended the final document by the anticipated defense date indicated on the Final Document Approval form, a request for continuation in the program (including a detailed progress report and timeline for completion of the project) must be submitted to the student's graduate advisory committee and the Composition Division chair for consideration at the end of this period.  The chair may also convene a hearing with the student before the composition faculty to determine continuation in the program.
8. If it is determined that the student has not made sufficient progress on the final document and/or that the revised timeline is not reasonable, the student will not be approved for continuation in thesis/dissertation. At this point, the committee has the following options:
   
   1. Dismissal of the student from the program; or
   2. Temporary suspension until the student is ready to resume work on the final document.
      In the case of suspension, the student forfeits all previous credit hours of 5950/6950 and must petition to begin the process again once demonstrating that the document can be completed  in a timely manner. In those instances, master's students may request to take all 6 hours of thesis in a single semester; doctoral students may request to divide their 9 hours of dissertation credit over two semesters.
9. If the committee approves continuation in thesis/dissertation, a new deadline will be set for completion of the degree (no later than one year from the original date) and the student will continue enrolling in MUGC 5950 and MUGC 6950, respectively. During this extension period, the major professor does not receive load credit and is not obligated to meet with the student on a weekly basis. If the student is still not prepared to defend the final document by the end of the extension semester, the student may file a second request for extension, as detailed in item 7 above.
10. Students will be considered for no more than two extensions, after which they will be automatically dismissed from the composition program.

This examination is taken upon completion of the final document and preliminary approval by the major professor, at which time the student provides a copy of the document for each member of the advisory committee and schedules an oral examination date.  A preliminary Turnitin report must be submitted at this time as well.  Students are to review and evaluate this report prior to submission to the committee, addressing instances of plagiarism as they are detected in the report.  

1. Students are to follow the guidelines below when scheduling the final oral examination:
   
   1. Present a range of possible examination dates to all members of advisory committee; students should be as flexible as possible in this matter, as coordinating several faculty schedules will be difficult. It is recommended that students correspond with committee members via e-mail to facilitate scheduling.
   2. Select a two-hour block of time that is acceptable to all members of the advisory committee.
   3. Schedule a room for the examination. Oral examinations are typically conducted in the Floyd Graham/Green Room (MU 251), in one of the CEMI studios, or in the major professor’s studio. Students must follow College of Music procedures when scheduling a room for the examination.
   4. Confirm the date, time, and location of the oral examination with all examination committee members once it has been scheduled through the Music Scheduling Office.
2. The examination consists of the following:
   
   1. Defense of the final document: this includes discussion of both the original composition and any topics relevant to the critical essay.
   2. Final evaluation of the composition portfolio; refer to the Graduate Review section above for details.
   3. Master's students only: comprehensive examination over material covered during graduate coursework and general knowledge commensurate to the degree. (Note that doctoral students will have been tested on this material during the oral portion of the qualifying examination).  
3. At the conclusion of the final oral examination, the advisory committee makes one of the following recommendations:
   
   1. Passed.
   2. Passed provisionally, pending any changes to the document recommended by members of the advisory committee.
   3. Failed, in which case the advisory committee will determine the conditions for rescheduling the final oral examination.
4. If any changes to the document are required, advisory committee members will return the revised draft of the document with corrections to the student following the final oral examination.
5. Upon successful completion of the final document defense and approval of the document, the student submits a copy of the entire final document, along with the most recent Turnitin report, to the Office of Graduate Studies in Music.
6. Graduate students should carefully observe all posted deadlines prior to scheduling the final oral examination. Failure to meet deadlines listed below will result in a postponed graduation date and may require enrolling in an additional semester of enrollment in MUGC 5950/6950:
   
   1. Six weeks prior to final oral examination: Student schedules final oral examination date in consultation with advisory committee; allow 48 hours to confirm room reservation.
   2. Three weeks prior to final oral examination: Student submits first draft of complete document (composition and critical essay) to major professor.
   3. Two weeks prior to final oral examination: Major professor returns the document draft with corrections to student.
   4. One week prior to final oral examination: Student submits revised version of complete document (approved by the major professor) to advisory committee.
   5. Three weeks prior to final document filing deadline: Last date for final oral examination; this allows the student adequate time to make any necessary corrections to the document as recommended by the advisory committee.
   6. Two weeks prior to final document filing deadline: Student submits final revised document to the Office of Graduate Studies in Music for approval by the director of graduate studies and the dean of the College of Music. Additional information is available at the Music Graduate Studies website.

