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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 submit an application for review by the composition faculty that includes the following:

  1. Scores of three representative works.
  2. Recordings (CD and/or DVD only) 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.
  6. Writing sample (e.g., research paper, thesis, etc.).

Applications for the related field in composition will be accepted throughout the academic year; submit materials to Administrative Assistant Christopher Walker (MU 231). Applicants should allow up to four weeks for these materials to be reviewed by the composition faculty prior to notification of acceptance.

Degree Requirements

Master's Students (9 hours):
• 3-6 hours, MUCP 5185 (Concentration Composition).
• 3-6 hours selected from MUCP 5320 (Orchestration), MUCP 5460 (Contemporary Music), MUCP 5680 (History & Techniques of Electroacoustic Music), MUCP 5690 (Topics in Electroacoustic Music), MUCP 5580 (Contemporary Performance Practices), MUCP 5590/MUEN 5595 (Intermedia Performance Arts).
Prior to graduation, the student will submit a portfolio that includes scores and recordings of original compositions completed while in the program, an artist statement, and a complete list of original works and performances.

Doctoral Students (12 hours):
• 6 hours, MUCP 5185 (Concentration Composition).
• 6 hours selected from MUCP 5320 (Orchestration), MUCP 5460 (Contemporary Music), MUCP 5680 (History & Techniques of Electroacoustic Music), MUCP 5690 (Topics in Electroacoustic Music), MUCP 5580 (Contemporary Performance Practices), MUCP 5590/MUEN 5595 (Intermedia Performance Arts), MUCP 6465 (Topics in Contemporary Music).
Prior to candidacy, the student will submit a portfolio that includes scores and recordings of original compositions completed while in the program, an artist statement, and a complete list of original works and performances; this portfolio will serve as the related field portion of the qualifying examination.

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 submit an application 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; submit materials to Administrative Assistant Christopher Walker (MU 231). Applicants should allow up to four weeks for these materials to be reviewed by the composition faculty prior to notification of acceptance.

Degree Requirements

Master's Students (9 hours, selected from):
• MUCP 5680 (History & Techniques of Electroacoustic Music).
• MUCP 5690 (Topics in Electroacoustic Music): varied subjects; may be repeated for credit.
• MUCP 5590/MUEN 5595 (Intermedia Performance Arts).
Prior to graduation, the student will write an 8-10 page research paper on a topic to be provided by a representative from the composition division, based on the student's research interests within the field of computer music and their relation to his/her work in the major field of study. The paper will be evaluated by the composition faculty representative prior to the final oral examination.

Doctoral Students (12 hours, selected from):
• MUCP 5680 (History & Techniques of Electroacoustic Music).
• MUCP 5690 (Topics in Electroacoustic Music): varied subjects; may be repeated for credit.
• MUCP 5590/MUEN 5595 (Intermedia Performance Arts).
• MUCP 6200 (Advanced Research in Computer Music): may be repeated for credit.
The student will write a 10-15 page research paper on a topic to be provided by a representative from the composition division, based on the student's research interests within the field of computer music and their relation to his/her work in the major field of study. The paper will be evaluated by the composition faculty representative at the time of the student's written qualifying examination. Approval of the research paper will fulfill the related field portion of the written qualifying examination.

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 submit an application 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; submit materials to Administrative Assistant Christopher Walker (MU 231). Applicants should allow up to four weeks for these materials to be reviewed by the composition faculty prior to notification of acceptance.

Degree Requirements

Master's Students (9 hours):
• 3 hours, MUCP 5580 (Contemporary Performance Practices).
• 3 hours selected from MUCP 5460 (Contemporary Music), MUCP 5680 (History & Techniques of Electroacoustic Music), MUCP 5690 (Topics in Electroacoustic Music), MUCP 5590/MUEN 5595 (Intermedia Performance Arts), MUCP 6465 (Topics in Contemporary Music).
• 3 hours MUEN 5585 (Nova Ensemble).
Additionally, the student must demonstrate competency in the interpretation of contemporary music by performing at least one contemporary work each semester (in addition to performances with the Nova Ensemble) and including a substantial work composed since 1950 on the master's degree recital (to be determined in consultation with the major professor and related field representative). Prior to graduation, the student will submit a portfolio that includes recordings, programs, an artist statement (750-1250 words), and a complete list of contemporary projects and repertoire performed while in the program. This portfolio must be submitted to the related field professor at least one week prior to the scheduled oral comprehensive examination.

Doctoral Students (12 hours):
• 3 hours, MUCP 5580 (Contemporary Performance Practices).
• 6 hours selected from MUCP 5460 (Contemporary Music), MUCP 5680 (History & Techniques of Electroacoustic Music), MUCP 5690 (Topics in Electroacoustic Music), MUCP 5590/MUEN 5595 (Intermedia Performance Arts), MUCP 6465 (Topics in Contemporary Music).
• 3 hours Nova Ensemble MUEN 5585.
Additionally, the student must demonstrate competency in the interpretation of contemporary music by performing at least one contemporary work each semester (in addition to performances with the Nova Ensemble) and including at least two substantial works composed since 1950 on one or more of the doctoral degree recitals (to be determined in consultation with the major professor and related field representative). Prior to candidacy, the student will submit a portfolio that includes recordings, programs, an artist statement (1250-2000 words), and a complete list of contemporary projects and repertoire performed while in the program; this portfolio will serve as the related field portion of the qualifying examination, and must be submitted to the related field professor at the time the written qualifying examination is administered.

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