07.02.04 MA – Major in Composition
Degree requirement checklist for MA Composition
Prerequisites: Prerequisites for the MA 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.
Residency: At least one year of full-time study is required. See section 05.01 (Residency) for more information.
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.
| Courses | Credits |
| CMP 401, 402 (Advanced Composition) | 6 |
| CMP 491, 492 (Composition Symposium) | 2 |
| CMP 421, 422 (Advanced Computer Music Techniques) | 6 |
| CMP 412 (Compositional Practice ca. 1925-1955) | 3 |
| Electives: Elective courses must be numbered 200 or higher. Arts Leadership (ALC) courses do not count for elective credit. Electives may include up to three (3) credits of CMP 590: Seminar in Composition. At least nine (9) elective credits must be in areas other than composition and applied study. | 9-12 |
| CMP 495 (MA Thesis)*There are two components of the thesis: 1.) an extended composition for ensemble prepared under the guidance of the thesis advisor and 2.) an essay on a philosophical, analytical, or theoretical topic relevant to the art and/or craft of contemporary composition. The complete 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. | 5-8 |
| ESM 460 (Comprehensive Review)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 will 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. | – |
| Remedial courses – Please refer to 05.03 Orientation, Placement Examinations, and Remediation. | – |
| Total Minimum Credits** | 34 |
*For students who enrolled prior to fall 2010, CMP 495 MA Thesis requirement is 6 credits and total credits requirement is 32-35 credits.
**For students who matriculate prior to fall 2012, the total number of credits for the degree is 31-37.