The composition bulletin board is located across from MU 207. All composition students should regularly check this board for important information pertaining to the division including upcoming events, student opportunities, and current news concerning composition students and faculty. Materials must not be posted or removed from the board without first consulting with the division chair. Any items posted without prior approval from the division chair will be removed from the bulletin board.

The UNT Career Center can assist with all aspects of a job search including career exploration, resume and cover letter writing, interviewing, and job search strategies.  The UNT Counseling and Testing Center provides service to UNT students in a wide range of areas, including individual, group, and career counseling, and addressing such issues as performance anxiety and generalized career stress.

1. Recipients of financial assistance are expected to uphold the highest academic standards and participate regularly in composition division activities. Failure to meet these expectations may result in a reduction or suspension of future financial support.
2. Students who have been provisionally accepted to the program are not eligible for support through the composition division until all requirements for acceptance have been met.
3. Scholarship recipients and TFs/TAs/GAs must maintain full-time enrollment status during the period of support/appointment. Full-time enrollment is defined as a minimum of 12 hours per semester for undergraduates and 9 hours per semester for graduate students. Petitions for exceptions to this policy must be filed with the composition division chair at the beginning of the semester and are typically granted only to students who have fewer than 9 hours of required coursework re before being admitted to candidacy and doctoral students enrolled in dissertation. Approval is granted at the discretion of the composition faculty and is based upon availability of funds, the student's past contribution to the program, and (in the case of TFs/TAs) the instructional needs of the division.

Full and partial teaching assistantships, teaching fellowships, and graduate assistantships are available for graduate students in composition.

1. While enrolled in the masters degree program in composition, a student may receive an appointment for a maximum of two years. While enrolled in the doctoral degree program in composition, a student may receive an appointment for two or three years, determined as follows:
   
   1. Two years maximum for students who held an appointment for more than one year while enrolled in the masters degree program in composition at UNT;
   2. Three years maximum for students who did not hold an appointment while enrolled in the masters degree program in composition at UNT, or who held such an appointment for one year or less.
2. An "appointment" is considered to be a full fellowship, assistantship, or a combination thereof in any area of the UNT College of Music (20 hours per week). An exception to this policy may be made if the instructional needs of the composition division require the extension of a given appointment. Partial TF/TA/GA appointments are prorated; e.g., a half appointment for one year is equivalent to a full appointment for one semester.
3. All appointments begin the week prior to classes, during which time all new and returning TFs/TAs/GAs are required to attend a College of Music orientation as well as a meeting with the composition faculty mentor(s).
4. TF/TA/GA responsibilities may include teaching and/or assisting in the instruction of composition courses and lessons and assisting with administrative, production, and technical duties associated with CEMI. Further information concerning policies for teaching fellows, teaching assistants, and graduate assistants is available in the Office of Graduate Studies in Music.

The Composition Division offers related fields in Composition, Computer Music, and Contemporary Music Performance for eligible students in other graduate music programs (MM, MA, DMA, PhD). Please contact your major field professor or area advisor to determine if this is an option for your degree plan; application guidelines and related field requirements are listed below:

Applying for the Related Field in Composition

Qualifications

Students interested in this related field are expected to have demonstrated compositional proficiency equivalent to a composition minor or concentration at the undergraduate level. Acceptance to this related field will be based on the student's talent, achievement as a composer, future potential, and availability of faculty studio spaces.

The following prerequisites apply for the related field in music composition:

• A Bachelor's degree in music or the equivalent.
• At least two semesters of composition lessons or the equivalent.
• Evidence of compositional activity (e.g., performances, awards, etc.).

Applicants who do not meet the above criteria may be provisionally accepted as a related field student in composition at the discretion of the composition faculty, pending completion of recommended deficiency courses.

Application Information

Students interested in declaring a related field in composition must electronically submit an application portfolio for review by the composition faculty that includes the following:

1. Scores of three representative works.
2. Recordings (audio and/or video files) of three representative works, at least two of which should correspond with the scores submitted. MIDI realizations may be used in exceptional cases.
3. A list of original compositions, including title, medium, date composed, duration, and performance history.
4. Complete academic transcripts (photocopies acceptable).
5. Letter of recommendation from a person qualified to evaluate the applicant's accomplishments and merits in the area of composition; this may be emailed directly to the administrative assistant for confidentiality.
6. Writing sample (e.g., research paper, thesis, etc.).

