THE COMPOSITION PROGRAM
Bachelor of Music in Composition
Master of Music in Composition
The Composition program offers many unique opportunities. With approximately 300 music majors within the Division of Music, composers can hear the music they write for solo instruments, voice and ensembles. Being at the Meadows School of the Arts, student composers frequently collaborate with students in dance, theater, video, and film, creating and performing their music in a wide variety of venues both on and off campus. Composers will benefit from the Division of Music's active commitment to new music performance and state-of-the-art electronic and computer music. The program of study is flexible and designed to encourage independent stylistic development, technical skill, and artistic excellence.
The Electronic Music Studio at SMU is well equipped for creation, production, and instruction of electronic music in a comfortable, elegant environment. The studio is equipped with up-to-date Macintosh-based hardware and software with 5.1 surround sound playback and two large-screen monitors; in addition to a full array of software, there are also effects processors, MIDI equipment, and digital sampling hardware to help realize students' visions. Recording and mixing equipment includes analog and digital methods and an isolated recording booth. Limited class size allows greater studio access than in many larger schools.
Our faculty consists of active, internationally known composers, including Robert J. Frank, Kevin Hanlon, Lane Harder, and Xi Wang. All of our composition majors study with faculty from the first lesson—not with graduate students. Frequent guest composers are a regular part of studies in the Meadows School of the Arts, and students have the opportunities to make personal connections with composers when they are in Dallas to premiere works with the Dallas Symphony, Voices of Change, and our other professional ensembles.
Admission is very selective for the composition degree program and students are offered considerable individual attention, direct access to facilities, guests and collaborators, and the camaraderie that only an exceptional program of small size can offer. Students wishing to look into the distinctive opportunities for study at Southern Methodist University are encouraged to apply early.
Composition Portfolio Submission
The Composition Portfolio should include at least 2 or 3 works that best demonstrate the diversity and strength of your compositional skills. Variety will strengthen your portfolio. Length is not important – a short (2-3 minute) work that is highly professional would be far better than a 20-minute, 3-movement average work. All scores should be copies (no originals) and look as professional as you can make them. You do not need to submit parts. Recordings of live musicians for all works submitted are not required, but very strongly advised if available (we all understand "rough" performances/demos – it's the music that we are listening to, not the performance). Also provide a complete list of works written to date, with performance dates if available, and a short written statement of your compositional goals – both for study at the university level and for your long-term career.
Applicants for the Bachelor of Music in Composition must also apply for admission to SMU, complete a music theory diagnostic exam, and audition on their principal instrument. Graduate students, in addition to submitting a composition portfolio, must apply to the Meadows School of the Arts, and submit transcripts, three letters of recommendation, and a one-page goals statement describing your professional goals and compositional approach.
Complete the graduate application online
Scholarships and Financial Assistance
If undergraduate need-based financial aid is desired, the FAFSA and CSS Profile must be completed. All applicants are considered for academic and music scholarships. We will do our best to provide a financial aid package that makes an education in the Meadows School of the Arts affordable.
Graduate financial assistance is available through merit scholarships, graduate assistantships, and work-study positions. The FAFSA is required for work-study and graduate assistantships.
Admissions
Applicants will interview with faculty via Zoom and will receive information on how to register for the interview. Applicants will submit an audition video without meeting faculty or participating in music audition days. Music Education, Music Therapy, or Music Composition applicants submitting a recorded audition will be emailed information about registering for an interview with faculty.
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