Music Composition, MMus

Contact

Joseph Downing, Chair, Department of Music Composition, Theory, and, History
120D Crouse College, 315-443-2191, jdowning@syr.edu

Faculty

Joseph Downing, Nicolas Scherzinger, Natalie Draper, Texu Kim

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, 1-2 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.

Student Learning Outcomes

Music Research (Graduate Sequence):

a. conduct research studies and utilize findings in fields of artistic or pedagogical practice.

Harmony and Analysis (Graduate Sequence):

a. identify/describe advanced elements and organizational patterns of music and their aural and verbal analysis.

b. identify/describe advanced musical forms, processes, and structures.

Comprehensive Exam/Thesis/Lecture Recital (Graduate Sequence):

a. create and present a culminating demonstration integrating research and practice.

Composition Major Graduate Recital:

a. demonstrate skills for functional and artistic self-expression at the appropriate level.

b. demonstrate the ability to compose a cross-section of repertoire.

Program Requirements

Required Courses

MUE 615 - Introduction to Research in Music 3 credit(s) (core)
MTC 646 - Advanced Tonal Analysis 3 credit(s) (core)
MHL XXX Music History (core) 3 credit(s)
Major 8 credit(s)
Recital 1 credit(s)
Special courses 4 credit(s) *
Music literature, music electives and free electives (varying with emphases) 12 credit(s)

*Examples of Special courses for various emphases might include the following:

MTC 535 - Orchestration 3 credit(s)
MTC 545 - Counterpoint 3 credit(s)
MTC 560 - Electronic Music Composition 3 credit(s)
MTC 562 - Performing with Computers 3 credit(s)

Course Catalog