MM - Composition Concentration
Admission
Admission to this area requires a bachelor's degree in music with a major in composition or the demonstrated equivalent. Background deficiencies must be satisfied before students may enroll in graduate composition courses. Applicants also must submit a portfolio including pieces — scores and live recordings (when appropriate) — demonstrating a variety of contemporary techniques, form and instrumentation. Approval for admission to candidacy is contingent upon the candidate’s demonstrated ability to complete a final project in composition.
Program Requirements
In addition to the core requirements for all MM programs, students must complete the coursework listed below. The program requires a total of 32 credit hours.
| Course | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core Required for all MM Concentrations | ||
| MUSC 852 | Introduction to Bibliography and Research | 3 |
| MUSC 830 | Seminar in Music Theory | 3 |
| Select 6 credit hours of the following in history and theory: | 6 | |
| Topics in Music Analysis | ||
| Seminar in Music History pre-1750 | ||
| Seminar in Music History post-1750 | ||
| Courses Required for Concentration | ||
| Electives | ||
| Select music or nonmusic courses 500 or above; may include applied lessons, ensembles, languages, etc. Courses must be approved by the faculty advisor | 12 | |
| Other Requirements | ||
| MUSC 860 | Advanced Composition (four credit hours total) | 4 |
| MUSC 875 | Thesis Research | 2 |
| MUSC 876 | Thesis | 2 |
| Total Credit Hours | 32 | |
In addition, students must complete a terminal project which must consist of the following:
- A composition of major proportions, or
- A body of works in various media.
Composition majors may be required by the thesis committee to have a work or works performed publicly. The final thesis must be notated using computer software and submitted digitally in keeping with the procedures established through the Graduate School of Wichita State University.
Applied Learning
Students in the Masters of Music in composition program are required to complete an applied learning or research experience to graduate from the program. The requirement can be met by the completion of a thesis ( MUSC 876) that includes an original musical composition of substantial breadth.