Program Overview
The Theory and Composition program at BMUS fosters students' unique compositional approaches through extensive faculty interaction and professional development. Students gain experience composing in various genres and media, broadening their skills in compositional techniques from diverse styles and traditions. The program prepares graduates for careers in arranging, composing, performing, teaching, and other music-related fields.
Program Outline
Students gain experience in composing music for various genres and media, including chamber, orchestra, and electronic music, film and video scoring, and collaborations with performers and student animators, filmmakers, and dancers. The program emphasizes broadening skills in compositional techniques from diverse styles and traditions.
Outline:
Year 1:
- Rudiments of Music Theory I
- Rudiments of Music Theory II
- Music Theory III
- Music Theory IV
- Introduction to Keyboard Harmony
- Introduction to Score Reading and Analysis
Year 2:
- Music Theory V
- Music Theory VI
- Form and Analysis
- Counterpoint I
- Counterpoint II
- Twentieth-Century Techniques
- Introduction to Composition II
Year 3:
- Composition III
- Composition IV
- Composition V
- Composition VI
- Orchestration I
- Orchestration II
- Advanced Score Reading and Analysis
- Music History I
- Music History II
Year 4:
- Composition VII
- Composition VIII
- Composition IX
- Composition X
- Electronic Music Composition
- Music for Film and Video
- Capstone Project
Assessment:
Students are assessed through a combination of methods, including:
- Assignments
- Performances
- Compositions
- Exams
- Critiques
- Capstone project
Teaching:
The program offers individual instruction with renowned composers and theorists, providing students with a personalized learning experience.
Careers:
Graduates are prepared to work in various capacities, including:
- Arranging
- Composing
- Performing
- Teaching
- Music production
- Music business
- Publishing
Global Opportunities:
Students can also participate in study abroad programs to gain an enhanced understanding of how music affects culture and how they can communicate globally through their compositions.
