Program Overview: The graduate degree program in music composition at Ohio University offers specialized training in music composition complemented by a well-balanced, advanced education in music history and theory, as well as orchestration and electronic/computer music. Music composition at Ohio University is taught in private or semi-private lessons with their major professor. Three quarters (one year) of private study are required for the master’s degree in composition, but most students take advantage of the opportunity to enroll in composition as an elective whenever their schedules permit. The degree culminates with a composition thesis–a large-scale musical work–and a composition recital.. Students have the opportunity to hear their music read or performed by School of Music ensembles such as the orchestra, wind symphony, or concert band. Composition department recitals provide valuable opportunities for young composers to hear their chamber music performed. Ohio University also has strong programs in film, video, theater, and dance. Student composers are encouraged to take advantage of these opportunities outside the School of Music by composing music for student films, videos, theater productions, and dance concerts. The School of Music has a first-rate electronic and computer music program centered around a multi-station Mac lab and a surround sound studio, which is available for advanced student projects. The School of Music has a first-rate electronic and computer music program centered around a multi-station lab and a surround sound studio equipped with a dual processor Apple G5 Powermac. Each workstation in the lab is equipped with a new 20” screen G5 iMac, a MIDI keyboard, and a variety of commercial and custom software and is available for student use about 80 hours a week. The surround sound studio is available for advanced student projects.

Admissions Policy: In addition to completing the standard application for admission to the university, applicants to the master’s degree program in composition are required to submit a portfolio of scores and recordings that best demonstrate their ability as a composer. They must also include a short essay in which they discuss their career goals as a composer and why they are interested in pursuing a master’s degree in composition. 

Change Policy: In addition to completing the standard application for admission to the university, applicants to the master’s degree program in composition are required to submit a portfolio of scores and recordings that best demonstrate their ability as a composer. They must also include a short essay in which they discuss their career goals as a composer and why they are interested in pursuing a master’s degree in composition. 

Transfer Policy: In addition to completing the standard application for admission to the university, applicants to the master’s degree program in composition are required to submit a portfolio of scores and recordings that best demonstrate their ability as a composer. They must also include a short essay in which they discuss their career goals as a composer and why they are interested in pursuing a master’s degree in composition. 

Opportunities: Students in Ohio University’s Music Composition program are prepared to pursue additional study at the doctoral level, or can work independently as composers, arrangers, music copyists, and in other musically creative fields.