MA Music Composition

Program Overview

The MA in Music Composition at Maynooth University is a 2-year, part-time program that offers a supportive and stimulating environment for students to develop their individual compositional style. Through regular one-to-one tuition, core modules, and opportunities for performance, students create a professional portfolio of compositions and gain the skills and knowledge necessary for a successful career in music. The program welcomes applications from students with diverse backgrounds and experiences and provides access to excellent facilities and financial aid.

Program Outline

The program focuses on the creation of a professional portfolio of compositions through:

• Regular one-to-one tuition with experienced composers
• Core modules in contemporary compositional technique
• Studying the works and writings of other composers
• Regular talks and consultations with visiting professional composers

Outline: The MA in Music Composition is a 2-year, part-time program with the following structure:

• Portfolio of compositions: This forms the central element of the program.
Students will work with their tutors to create a body of work that demonstrates their creativity, technical skills, and artistic vision.
• Contemporary Compositional Technique: This module equips students with the necessary tools and skills to compose contemporary music.
Topics covered include serialism, aleatoric music, musique concrète, and spectral music.
• Study of Works and Writings: This module introduces students to the work of significant composers and theorists of the 20th and 21st centuries.
Students will engage in critical analysis and discussion of key works and writings.
• Electives: Students can choose from a range of electives offered by the MA in Creative Music Technologies (e.g., electroacoustic composition) and the MA in Musicology (e.g., Music & Gender).

Assessment: The assessment of the MA in Music Composition is based on:

• Composition portfolio: This accounts for 75% of the final grade.
• Contemporary Compositional Technique: This accounts for 12.5% of the final grade.
• Study of Works and Writings: This accounts for 12.5% of the final grade.

Teaching: The program is taught by experienced composers who are active in the professional music world. Teaching methods include:

• Individual tuition: Students receive regular one-to-one tuition from their tutors.
• Group seminars and workshops: Students participate in group discussions and workshops on various aspects of composition.
• Masterclasses: Students have the opportunity to attend masterclasses led by visiting composers.
• Public performances: Students' works are regularly performed by student ensembles and visiting performers.

Careers: Graduates of the MA in Music Composition have gone on to successful careers as:

• Composers for media and art-music
• Arrangers
• Performers/improvisers
• Music copyists
• Essayists/critics
• Arts managers
• Broadcasters
The program also prepares students for doctoral study in composition.

Other:

• The program welcomes applications from students with diverse backgrounds and experiences.
• Students are encouraged to collaborate with other students and faculty members on projects.
• The program provides access to excellent facilities, including a state-of-the-art recording studio.
• Students can avail of a range of scholarships and financial aid.
• Maynooth University is located in a beautiful and historic town with easy access to Dublin.