Program Overview
Composition: Music, D.M.A.
School of Music
Prepare to help students explore their original ideas in a rigorous and creative environment committed to musical excellence. Advance your professional composition skills through one-to-one instruction.
Receive faculty-level training in composition and related areas, and study in the corollary areas of theory and history. Work with digital technology to create and produce music. Attend master classes, lectures and performances of your compositions. A comprehensive exam, dissertation composition project and research document are required.
Program Highlights
- Distinguished School: Since 1969, the School of Music has consistently retained the distinctive National Association of Schools of Music accreditation.
- Supportive Community: Foster your creative learning, skill development and personal exploration through Spark: Music Leadership at Carolina.
- Expanded View: Study historical and contemporary practices, music theory, history, criticism and creative approaches.
- Authentic Experiences: Receive regular opportunities to hear your works performed in concerts.
What You’ll Study
Compose music by studying, listening to existing music and hearing the music you have created. Work with digital technology to create and produce music. Discuss topics related to creativity, composing and musical analysis. Participate in ensembles and collaborate with other students and visiting artists. Demonstrate faculty-level knowledge of compositional techniques.
Building Skills
Gain the professional and personal intelligence it takes to have a successful career.
- Performance: Presenting oneself creatively through a specific medium to an audience
- Decision-making Expertise: Applying critical thinking and analytical skills to make informed and effective decisions
- Entrepreneurship: Identifying opportunities and creating and launching new ventures
- Innovation: Introducing new ideas, methods or products to improve performance or achieve a specific goal
- Critical Thinking: Analyzing and evaluating information to make informed decisions or judgments
- Understand Complexity: Analyzing and synthesizing information to identify patterns and connections
Using your degree
Make your college experience the foundation for a successful future.
Potential Careers
- Composition Professor
- Composer
- Arranger
- Entrepreneur
Workplace Settings
- Education
- Film
- Media
- Technology
Related Degrees
- Music Performance: Music, D.M.A. (School of Music)
- Music Education, Ph.D. (School of Music)
- Conducting: Music, D.M.A. (School of Music)
- Foundations of Education, Ph.D. (College of Education)
- Anthropology, Ph.D. (McCausland College of Arts and Sciences)
- Social Work, Ph.D. (College of Social Work)
- Education Administration, Ph.D. (College of Education)
- Library and Information Science, Ph.D. (College of Information and Communications)
- Teaching and Learning, Ph.D. (College of Education)
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Prepare to help students explore their original ideas in a rigorous and creative environment committed to musical excellence. Advance your professional composition skills through one-to-one instruction. Receive faculty-level training in composition and related areas, and study in the corollary areas of theory and history. Work with digital technology to create and produce music. Attend master classes, lectures and performances of your compositions. A comprehensive exam, dissertation composition project and research document are required.
Assessment:
A comprehensive exam, dissertation composition project and research document are required.
Teaching:
Advance your professional composition skills through one-to-one instruction. Receive faculty-level training in composition and related areas, and study in the corollary areas of theory and history. Work with digital technology to create and produce music. Attend master classes, lectures and performances of your compositions.
Careers:
Potential Careers: Composition Professor, Composer, Arranger, Entrepreneur. Workplace Settings: Education, Film, Media, Technology.
Other:
Since 1969, the School of Music has consistently retained the distinctive National Association of Schools of Music accreditation. Foster your creative learning, skill development and personal exploration through Spark: Music Leadership at Carolina. Study historical and contemporary practices, music theory, history, criticism and creative approaches. Receive regular opportunities to hear your works performed in concerts. Compose music by studying, listening to existing music and hearing the music you have created. Work with digital technology to create and produce music. Discuss topics related to creativity, composing and musical analysis. Participate in ensembles and collaborate with other students and visiting artists. Demonstrate faculty-level knowledge of compositional techniques.
Overview:
The University of South Carolina is a public research university with a rich history spanning over 200 years. It is known for its commitment to academic excellence, fostering a welcoming community of scholars and leaders, and providing a diverse range of academic programs.
Services Offered:
The university offers a wide array of services to its students, including:
Academic Support:
Provides resources and assistance to help students succeed in their studies.Career Prep:
Offers guidance and support for students seeking internships, jobs, and career development.Study Abroad:
Facilitates opportunities for students to gain international experience and broaden their horizons.Dining:
Provides various dining options on campus, catering to diverse tastes and dietary needs.Clubs and Organizations:
Offers a vibrant student life with numerous clubs and organizations for students to join and pursue their interests.Sports and Outdoors:
Provides opportunities for students to engage in sports and outdoor activities, promoting a healthy and active lifestyle.Arts and Entertainment:
Offers a variety of cultural events, performances, and entertainment options for students to enjoy.Inclusive Excellence:
Promotes a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students, regardless of their background or identity.University 101:
Provides resources and information for new students to navigate campus life and academic expectations.My USC Experience:
Offers a platform for students to connect with each other, engage in events, and access resources.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Students at the University of South Carolina can expect a vibrant and engaging campus experience. The university boasts a welcoming community, numerous clubs and organizations, diverse dining options, and opportunities for sports, arts, and entertainment. The campus is also home to a variety of traditions and events that create a sense of belonging and shared experience.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Academic Excellence:
The university is recognized for its high-quality academic programs and its commitment to research.Diverse Programs:
Offers over 350 bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees, as well as certificates and specialties.Welcoming Community:
Provides a supportive and inclusive environment for students from all backgrounds.Unrivaled Experience:
Offers a unique blend of academic rigor, student life, and opportunities for personal growth.Strong Alumni Network:
Provides graduates with a network of support and connections for their future careers.Academic Programs:
The University of South Carolina is home to 15 colleges and schools, offering a wide range of academic programs. Some of the key academic strengths include:
Arts and Sciences:
Offers a broad range of disciplines, including humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.Business:
The Darla Moore School of Business is renowned for its strong programs in finance, marketing, and management.Engineering and Computing:
Offers programs in various engineering disciplines, computer science, and information technology.Medicine:
The university has two medical schools, one in Columbia and one in Greenville, offering programs in medicine, nursing, and pharmacy.Law:
The Joseph F. Rice School of Law is known for its strong legal education and its commitment to public service.Other:
The university is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for its students. It offers various resources and services to support student safety and well-being, including a campus police department, emergency alert system, and counseling services.