Applications for the related field in composition will be accepted throughout the academic year.  Email a link to these files to the administrative assistant in Composition Studies. Applicants should allow up to four weeks for these materials to be reviewed by the composition faculty prior to notification of acceptance.

Degree and graduation requirements for this related field may be found on the Students section of this site.

Applying for the Related Field in Computer Music

Qualifications

Applied computer music research is an important element of many students' goals in performance, education, and music theory. This related field will allow students outside of composition to take advantage of the substantial opportunities and resources of CEMI and iARTA, and to have this research documented and integrated into their graduate studies. Students interested in this related field are expected to demonstrate proficiency with music technology through relevant coursework at the undergraduate level and/or independent projects that apply music technology in some manner.

Application Information

Students interested in declaring a related field in computer music must electronically submit an application portfolio for review by the composition faculty that includes the following:

1. A list of original applications of music technology, which may include musical works, software, hardware, code, etc.
2. A sample of work(s) included on the list above.
3. Complete academic transcripts (photocopies acceptable).
4. Letter of recommendation from a person qualified to evaluate the applicant's accomplishments and merits in the area of music technology.
5. Writing sample (e.g., research paper, thesis, etc.).

Acceptance to the related field area to be determined by the composition faculty as the result of a review of the student's academic work and thesis/dissertation research plans. Courses are to be chosen in consultation with the student's primary instructor and a representative from the composition division.
Applications for the related field in computer music will be accepted throughout the academic year. Email a link to these files to the administrative assistant in Composition Studies. Applicants should allow up to four weeks for these materials to be reviewed by the composition faculty prior to notification of acceptance.

Degree and graduation requirements for this related field may be found on the Students section of this site.

Applying for the Related Field in Contemporary Music Performance

Qualifications

The Related Field in Contemporary Music is a selective program for performers and conductors who have demonstrated a serious commitment to studying and performing the music of our time. This related field provides a framework for advanced study of contemporary music extending beyond the scope of typical studio lessons. Its goal is to encourage intensive study of contemporary music at the highest level, helping students build unique sets of skills and repertoire that will distinguish their careers.

Only a limited number of applicants can be accepted into this program. Successful applicants will provide a clear record of performances that extend beyond the standard repertoire, as well as a strong proposal for future study within the related field. In some cases, applicants may be accepted provisionally in order to build a foundation of contemporary music experience.

Students in the program will be expected to include contemporary repertoire on degree recitals and departmental performances, as well as performances with Nova Ensemble and other Composition Division programs. The repertoire studied should embrace diverse styles of contemporary music, and can range from early twentieth century modern masters (for example, Edgard Varèse, Anton Webern, Ruth Crawford, or Henry Cowell) to composers writing today. Collaborations with living composers are an essential component of this related field. Works in each student's final portfolio will demonstrate an understanding of contemporary performance practice issues, and familiarity with a comprehensive range of major contemporary repertoire.

Prospective applicants with questions regarding qualifications should contact the Composition Division chair.

Application Information

Students interested in declaring a related field in contemporary music performance must electronically submit an application portfolio for review by the composition faculty that includes the following:

1. Complete academic transcripts (copies acceptable).
2. Academic writing sample.
3. Sample recording of contemporary solo and chamber music performed by the applicant.
4. Repertoire list that demonstrates significant contemporary music performance experience; this list should include works programmed on solo and chamber recitals, not just works performed in organized ensembles (e.g., Nova Ensemble). This list should include composer dates and/or dates of composition.
5. Sample programs including contemporary repertoire (copies acceptable).
6. List of at least five proposed contemporary works/projects to be studied in the course of their degree. The proposals should be of significant contemporary repertoire; however, the projects should be practical with regard to scope and resources.
7. Personal statement that addresses the student's interest and experience in the performance and study of contemporary music, and reasons for interest in this related field.
8. Letter of recommendation from the major professor, or another person qualified to assess the student's background and potential in the area of contemporary music.
9. Live audition for placement in Nova Ensemble; please note that a successful audition for the Nova Ensemble does not necessarily guarantee admittance to this related field.

Applications for the related field in contemporary music performance will be accepted throughout the academic year. Email a link to these files to the administrative assistant in Composition Studies. Applicants should allow up to four weeks for these materials to be reviewed by the composition faculty prior to notification of acceptance.

Degree and graduation requirements for this related field may be found on the Students section of this site.