Program Overview

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Music Composition Program

The Music Composition program at Ohio State University allows students to pursue interests including composition, counterpoint, orchestration, spectral music, film scoring, and more alongside talented faculty with a variety of interests. Students' compositions are frequently performed by School of Music ensembles.

Program Overview

• Degree: BM
• Campus: Columbus
• College: Arts and Sciences

Admission Requirements

After applying to the university, students planning to pursue a music major must complete a separate School of Music application and schedule an audition. Transfer students and students already at Ohio State must also complete these steps before entering the program.

Curriculum

• Core courses:
  • Music Theory
  • Aural Training
  • Music History
  • Ensembles
  • Lessons (two years)
  • Keyboard Skills (if piano is primary, then a minor instrument is needed)
• Required major courses:
  • Composer's seminar
  • Keyboard Harmony
  • Beginning Conducting
  • Orchestration
  • Counterpoint
  • Composition
  • Advanced composition and electives
  • Senior Project: Senior composition and half recital of student's original compositions

Study Abroad Opportunities

The Office of International Affairs offers more than 100 study abroad programs in 40 different countries. Students have the opportunity to take classes through an exchange program or foreign university, complete an independent study or service-learning project, conduct research, or participate in an internship program.

Internship Opportunities

Students are encouraged to find educational, performance, and administrative internship opportunities with local arts organizations.

Honors and Scholars Programs

The Arts Honors Program is open to students pursuing majors in the arts. The program provides opportunities for students with exceptional capabilities and motivation to achieve personal satisfaction and intellectual growth through honors courses, advanced coursework, and special academic enrichment programs.

Student Organizations

Music students may be interested in organizations offered through the Office of Student Life, such as the New Music Collective, Jazz Club, Music Industry Club, and Music Producers Club.

Possible Careers

Some composers support themselves through grants, commissions, and other awards or find work in video and film production studios. Most composers continue their studies in graduate school and earn a doctoral degree before becoming a college professor.

Program Objectives

Students majoring in music composition will achieve the following learning outcomes:

• Demonstrate achievement of professional, entry-level competence in the area of specialization.
• Engage in applied studies each semester to prepare for graduate programs and professional careers.
• Complete courses in music theory, music history, and area-specific literature and pedagogy.
• Develop the ability to communicate musical ideas, concepts, and requirements to professionals and laypersons.
• Gain an understanding of the nature of the music field in the professional world.
• Gain experiences in general studies sufficient to prepare them for a range of career options.