Composition: Undergraduate Curriculum

About the Program
Composing is the act of creating original music. It draws upon both intuitive and intellectual talents, challenging the student to write music of value to composers, performers, and audience. The purpose of the undergraduate degree program in composition is to provide a structured course of studies which will lay a foundation for possible graduate work in this field. Career opportunities as a professional composer often require studies beyond the bachelor's degree.

Composers of national and international repute visit CCM regularly to teach, lecture, and meet informally with students to discuss their own work and that of other composers. Most of these visits coincide with performances of the composer's work by CCM ensembles or the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. These visits add a valuable element to CCM's commitment to the creation, performance and recognition of new music. Guests have included such distinguished composers as John Adams, Samuel Adler, William Bolcom, Elliott Carter, George Crumb, Philip Glass, Jennifer Higdon, Karel Husa, Aaron Jay Kernis, Krzysztof Penderecki, Bernard Rands, Frederick Rzewski, Joseph Schwantner, Sir Michael Tippett, and many others. Each season promises to be equally stimulating with an exciting list of guests.

Faculty
The composition faculty is among the most active and versatile in the country. For more information, see links on the divisional home page.

Program and Admission Requirements
For further details, including course and admission requirements, see the composition outline on the UC Programs website.