M.A. COMPOSITION

The Master of Arts - Music Composition is designed to advance the music composition creative skills of advanced students and to prepare them for admission to doctoral study. The program emphasizes mastery of composition of large-scale works for media including orchestra, choir, band and/or chamber music ensembles. Based on a solid undergraduate music degree, the master’s degree further develops abilities in music theory including analytical, aural, written, keyboard, and pedagogical skills. The program further develops breadth and depth in the area of Western music history and literature. Students are required to write a thesis composition.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

• Official transcript(s)
• 3.0 GPA
• Three letters of recommendation
• Portfolio of original compositions
• Statement of career goals
• Resumé

OUTCOMES/OBJECTIVES

Compositions

Students compile a body of completed compositions.

Composing

Students demonstrate and apply compositional techniques for creation of new works including musical style and structure.

Analysis

Students analyze music from a wide range of styles and style periods and communicate results in written and oral formats.

Literature

Students are able to recognize, identify, and analyze representative literature from different historical periods, countries and composers.

Communication

Students are able to communicate knowledge of composition, theory and other aspects of music as would be done in classroom and private teaching.

Oral examination

Students defend the thesis composition in an oral examination before a panel of three or more music theory & composition faculty. Additional comprehensive examination topics include music theory and music history.

The College of the Arts is a vibrant arena of study and professional practice encompassing the visual, performing, and design arts. Our concert halls, theatres, and galleries bring the creative collaboration of students and faculty to the mainstream of campus cultural life. In our facilities, integrated learning experiences and research blend professional practice and academic investigation. Internships and other off-campus experiences enhance career entry.

These varied curricular resources, led by dynamic teachers and scholars, serve some 2,600 student majors in our four schools of Art, Fashion Design and Merchandising, Music, and Theatre and Dance. Nine degree options offer more than 50 individual program concentrations at the baccalaureate through doctoral levels. All students of the University are served through courses that satisfy the Kent Core Courses requirements, various minors in other programs, as well as the elective interests of individuals. More than 100,000 persons attend concerts, plays, and exhibitions of the college annually.

The cultural diversity of our students and faculty, the professional collaborations maintained by our schools and the enlivening environment of a comprehensive teaching and research university invite you to join our more than 15,000 alumni who chose the College of the Arts. We look forward to engaging you in this dynamic experience.

John R. Crawford-Spinelli, Ed.D. Dean

STRATEGIC ROADMAP 2019-2024

1. Improve career preparation for students (University Priority 1 – Students First)

2. Innovate the curriculum (University Priority 1 – Students First and Priority 2 – A Distinctive Kent State)

3. Improve College of the Arts learning environment based on climate study feedback (University Priority 5 – Organizational Stewardship)

4. Increase student scholarships (University Priority 1 – Students First)

5. Focus marketing efforts for undergraduate and graduate student recruitment (University Priority 2 – A Distinctive Kent State and Priority

   4 – Regional Impact)

6. Engage in more focused community engagement (University Priority 4 – Regional Impact)

7. Increase national rankings and international recognition (University Priority 3 – Global Competitiveness)

8. Increase research/creative activity profile and consistently track it (University Priority 2 – A Distinctive Kent State and Priority 3 – Global Competitiveness)

9. Create intentional and strategic College-funded interdisciplinary faculty appointments (University Priority 2 – A Distinctive Kent State and Priority 3 – Global Competitiveness)

10. Increase alumni engagement initiatives (University Priority 4 – Regional Impact and Priority 5 – Organizational Stewardship)