Bachelor of Music in Composition
The undergraduate degree in music composition at Ohio University is a comprehensive program. In addition to offering specialized training in music composition, the degree provides students with the strong, well-rounded education in music required to achieve success as a composer.
Highlights of the program
Music composition at Ohio University is taught in private or semi-private lessons with their major professor. Six quarters (two years) of private study are required for the undergraduate composition degree, but most students take advantage of the opportunity to enroll in composition as an elective whenever their schedules permit. The degree culminates with a Senior Project — a large-scale musical work.
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 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.
Additional information and course material, including course outlines, class packets, and instructional software are available online. (click here)
Additional information about degree requirements:
All composition students must complete a successful audition as performer before being admitted as a composition major.
Continued study as a performer is required until required proficiency is attained.
Keyboard skills, developed in piano classes or private lessons, are required of all composition students.
All composition majors take the core curriculum in music theory and history that is required of all music majors.
A required course in conducting helps prepare student composers to conduct their own compositions.
In addition to the core curriculum, composition majors receive advanced training in music theory and history, orchestration, and electronic/computer music.
For additional information regarding the bachelor of music degree in composition, please contact:
Associate Director
School of Music