Contact

Nicolas Scherzinger, Chair, Department of Music Composition, Theory, History
120B Crouse College, 315-443-3907, nscherzi@syr.edu

Faculty

Joseph Downing, Daniel Godfrey, John Laverty, Nicolas Scherzinger, Andrew Waggoner

Description

The Setnor School of Music offers a master of music (M.M.) degree program in composition. You will study privately with our prestigious faculty and also meet weekly in the Composer’s Symposium to discuss current issues and visit with guest composers.

All graduate students are required to complete a core sequence of courses in research, music history, and music theory (a total of nine credits). In general most graduate students are required to complete 34 to 36 graduate credits beyond the baccalaureate and normally four semesters in residence. Similar academic patterns and admissions procedures comprise each program for the M.Mus.: 8 credits in the major, 3 credits in music history, 3 credits in music theory, 3 credits in research, 2 credits in recitals, and the remainder to be taken in special courses for various emphases and in music literature, music electives, or free electives (varying according to emphases).

The program promotes the attainment of high levels of performance and a solid grasp of general musical knowledge, as demonstrated by the following: a terminal requirement of at least one large-scale composition and the presentation of one public recital of selected compositions. Written and oral comprehensive examinations must be completed during the final semester. Convocation attendance and ensemble participation are required for all full-time graduate students.