What makes UArts Bachelor of Music in Composition special?
UArts four-year Music Composition degree program will help you develop discipline and focus through private lessons with our faculty who work professionally in contemporary classical, jazz, and commercial (radio, TV, film, industrial) and pop idioms. Monthly workshops featuring guest composers representing a variety of musical genres present you with an inside look at their creative processes and techniques. Music Composition majors also get a comprehensive Liberal Arts education. For students who want to study Music Composition, but already have a degree in a field other than music, UArts offers a four-year intensive Diploma in Composition.

What performance opportunities are available?
The music you create while earning your bachelor's degree in Composition will be read or performed by our ensembles, and frequent performances of your compositions will highlight the School of Music's concert schedule. The University’s creative environment encourages your collaboration with film, animation, dance, theater, and multimedia students. You can even collaborate with ProJazz in Santiago, Chile or the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts in the U.K.

How will I be prepared for professional performance?
Many UArts School of Music students begin to perform professionally before graduating, and your compositions could be among the music they perform. Philadelphia offers numerous venues for soloists and small ensembles in concert halls and clubs.

Are the School of Music faculty professional musicians?
Yes. The faculty is made up of experienced and practicing professionals, many of whom have attained international stature as performing and recording artists. This professional faculty is supplemented by an impressive roster of guest artists along with a regular series of workshops, master classes, and performances guests that has included:

• Mike Mainieri
• Gonzalo Rubalcaba
• Grover Washington, Jr.
• Phil Woods
• Yo-Yo Ma
• Ray Brown
• Pat Martino
• Billy Joel