Application requirements
To be considered for acceptance into the MM or the DMA in Composition, applicants must:
- Upload a portfolio of 4-5 notated original compositions.
- Upload recordings of performance of applicant’s compositions (if available)
- Upload a list of compositions; include instrumentation.
All materials can be uploaded to the digital upload section of the Graduate College application. Qualified applicants will be invited to interview with faculty. Invited applicants will be contacted shortly after January 1 to arrange an interview. All invited applicants will be considered for admission and merit-based aid.
Learn more about the university application and get started now.
About Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts, Composition
Students develop active careers as composers, participating in workshops, summer programs and other performance and study opportunities around the world. Alumni are now composition faculty at other prestigious schools, including Princeton University, American University, and University of Florida among many others.
We offer comprehensive course work in composition and music theory, with specialized courses in:
- Orchestration
- Analysis
- Music informatics
- Recording
- Experimental and electro-acoustic music
- Computer music
Learn more about the degree requirements for the MM, Composition by visiting the academic catalog.
Learn more about the degree requirements for the DMA, Composition by visiting the academic catalog.
Learn more information about campus and university policies by visiting the Graduate College Handbook.
Hear your compositions played by talented musicians
Opportunities include the New Opera Initiative which focuses on new work by students and visiting composers, the 21st Century Piano Commission Award which pairs student composers and pianists and presents annual concerts at Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, the Illinois Modern Ensemble, and many more.
