Music - Composition (BM)
As a student in the Music Composition Bachelor of Music (BM) degree program, you’ll be able to create your own path toward becoming a professional music composer. Learn music composition for every genre of music, and specialize in the genre that most interests you—including big band, classical, gospel, alternative rock, electronica and more. Small class sizes ensure you get proper attention and the opportunity to grow, and an emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration allows you to work creatively with Film, Animation, Theater and Dance students. In UArts’ four-year, 120-credit Music Composition BM degree program, you’ll find your own distinct voice and receive instruction from different teachers with their own unique expertise.
In 2020, the School of Music was ranked #2 in The 10 Best “Hidden Gem” Music Schools by Music School Central.
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Composition majors have composed music for live performances and studio recordings; re-scored films using virtual instruments and samples; designed soundscapes for citywide light shows; and collaborated with ProJazz in Santiago, Chile, and the Liverpool Institute for the Performing Arts in the U.K.
Each semester, visiting artists—including a professional chamber music ensemble—visit UArts to perform, record or discuss working as a professional musician. Students learn how to bring their creations to life.
University of the Arts recently celebrated the grand opening of the Laurie Wagman Recording Studios on the 11th floor of Terra Hall. On Wednesday evening, Nov. 13, School of Music faculty, staff, students, university administrators and honored guests gathered to dedicate the space to its benefactor, Trustee Laurie Wagman. The opening of these state-of-the-art recording studios marks the culmination of the School of Music relocation and renovation project, which started in June 2018 and also features brand new rehearsal, classroom, office, lab and production spaces.
The dedication celebration included remarks from UArts President and CEO David Yager, School of Music Dean Micah Jones BM ’97 (Jazz Performance) MM ’99 (Jazz Studies) and Laurie Wagman. Remarks were followed by a ribbon-cutting and performance by UArts’ Transfusion ensemble, a highly dynamic group that programs an eclectic mix of sounds and primarily performs newly commissioned works by current students, alumni and faculty.
“The studios are a transformational gift to our School of Music and MBET program, which is experiencing incredible growth,” said Yager upon the announcement of the gift. “Laurie Wagman is deeply connected to the students and programs at UArts through her commitment of time and financial support and her personal relationships with students.”
Both recording studios are equipped with state-of-the-art, 24-channel API consoles and Antelope interfaces. There is a surround sound system in Studio A, while Studio B has a pair of Adam reference monitors. Both studios have a number of outboard compressors, equalizers and other effects processors. Studio A will also function as a fully analog space equipped with a 16-track tape machine.
“These are some of the best spaces I have ever seen in an urban university setting,” says Dean Jones. “Now, we have an environment where our students’ creativity can thrive. I cannot express how grateful we are for Laurie Wagman’s unwavering support of the school and where it is heading. Likewise, to our president, who has not only encouraged us to reimagine our campus, but has taken action to make those dreams a reality.”
Wagman’s generosity also helped create Laurie Wagman Presents, an MBET concert series managed and promoted by the program’s students, including Out of the Box, a series which promotes experimental, electronic and improvised music, mostly composed by MBET students and often featuring guest artists working at the fringes of their disciplines.
Wagman’s philanthropic focus is in the arts, education and social services, and she has been the recipient of numerous awards for her dedication to young people. She is the founder and president of American Theater Arts for Youth lnc. and American Family Theater. Under her four-decade leadership, the two organizations have presented professional, original musical productions to more than 32 million students throughout the U.S. In addition to University of the Arts, Wagman also serves on the boards of the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, the National Children’s Theater Alliance and the Philadelphia Chamber Music Society.
Learn more about about Uniquely UArts, the campaign for creative capital.
Two recording studios are equipped with state-of-the-art, 24-channel API consoles and Antelope interfaces. There is a surround sound system in Studio A, while Studio B has a pair of Adam reference monitors. Both studios have a number of outboard compressors, equalizers and other effects processors. Studio A will also function as a fully analog space equipped with a 16-track tape machine.
Curriculum
The Music Composition degree program is designed as a launching pad for students interested in writing and arranging music for film, games, animation, theater, dance and multimedia projects. The curriculum provides a foundation in jazz, popular, commercial and contemporary classical genres, with a focus on emerging technologies. You’ll have the opportunity to compose arrangements for UArts’ instrumental and vocal ensembles to perform and record.
