Program Overview
Master of Music in Composition
Overview
The Master of Music in Composition is a graduate degree program designed to promote exploration into different musical genres and styles, as well as showcase student composition work. Students will receive personalized plans of study from experienced faculty, many of whom are working musicians, with emphasis on their unique career goals and musical interests.
Program Details
- Average Time to Complete Degree: 2 years
- Locations: Webster Groves, Missouri campus
Curriculum
The program encourages students to broaden their understanding of music through the study of theory, history, and aesthetic frameworks that make up various musical genres and the cultures they impact. Furthermore, students will be challenged to combine their theoretical and historical knowledge with the hands-on, practical skills required of composers to notate and publish original work.
Faculty
Webster University's music faculty includes experienced and dedicated performers with the professional background to teach and guide students in their desired emphasis.
Performance Opportunities
At Webster, you will find a variety of opportunities to perform in solo and orchestra groups, as well as showcase your skills in composing. You’ll have access to world-class performances from faculty, peers, and professional groups.
Music- and Arts-Focused Community
St. Louis is home to a variety of new and longstanding fine arts institutions that regularly host performances, events, and exhibits. You’ll find a network of talented and experienced musicians and opportunities to attend performances by organizations like the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra.
Graduate Scholarships
When you study as a graduate student in the Department of Music, you will have access to merit-based scholarships, such as the Buder Foundation Scholarship, which is available to graduate students after their first year. For more information, interested applicants should contact the chair of the Department of Music, Carla Colletti, PhD. Scholarship applications are due by April 1.
Accreditation
Webster University is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM). An important marker of standing among music programs in the U.S., NASM establishes national standards for undergraduate and graduate degrees and other credentials for music and music-related disciplines.
Career Outlook
Jobs in the music field, especially those related to performance and composition, are expected to grow over the next decade. A graduate music degree can give you a career boost as a music educator, performer, or composer.
Salaries for Master’s in Music Graduates
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for Music Directors and Composers was $62,590 per year in May 2023.
Career Paths
Webster students who graduate with a Master of Music in Composition will develop skills, like teamwork, improvisation, and discipline that will position you for a variety of roles, such as:
- Music Director
- Composer
- Music Teacher
- Solo Entertainer
- Orchestra Member
Other Degrees in Music
- Jazz Studies (MM)
- Music (MA)
- Performance with an Emphasis in Voice (MM)
