Music: Composition (M.A.)

Program Overview

The Master of Arts in Composition at the University of New Hampshire offers advanced studies in music composition, preparing students for diverse careers in composition, film and theater, sound design, music teaching, and freelance writing. The program emphasizes individualized mentorship, a collaborative learning environment, and a culminating final project that showcases students' compositional proficiency. Graduates are equipped with the skills and knowledge to succeed in various roles within the music industry and related creative fields.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• The Master of Arts in Composition degree at the University of New Hampshire (UNH) provides students with the opportunity to pursue advanced studies in music composition, fostering their artistic and intellectual development.
• The program aims to prepare graduates for diverse career paths, including doctoral studies in composition or music theory, film and theater composition, sound design, music teaching, and freelance writing.
• UNH's Music Department is committed to tailoring the program to meet the aspirations of each student, ensuring they receive the guidance and support necessary to achieve their professional goals.
• The program is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music, attesting to its high academic standards and adherence to best practices in music education.

Outline:

• The Music: Composition (M.A.)
program at UNH comprises 30 credit hours of coursework and a culminating final project, which can take various forms (e.g., composition, lecture recital, research paper).
• Coursework encompasses core areas of concentration in composition (MUSI 875-876) and advanced composition (MUSI 877), along with research seminar (MUSI 891).
• Supportive courses in music, such as introduction to bibliography (MUSI 865), theory seminar (MUSI 894), and musicology seminar (MUSI 869), provide a strong foundation and enhance the student's knowledge.
• Electives (19 credit hours) allow students to tailor their studies to their interests and career aspirations within music or related fields (subject to the approval of the Graduate Studies Coordinator for the Department of Music).

Assessment:

• Students are assessed on their ability to apply their compositional skills and knowledge in the creation of original works.
• The final oral examination evaluates the candidate's ability to articulate their artistic vision and defend their creative decisions.
• The final project, as approved by the faculty and the project advisor, serves as a comprehensive demonstration of the student's proficiency in music composition.

Teaching:

• Teaching in the Music: Composition (M.A.)
program is guided by a faculty of experienced composers and music educators.
• Students benefit from individualized mentorship, receiving personalized guidance and support throughout their academic journey.
• The program fosters a creative and collaborative learning environment, where students engage in discussions, workshops, and performances, nurturing their artistic growth and professional development.

Careers:

• Graduates of the Music: Composition (M.A.)
program from UNH are equipped for a wide range of careers in music.
• They may pursue further studies in composition or theory, or pursue careers as film and theater composers, sound designers, music teachers, or freelance writers.
• The program prepares students with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in various roles within the music industry and related creative fields.