Students graduating from the Music Composition program will:
- demonstrate outstanding aural skills;
- demonstrate outstanding theoretical knowledge;
- understand the historical and sociological context of influential pieces and movements;
- express understanding of music in verbal and written form;
- be musically literate and technically proficient performers and composers;
- possess knowledge and experience in diverse musical styles and cultures;
- acquire the skills to use and integrate current technology with their musical efforts;
- compose original scores for solo artists and ensembles;
- develop a unique compositional voice;
- master the fundamentals in composition, orchestration, harmony, counterpoint, etc.;
- rehearse, record and perform original pieces; and
- use all of the above as the basis for creative output.
Sample Curriculum
Duration: four years, full time
Credits: 120 credits
Major requirements: 69 credits
Discipline history: 9 credits
Critical Studies: 33 credits
Free electives: 9 credits
Fall semester: 15 credits
Composition Instruction (3c)
Chorus (1c)
Fundamental Music Theory I, Music Theory I or Advanced Music Theory I (3c)
Fundamental Musicianship I, Musicianship I or Advanced Musicianship I (3c)
Class Piano (1c)
Writing I Placement (3c)
Free elective (your choice) (1c)
Spring semester: 15 credits
Composition Instruction (3c)
Chorus (1c)
Fundamental Music Theory II, Music Theory II or Advanced Music Theory II (3c)
Fundamental Musicianship II, Musicianship II or Advanced Musicianship II (3c)
Music Technology Survey (1c)
Writing II Placement (3c)
Free elective (your choice) (1c)
Fall semester: 15 credits
Composition Instruction (3c)
Fundamental Jazz Theory I, Jazz Theory I or Advanced Jazz Theory I (3c)
Fundamental Jazz Musicianship I, Jazz Musicianship I or Advanced Jazz Musicianship I (3c)
Class Jazz Piano I (1c)
Thinking Through Science (3c)
Free elective (your choice) (2c)
Spring semester: 15 credits
Composition Instruction (3c)
Fundamental Jazz Theory II, Jazz Theory II or Advanced Jazz Theory II (3c)
Fundamental Jazz Musicianship II, Jazz Musicianship II or Advanced Jazz Musicianship II (3c)
Class Jazz Piano II (1c)
Critical Studies (your choice) (3c)
Free elective (your choice) (2c)
Fall semester: 16.5 credits
Arranging (1.5c)
Orchestration (3c)
Composition Instruction (3c)
Comprehensive Musicianship (3c)
Discipline history (your choice) (3c)
Critical Studies (your choice) (3c)
Spring semester: 15.5 credits
MIDI Orchestration (1.5c)
Composition Instruction (3c)
Basic Conducting (2c)
Discipline history (your choice) (3c)
Critical Studies (your choice) (3c)
Critical Studies (your choice) (3c)
Fall semester: 15 credits
Analysis & Composition of Commercial Music (2c)
Composition Instruction (3c)
Discipline history (your choice) (3c)
Critical Studies (your choice) (3c)
Critical Studies (your choice) (3c)
Free elective (your choice) (1c)
Spring semester: 13 credits
Senior Recital
Composition Instruction (3c)
Business of Music (2c)
Critical Studies (your choice) (3c)
Critical Studies (your choice) (3c)
Free elective (your choice) (2c)
Facilities
The School of Music offers a robust set of performance spaces, recording studios, rehearsal rooms and music labs.
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two state-of-the-art recording studios
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seven production suites
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eight rehearsal rooms
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16 individual practice rooms
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two dedicated drum practice rooms
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four smart classrooms that double as rehearsal spaces
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one circuitry lab
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one electronic music lab featuring the 4th Moog analog synthesizer, built specifically for the School of Music at UArts
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two computer labs with keyboard controllers and audio interfaces
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two drum teaching and practice studios
Laurie Wagman Recording Studios
In November 2019, UArts celebrated the grand opening of the Laurie Wagman Music Studios on the 11th floor of Terra Hall. The two recording studios are equipped with state-of-the-art, 24-channel API consoles and Antelope interfaces. There is a surround sound system in Studio A, while Studio B has a pair of Adam reference monitors. Both studios have a number of outboard compressors, equalizers and other effects processors. Studio A will also function as a fully analog space equipped with a 16-track tape machine.
