06.02.05 MM – Major in Composition
Degree requirement checklist for MM in Composition
Prerequisites: Prerequisites for the MM in Composition include at least 18 credit hours in undergraduate composition courses or the equivalent, at least 12 credit hours of lower division theory courses, and at least 12 credit hours of upper division courses in counterpoint and orchestration or equivalent. In addition, before admission to the master’s program, at least one large-scale work for ensemble should have been composed.
Upon entry to the program, master’s students take placement exams in music theory and history. If remediation is required, the appropriate courses are taken, but their credit does not count towards the master’s degree program of study. The same is true of any English language instruction that is required.
Residency: At least one year of full-time study is required. See section 05.01 (Residency) for more information.
| Courses | Credits |
| CMP 401, 402 (Advanced Composition) | 6 |
| CMP 491, 492 (Composition Symposium) | 2 |
| CMP 412 (Compositional Practice ca. 1925-1955) | 3 |
| Applied Music (460 lessons) | 6 |
| Electives – The advisor, in consultation with the candidate, will choose at least nine additional hours of coursework in music theory, music history, and other related professional areas, depending on the background, needs, and interests of the student. Elective courses must be numbered 200 or higher. Arts Leadership (ALC) courses do not count for elective credit. Electives may include up to a maximum of four (4) credits of ensembles and/or chamber music, which includes all ENS and CHB courses with the exception of repertoire courses. Electives may include no more than six (6) credits of non- music courses. Neither primary nor secondary lessons maybe used as elective credit. | 9 |
| CMP 496 (MM Thesis) – For candidates majoring in composition, a thesis in the form of extended composition for ensemble prepared under the guidance of the thesis advisor is required. The completed thesis will be reviewed by a committee of faculty who will evaluate the work. The committee’s approval of the thesis is a necessary prerequisite to degree conferral. | 6 |
| ESM 460 (Comprehensive Review) – Students are required to present a 30-minute lecture on their own music and progress toward the degree, followed by a question and answer session. This lecture will function as a comprehensive review and be evaluated by the Eastman composition faculty. The lecture will occur during the final semester of the master student’s course of studies. The departmental chair will schedule the lecture as part of a regular meeting of the weekly Composition Symposium. | – |
| ESM 401 (Recital) – The recital required of MM composition majors is of at least one-hour duration, features the candidate as solo performer in at least one work not composed by him or her, and contains at least one work (not necessarily the thesis) written by the student during his or her years of Eastman study. | – |
| Remedial courses – Please refer to 05.03 Orientation, Placement Examinations, and Remediation. | – |
| Total Credits | 32 |
Jury: MM students in composition play a jury according to the requirements of the relevant performance department; the required recital typically occurs in the second year.
