Music: Composition (Technology) Track

Program Overview

Auburn University's Music (BMU) Composition (Technology) Track trains students in composing music across genres using advanced computer and recording studio technology. The program emphasizes digital audio workstations, sound sample libraries, and competency-building in related music areas. Students develop fundamental musicianship skills through music theory, history, and conducting courses, while actively participating in musical ensembles. The program culminates in a public senior composition recital as a capstone project.

Program Outline

Music (BMU): Composition (Technology) Track (MSLA) - Auburn University

Degree Overview:

The Composition (Technology) track of the Music Bachelor's Degree (BMU) at Auburn University trains students in composing music across various genres while utilizing advanced computer and recording studio technology as a core creative tool. This intensive program emphasizes digital audio workstations, sound sample libraries, and competency-building in various related music areas through dedicated coursework. Students develop fundamental musicianship skills through music theory, history, and conducting courses, while actively participating in musical ensembles. The culmination of the program requires students to present a public senior composition recital as their capstone project.

Outline:

Freshman Year:

• Fall Semester (13 hours):
• MUSI 1000 Performance Attendance (0 hours)
• MUAP 1520 Performance I (2 hours)
• MUSE 1000-level Ensemble (1 hour)
• MUSI 1330 Music Theory and Skills I (3 hours)
• MUSI 1020 Piano Skills I - Rudiments (1 hour)
• ENGL 1100 English Composition I (3 hours)
• Core History (3 hours)
• Core Fine Arts (3 hours)
• Spring Semester (13 hours):
• MUSI 1000 Performance Attendance (0 hours)
• MUAP 1620 Performance II (2 hours)
• MUSE 1000-level Ensemble (1 hour)
• MUSI 1430 Music Theory and Skills II (3 hours)
• MUSI 1030 Piano Skills II (1 hour)
• ENGL 1120 English Composition II (3 hours)
• Core History (3 hours)
• Core Literature (3 hours)

Sophomore Year:

• Fall Semester (16 hours):
• MUSI 1000 Performance Attendance (0 hours)
• MUAP 2520 Performance III (2 hours)
• MUSE 2000-level Ensemble (1 hour)
• MUSI 2330 Music Theory and Skills III (3 hours)
• MUSI 2040 Functional Piano I (1 hour)
• MUSI 2480 Foundations of Music Technology (3 hours)
• Core Literature (3 hours)
• Core Humanities (except COMM 1000) (3 hours)
• Spring Semester (17 hours):
• MUSI 1000 Performance Attendance (0 hours)
• MUAP 2620 Performance IV (2 hours)
• MUSE 2000-level Ensemble (1 hour)
• MUSI 2430 Music Theory and Skills IV (3 hours)
• MUSI 2050 Functional Piano II (1 hour)
• MUSI 2450 Electronic Music History (2 hours)
• Core Social Science or History (3 hours)
• LBAR 2010 Liberal Arts Careers Preparation (2 hours)

Junior Year:

• Fall Semester (16 hours):
• MUSI 1000 Performance Attendance (0 hours)
• MUAP 3520 Performance V (2 hours)
• MUSE 3000/4000-level course in Music (3 hours)
• MUSI 3510 Music History I (3 hours)
• MUSI 3440 Audio Engineering I (2 hours)
• MUSI 3640 Instrumental Conducting I (3 hours)
• Core Math (3 hours)
• Spring Semester (17 hours):
• MUSI 1000 Performance Attendance (0 hours)
• MUAP 3620 Performance VI (2 hours)
• MUSI 3520 Music History II (3 hours)
• MUSI 3450 Audio Engineering II (3 hours)
• Select one of the following (2 hours):
• Core Science II (4 hours)
• MUSI 3630 Instrumental Conducting I (3 hours)
• Core Science I (4 hours)

Senior Year:

• Fall Semester (14 hours):
• MUSI 1000 Performance Attendance (0 hours)
• MUAP 4520 Performance VII (2 hours)
• MUSE 3000/4000-level course in Music (3 hours)
• Core Humanities (3 hours)
• Core Social Science (3 hours)
• Foreign Language II (4 hours)
• Elective (2 hours)
• Spring Semester (14 hours):
• MUSI 1000 Performance Attendance (0 hours)
• MUAP 4620 Performance VIII (2 hours)
• MUSI 4620 Orchestration for Virtual Ensembles (2 hours)
• MUSI 4800 Senior Performance Recital (2 hours)
• Core Humanities (3 hours)
• Foreign Language I (4 hours)
• UNIV 4AA0 Achieve the Creed (0 hours)

Total Hours: 120

Assessment:

The program assesses student progress through a combination of methods:

• Formal Exams: Written and practical examinations in specific courses to evaluate understanding of core concepts.
• Performance Evaluations: Individual and group performances evaluated by faculty based on established criteria.
• Composition Portfolio: Compilation of original compositions showcasing creative growth and technical mastery.
• Senior Composition Recital: A public performance of original work, judged by a faculty panel on artistic merit and execution.

Teaching:

The program features renowned composition faculty dedicated to nurturing individual artistic voices while emphasizing the integration of music technology into creative processes. This includes:

• Individual Composition Lessons: Weekly personalized guidance on composition techniques through intensive interaction with experienced faculty.
• Small Group Classes: Focused instruction on music theory, history, and technology in collaborative settings fostering peer interaction.
• Ensemble Participation: Joining musical ensembles to gain valuable experience in performance and collaboration within a diverse musical context.
• State-of-the-Art Facilities: Access to modern recording studios and computer labs equipped with advanced software, offering students a comprehensive platform for their creative exploration.

Careers:

Completing the program equips graduates with diverse skills and knowledge, opening doors to a range of exciting career paths. These include:

• Composers: Working independently, or in collaboration with others, creating music for films, video games, television, commercials, and other media.
• Music Producers: Overseeing the recording process for other artists, working closely with musicians and manipulating sound to achieve a desired aesthetic.
• Audio Engineers: Operating audio equipment and manipulating sound during live events, studio recordings, and film/television productions.
• Music Educators: Sharing their knowledge and passion for music by teaching in schools, universities, or private studios.
• Performing Artists: Combining technical mastery with artistic expression to connect with audiences in live musical performance environments.

Other:

Students must earn a "C" or higher in all coursework for the major. They also need to fulfill specified elective course requirements and participate in a two-course history or literature sequence.