Faculty Spotlight
The Music Composition (BM) program boasts renowned, award-winning faculty members who have performed across the world with artists including Aretha Franklin, the Four Tops, Patti Labelle, Wynton Marsalis, Joel Frahm, the Philly Pops and more. As a Composition student, you’ll have the opportunity to form close connections with faculty members through one-on-one lessons and collaborations.
At UArts, you'll be taught by faculty who are all in-demand, working professionals.
Dean
Assistant Dean
Composition Department Chair
Profiles & Careers
Career Opportunities
Throughout your studies in the Composition program, you’ll have opportunities to explore emerging technologies and the business side of composition, as well as the academics and theory behind it. You’ll be able to pursue a variety of music composition careers in TV and radio; with orchestras or chamber ensembles; and composing soundscapes for video games, events or industrial applications. You’ll have the option to complete internships, which could include a variety of roles, from administrative positions at music organizations to assistant roles at recording studios.
UArts’ study-away programs encourage students to explore the borderless and timeless language of the arts. Students will be immersed in a new culture, providing historical, intellectual and technical enrichment as they broaden their worldview. With a variety of locations and areas of study, students can meet their artistic and academic goals by studying abroad.
Common careers students could obtain after graduation include
- Arranger/orchestrator
- Composer
- Concert band member or director
- Entertainment booking agent
- K–12 music educator
- Military ensemble member
- Music copyist
- Music editor
- Music director
- Music teacher
- Music supervisor
- Orchestral musician in a major ensemble
- Producer
- Publicist
- Recording engineer
- Studio musician
- Touring musician
Alumni Spotlight
UArts Composition students are set up for success inside and outside the classroom. Graduates are equipped with the experiential knowledge, well-rounded skills and new connections necessary for careers in the music industry.
My time at UArts gave me a ton of knowledge in a lot of different areas, but the biggest thing it did for me was help me to find my niche. Because of that, I have the privilege to make a living in music.
– Reed Bodenstein BM ’16 (Composition) MAT ’17 (Music Education)
BM '20 (Composition)
BM '16 (Composition) MAT '17 (Music Education)
BM '16
BM '07
BM '15
How to Apply
Admissions Deadline: There is no set deadline for applications, however the deadline for the Federal Applications for Student Aid (FAFSA) is Feb. 15. UArts operates on a rolling admissions basis, which means we receive and process applications throughout the year as space remains available in each program.
Learn more about FAFSA and associated deadlines.
The following materials are required for your application.
Our admissions team will help you throughout the process. Visit the Admissions section or start your application now.
View the application for admission.
A nonrefundable $60 application fee
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Your individual voice and personal insights play an equally important and valued role in an admissions review. Your personal statement allows you to share your story, express yourself and place a spotlight on your creative journey—past, present or future. It helps us get to know you and your dreams, ideas, challenges, opportunities and/or goals in a way your transcripts and other application materials can’t.
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Here are some questions to help you shape your personal statement. Interpret them as you wish. There are no right or wrong answers—there’s only your story.
- When and how did you realize you wanted to be an artist?
- How will University of the Arts help you achieve your creative and professional goals?
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How do you want your creativity to affect the future?
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There is no word count requirement, but we recommend you share your story in 250 to 500 words. Upload your personal statement with your application for admission or email it to undergradcredentials@uarts.edu.
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Official transcripts from the high school(s) you have attended are required. For transfer students, transcripts from each college you have attended are required. They must be mailed directly by your school in a sealed envelope to the Office of Admissions, emailed directly from your school, or sent through a secure electronic transcript delivery service. Transcripts sent or emailed by students are not considered official. They should be sent to the Office of Admissions, University of the Arts, 320 S. Broad St., Philadelphia, PA 19102 or via email to undergradcredentials@uarts.edu.
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For transcripts from outside the U.S., refer to the instructions for international undergraduate students.
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Every student applying to performing arts programs must pass an entrance audition or interview. This measures not only the student's creative and expressive facility, but also the level of skill acquired. Students are asked to select their preferred audition or interview date when completing the application. Learn more about Music Composition audition requirements.
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You will receive an email confirming your requested audition date within 48 hours of submitting the application. An application for admission must be submitted to the Office of Admissions at least two weeks before the requested audition/interview day.
International applicants must submit proof of English proficiency.
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You can also submit SAT scores, a résumé and/or letters of recommendation. None of these materials are required. Learn more about submitting optional materials.
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Start your application
Begin your application today. Our admissions team will help you throughout the process.
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